Mikael da Costa, founder and CEO of WP SEO AI, joins the EU-Startups Summit 2026!
**AI-Driven Search and Digital Sovereignty Take Center Stage at EU-Startups Summit 2026** The EU-Startups Summit 2026, set to convene in Malta, will feature a prominent keynote from Mikael da Costa, CEO of WP SEO AI, focusing on navigating the evolving landscape of search engine optimization in the age of artificial intelligence. This discussion is particularly relevant as European tech companies increasingly explore strategies for digital sovereignty, aiming to build robust domestic solutions in response to global platform dominance. The summit underscores a growing European ambition to foster innovation and self-reliance within the digital sphere, particularly in cutting-edge fields like AI. WP SEO AI, a bootstrapped startup that has rapidly achieved €12.5 million in ARR and amassed over 2,000 customers, exemplifies the potential of European innovation in AI-powered digital marketing. The company, with a team of over 170 employees and operations spanning Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany, offers generative engine optimisation and AI-driven SEO tools. Their success highlights a growing European capacity to compete with established international players by developing specialized, intelligent software solutions that address critical business needs. Da Costa's keynote, titled "How to win search in the modern AI era," will delve into the challenges posed by search engines increasingly providing direct answers, leading to a decline in traditional website traffic for many businesses. Drawing on extensive industry insights, the session will explore shifting search behaviors and offer actionable strategies for companies to adapt and maintain competitiveness. This focus on practical adaptation and innovation is crucial for European businesses aiming to secure their digital future and thrive amidst rapid technological advancements.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
Source Information
European Alternatives You Might Like
Mangopay
Mangopay is a payment infrastructure provider specializing in payments for marketplaces and platforms. It offers virtual wallet technology for managing funds, enabling features such as split payments, multi-currency support, and KYC/AML compliance. Key functionalities include automated payouts, transaction monitoring, and customizable payment flows. This service is primarily aimed at businesses that manage marketplaces, crowdfunding platforms, and sharing economy models and require complex payment solutions. Mangopay distinguishes itself by offering a flexible and scalable payment solution specifically designed for platform-based business models, allowing them to control cash flows and streamline payment processes.
Scaleway
Scaleway is a European cloud computing provider offering a range of services, including servers, storage, and networking solutions. Key features include bare metal servers, virtual machines, object storage, and managed Kubernetes. It's suitable for developers, startups, and businesses seeking cloud infrastructure for web applications, data storage, and various other workloads. Scaleway distinguishes itself through competitive pricing and a focus on European data sovereignty, with data centers in France and the Netherlands.