Softstack is partnering with the European Blockchain Convention to support the EBC12 Startup Battle, taking place in Barcelona on 16 and 17 September 2026.
The partnership will give selected startups access to practical security guidance, mentoring, audit credits and more than $1 million in software, infrastructure and growth benefits available through the Softstack Deals Platform.
Softstack will also join the Startup Battle jury alongside representatives from Animoca Brands, Speedinvest and other leading investors and ecosystem partners.
Supporting Europe’s Next Generation of Web3 Startups
The EBC Startup Battle brings together 50 selected blockchain and digital asset startups to pitch their products in front of investors, industry leaders and potential partners.
The participating teams will present at the European Blockchain Convention, which expects more than 6,000 attendees, including over 300 investors and investment professionals.
However, the value of a startup competition should go beyond the few minutes a founder spends pitching on stage.
Through the partnership, Softstack will help participating teams address some of the technical, security and operational challenges that often emerge as Web3 companies prepare to raise capital, launch products or scale their infrastructure.
What Startups Receive Through the Partnership
Startups participating in the EBC12 Startup Battle will receive access to a combination of technical support and practical growth benefits.
This includes:
• Mentoring sessions with Softstack CEO Yannik Heinze
• Access to the Softstack Deals Platform, providing more than $1 million in partner benefits
• Security and smart contract audit credits for top-performing teams
• Guidance on smart contract security, infrastructure, launch readiness and technical risk
• A direct connection to Softstack’s Web3 security and development specialists
The goal is to give founders support they can use both during and after the event.
Instead of leaving teams to find technical and security providers once the competition ends, the partnership introduces those resources while founders are already refining their products, meeting investors and preparing for their next growth phase.
Softstack Joins the EBC Startup Battle Jury
Softstack’s Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Michael Van Baelen, will join the EBC Startup Battle jury alongside representatives from Animoca Brands, Speedinvest and other organisations supporting the competition.
The jury will evaluate participating companies based on factors such as the strength of the product, market opportunity, execution, traction and long-term potential.
Softstack will contribute an additional technical and security perspective.
For blockchain startups, a strong concept and compelling market opportunity are only part of the equation. Investors and institutional partners increasingly want to understand whether the underlying architecture is secure, scalable and ready for production.
That makes technical execution, security planning and operational readiness increasingly important parts of building an investable Web3 company.
Why Security Support Matters for Early-Stage Teams
Security is often treated as something that becomes relevant immediately before a mainnet launch.
In practice, some of the most expensive security problems originate much earlier.
Architecture decisions, permission models, upgrade mechanisms, oracle designs, cross-chain components and infrastructure dependencies can become difficult to change once a product is already live.
Early technical guidance can help teams:
• Identify risks before they are embedded in the architecture
• Define realistic audit and launch timelines
• Prepare more effectively for technical due diligence
• Avoid unnecessary redevelopment before a mainnet release
• Build greater trust with investors, users and ecosystem partners
An audit remains an essential part of preparing a blockchain product for production, but strong security starts before the formal audit begins.
This is why Softstack’s support at EBC combines mentoring and advisory with direct audit benefits for the strongest teams.
Access to More Than $1 Million in Partner Deals
All supported teams will also receive access to the Softstack Deals Platform.
The platform brings together more than $1 million in benefits from infrastructure, cloud, development and growth partners. These benefits are designed to help early-stage companies reduce operating costs and gain access to tools that might otherwise be difficult to afford.
Depending on eligibility, available benefits can include cloud infrastructure credits, development tools, software services and other startup-focused resources.
For young Web3 companies, reducing infrastructure and technology costs can extend runway while allowing the team to focus more resources on product development and security.
Connecting Beyond the Startup Stage
Softstack will also organise a small side event in Barcelona for selected clients, existing partners and promising startups attending EBC.
The event will create space for more focused conversations away from the main conference environment.
Startup events are often most valuable when the initial introduction develops into an ongoing relationship. By bringing founders, investors, ecosystem partners and established Web3 companies together, Softstack aims to create opportunities that continue beyond the two days of the convention.
Companies attending EBC that would like to join the gathering can contact the Softstack team for further information.
Extending Softstack’s Ecosystem Support
The European Blockchain Convention partnership is part of Softstack’s wider initiative to support venture funds, accelerators, startup competitions and blockchain ecosystems.
Through its partner program, Softstack provides portfolio companies and selected founders with access to:
• Security and technical mentoring
• Preferential pricing for eligible engagements
• Priority onboarding and faster scoping
• Smart contract, application and infrastructure security services
• More than $1 million in startup and technology benefits
• Educational sessions, workshops and founder consultations
Softstack already provides similar support across venture, accelerator and startup communities.
The structure can be adapted to the needs of an individual fund, portfolio, accelerator cohort, hackathon or startup competition.
About European Blockchain Convention
European Blockchain Convention is a digital asset and blockchain event bringing together founders, investors, financial institutions, infrastructure companies, regulators and technology providers.
EBC12 will take place in Barcelona on 16 and 17 September 2026. The event expects more than 6,000 attendees and 300 speakers, with dedicated content, networking formats and the EBC Startup Battle.
The Startup Battle will give 50 selected companies the opportunity to pitch in front of more than 300 investors and investment professionals.
About Softstack
Softstack is a German Web3 security, development and consulting company supporting startups, protocols, financial institutions and global enterprises.
Since 2017, the company has delivered more than 1,500 smart contract audits and security reviews without a recorded client exploit following the audited implementation.
Softstack supports projects across the full product lifecycle, including architecture and development, smart contract security, infrastructure reviews, penetration testing, regulatory readiness and ongoing security support.
Its clients and partners include established digital asset companies, financial institutions, blockchain ecosystems and early-stage teams preparing for their first production launch.
Meet Softstack at EBC12
Softstack will be in Barcelona throughout EBC12 to meet participating startups, investors, partners and companies looking to strengthen their technical and security strategy.
Members of the Softstack network can receive a 15% discount on EBC tickets using:
EBC12SoftstackSB
Venture funds, accelerators, startup competitions and ecosystem organisations interested in offering similar support to their founders can contact Softstack to discuss a tailored partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the partnership between Softstack and EBC include?
Softstack will support the EBC12 Startup Battle through founder mentoring, access to its Deals Platform, security guidance, jury participation and audit credits for selected top-performing teams.
Who can benefit from Softstack’s support at EBC?
The main beneficiaries are startups selected for the EBC12 Startup Battle. Other founders, investors and ecosystem partners attending the event can also meet the Softstack team to discuss security, development or partnership opportunities.
Can venture funds and accelerators offer similar benefits to their startups?
Yes. Softstack works with venture funds, accelerators, startup events and blockchain ecosystems to provide tailored security support, mentoring, preferential rates, priority onboarding and access to its partner benefits platform. Get in touch for more info.
