LIfestyle
TOUCH TALK
"At Founders Fest, you live a little life together"
Welcome to “Touch Talk” — our new interview series with inspiring voices from Austria and beyond.
Here, we’ll share experiences, spotlight remarkable people, their projects, successes, failures, and personal stories. We’ll explore the pulse of the city and the country — and how people shape the way we live.
We believe stories shape communities. By talking to the founders, creatives, and innovators driving change, Touch Talk doesn’t just highlight journeys — it connects ideas with a wider audience and shows how individual voices collectively shape culture.
In our very first episode, we, the founders of Vienna in Touch, share the story behind Founders Fest — its mission, and why creating events like this matters so deeply to us.
Here, we’ll share experiences, spotlight remarkable people, their projects, successes, failures, and personal stories. We’ll explore the pulse of the city and the country — and how people shape the way we live.
We believe stories shape communities. By talking to the founders, creatives, and innovators driving change, Touch Talk doesn’t just highlight journeys — it connects ideas with a wider audience and shows how individual voices collectively shape culture.
In our very first episode, we, the founders of Vienna in Touch, share the story behind Founders Fest — its mission, and why creating events like this matters so deeply to us.
Vasilisa and Anna, Founders of Vienna in Touch
— A business festival is something new for Vienna. Why this format?
— Vasilisa: Because we love doing what no one has done before. And honestly, we don’t enjoy boring lectures, useless small talks, or formal atmospheres.
— Anna: Our motto is work and play. That’s when the best collaborations happen, the most creative ideas are born, and people truly connect while having fun. It brings people closer. One day you meet at the festival, and just a week later you’re already sitting together discussing projects, ideas, and collaborations.
— Vasilisa: That’s the beauty—you don’t just exchange business cards and follow up a week later. You live a little life together in that moment.
— Vasilisa: Because we love doing what no one has done before. And honestly, we don’t enjoy boring lectures, useless small talks, or formal atmospheres.
— Anna: Our motto is work and play. That’s when the best collaborations happen, the most creative ideas are born, and people truly connect while having fun. It brings people closer. One day you meet at the festival, and just a week later you’re already sitting together discussing projects, ideas, and collaborations.
— Vasilisa: That’s the beauty—you don’t just exchange business cards and follow up a week later. You live a little life together in that moment.
"Founders Fest motto: work and play"
— How did the idea of creating Founders Fest come about?
— Anna: The idea actually came from one of our first clients. She is an amazing, energetic person who became our creative partner in the art scene, and that collaboration felt like a sign. We realized that together we could truly give more to this city—connecting people across industries.
— Vasilisa: The concept was simple but powerful: bring active, curious people into one space where they can both gain value and have fun. We wanted it to be open to all industries—from tech to art—because amazing things happen when you broaden your perspective, look at the world through different lenses, and create new neural connections.
— Anna: It was a perfect fit for us. We had already hosted a few smaller business-related events, and at the same time, about a year ago, we were building our new brand INTOUCH SOUND, a party series in Vienna. Founders Fest became the perfect stage for that launch.
— Vasilisa: The concept was simple but powerful: bring active, curious people into one space where they can both gain value and have fun. We wanted it to be open to all industries—from tech to art—because amazing things happen when you broaden your perspective, look at the world through different lenses, and create new neural connections.
— Anna: It was a perfect fit for us. We had already hosted a few smaller business-related events, and at the same time, about a year ago, we were building our new brand INTOUCH SOUND, a party series in Vienna. Founders Fest became the perfect stage for that launch.
"Amazing things happen when you broaden your perspective, look at the world through different lenses"
— So this year you’ll be celebrating one year of INTOUCH SOUND?
— Vasilisa: Exactly! It’s been an unforgettable year—we’ve hosted over 35 events in different and sometimes very unusual places around Vienna.
— Anna: We can’t wait for this celebration. For us, parties in Vienna are really about the people, and nothing makes us happier than seeing familiar faces come back again and again.
— Anna: We can’t wait for this celebration. For us, parties in Vienna are really about the people, and nothing makes us happier than seeing familiar faces come back again and again.
— Who can join the festival?
— Anna: Anyone who’s active and curious about professional growth. Students dreaming of building their first business (we were once there too—it’s such an exciting time!), founders looking for insights from other strong entrepreneurs, or simply people who want to be part of a powerful community.
— Vasilisa: That community is everything. We’ve already seen so many brand and personal collaborations born out of our events. It’s incredible to witness—it’s exactly what motivates us to keep creating these spaces.
— Vasilisa: That community is everything. We’ve already seen so many brand and personal collaborations born out of our events. It’s incredible to witness—it’s exactly what motivates us to keep creating these spaces.
"We've seen so many brand and personal collaborations born out of our events. It's exactly what motivates us to keep creating these spaces"
Founders Fest 2024. Lobmeyr Garden, 1030
— What advice would you give to people who are just starting out?
— Vasilisa: Don’t be afraid or shy to approach founders and start conversations. Remember, they were once in your shoes, and most of them are eager to share their experiences.
— Anna: Asking questions can save you years in your business journey. And Founders Fest is the perfect place for that—it’s a space full of energy, knowledge, and connection.
— Anna: Asking questions can save you years in your business journey. And Founders Fest is the perfect place for that—it’s a space full of energy, knowledge, and connection.
"Asking questions can save you years in your business journey"
On September 14th, Founders Fest 2025 takes over the iconic Villa Mautner-Jäger — a 1920s masterpiece where legends of art once gathered. With its spacious garden and elegant halls, the villa offers the perfect backdrop for a day to remember.
By day, you’ll grow, connect, and get inspired. By night, you’ll surrender to the official afterparty by INTOUCH SOUND with Vienna’s finest DJs, where business fades into play and strangers turn into partners in crime.
By day, you’ll grow, connect, and get inspired. By night, you’ll surrender to the official afterparty by INTOUCH SOUND with Vienna’s finest DJs, where business fades into play and strangers turn into partners in crime.