Since I’m writing for an Irish outlet, it seems prudent to check if there’s anything worthwhile or interesting at the Dublin Partner Startup Island.

There isn’t.
Almost everything is over and attendees are starting to leave. Startups are beginning to take down their boards (souvenirs of their time here) but not en mass just yet.
It’s raining and I suspect fewer are desperate to explore Lisbon.
Even so, the end of it all is nearly upon us.

I’m sure I’ll have some afterthoughts about the event. Some more polished, better thought-out articles to write.
I’d like to come back next year, if Paddy’ll have me. Much as I have a lot of criticisms of Web Summit and its role in our hyper-corporate tech landscape, I enjoy the event.
It’s nice to come here with a media lanyard too. You have a lot of access, and excuses to be anywhere and talk to anyone.
People can talk to you with some faith that you’re not trying to sell them anything.
I’ve been surprised, once again, by how few startups have approached me looking for publicity. But I know that’s not a good use of their time and perhaps they do too. Tags: Websummit