ReaktorX Demo Night – the finale of the startup gas pedal in the PKO Rotunda

  • Customer: ReactorX
  • Type of event: Conferences
  • Event Date: styczeń 2025
  • Location: Rotunda PKO
  • Documentary-style coverage time: 3 godziny
  • Number of photos donated: 380
  • Turnaround time: 3 dni robocze

Demo Night is the moment of truth. For startups – because a few minutes on stage determines how they will be remembered by investors. For the organizers – because it is the showcase of the entire accelerator program. As photographer of startups I have to reliably document the presentations in a very short time, without disturbing the performers. It is the business ideas that are most important here, and photography is supposed to support them, not dominate them.

On May 22, 2023, I photographed the finale of the 11th edition of the gas pedal ReaktorX in Warsaw’s Rotunda PKO. A closed event, carefully selected guests, investors, mentors and founders, and a single stage where a lot weighed in for several hours.

A modern conference room with rows of empty chairs opposite a large screen displaying "Demo Night" and startup-related graphics. Few people are seated to the left, and tall windows show the city buildings outside.

If you’re interested in the broader context of my work on technology and startup events, you can also see other projects from the startup ecosystem, including events organized by Aula Poland.

Context: startups, investors and time pressure

Demo Night ReaktorX is not a classic business conference. It’s a looser format in atmosphere and relationships, but with no room for randomness. There is freedom, but there is also responsibility for each key moment, resulting from:

  • very short speaking time,
  • the real stakes on the other side of the presentation,
  • high concentration of emotions – from tension before going on stage, to concentration during the pitch, to relief after stepping out of the spotlight.

Five startups, selected from hundreds of submissions from the CEE region, presented their projects in front of a jury and an audience. At the same time, the event was streamed online, which meant one thing: the photos had to be clear and ready to be used in communications right after the event – in social media, PR and investor materials.

A group of people stand smiling and celebrating in front of a large screen announcing the winners of a contest. The screen reads: "First place: Linghos; Second place: Nethica; Third place: Dima.

Light and space of the PKO Rotunda

The PKO Rotunda is an iconic but photographically challenging space. The circular architecture and strong, low-flowing light meant that the audience was illuminated very intensely – at times so much so that some people put on sunglasses.

The presenters performed against the screen, with their backs to the sun. Thanks to the bright space of the Rotunda, however, they were clearly visible, without the need for additional lighting. This allowed them to maintain the natural character of the stage and focus on the flow of the presentation, rather than the staging of the light.

In such conditions, the job of a startup photographer is to observe carefully and react quickly, without interfering with the dynamics of the event.

Two men stand and talk in a modern, sunlit glass building with reflections visible on the walls. Other people and potted plants are in the background, creating a lively, professional atmosphere.

The purpose of photography at Demo Night

From the beginning, the premise was clear: this was not to be an “from-to” documentation. The photos were to work after the event.

The goal was:

  • Showing the energy of the startup scene and the quality of the projects,
  • Capturing the relationship between founders, investors and mentors,
  • Building a coherent narrative of the finale of the accelerator program,
  • Delivery of material ready for further communication use.

Therefore, just as important as the shots from the stage were the moments off stage: backstage conversations, networking, audience reactions and details showing concentration and commitment.

A group of people are chatting and mingling in a bright, modern room with large windows. Some stand and talk, while others sit and engage in discussion.

The photographer’s role during the event

During this Demo Night, I acted as a vendor photographer, focused on accurate event documentation and presentation progress, without interfering with the way the event was conducted.

In practice, this meant:

  • ongoing cooperation with organizers and facilitators,
  • Moving through the space so as not to get into the frame or rhythm of the presentation,
  • adapting to the pace of the event and its natural dynamics
The person in the foreground is holding a smartphone to take a photo or video while several people sit and talk in the background at what appears to be a casual event or meeting in a room.

Wide framing and detail

In this space, the wide shots also did their job. The Rotunda, located in the heart of the city, worked well as a context for the startup presentation. However, I was keen to strike a balance – without going into architectural photography, but showing the scale and location of the event.

Equally important were the details:

  • Interactions between presenters and the audience,
  • Questions asked from the floor and active listening,
  • concentration of founders who were actually involved in the conversation,
  • No “phone scrolling,” typical of large business conferences.

This was an event about real business and real investments, which was clearly visible in the behavior of the participants. I found it most natural to work in conversations and interactions between people – this is where the photos were created, which best reflected the character of this Demo Night.

A group of people sit and talk in a bright, modern living room with large windows, green carpets and plants. Through the glass walls one can see the city buildings.

The end result

Footage from the ReaktorX Demo Night finale was used in the organizer’s communications and by the startups themselves. The photos worked long after the event ended – exactly how startup photography should work.

If you are organizing a Demo Day, Demo Night or the finale of an accelerator program and are looking for a startup photographer who understands the realities of working with founders and investors, check out my event photography offerings or use the quote form.

Photos from that evening

A modern glass building with a zigzag roof bearing the "Bank of Poland" logo. Outside, a person walks by, while another sits on a red bench. In the background are tall buildings, including one with the "Novotel" sign.
A person walks past a modern glass building with a large digital sign reading "Meet top CEE Startups, reactorX Demo Night" near the entrance. Other people can be seen in the background.
Three people are standing and talking in front of a wall with a sign reading "PKO Rotunda." The man on the left is wearing a white shirt, the man in the middle is wearing glasses and a black shirt, and the woman has a colorful top with a cat print.
The man stands smiling with his arms crossed next to a red SMOK Ventures banner that reads "Bridging Silicon Valley to Poland." A screen in the background displays details of the event, including the date and location in Warsaw.
A row of glass cups filled with layered snacks, including sour cream, greens and slices of toasted bread, displayed on a tray with the city skyline visible through large windows in the background.
Several people stand and interact at a white reception desk in a modern, sunlit building with large windows, plants and glass walls. Sunlight streams in, creating a bright, airy atmosphere.
A group of people meet in a sunlit place with large windows and lush greenery. Some sit and talk at tables, while others stand and mingle in the background.
Three adults are standing and talking at a white table. One woman in a denim shirt smiles and holds a pen while a man and another woman listen and engage in conversation.
Three people sit around a table in a bright, modern space, engaged in conversation. One person in the center smiles, holding a bottle, while the others listen intently. The fourth person is blurred in the foreground.
A modern, sunlit living room with large glass windows shows people sitting at tables and sofas, talking and working on laptops. Outside, city buildings and cars are visible. A screen displays the caption "Demo Night."
A person sits casually on a bright sofa with a laptop in his lap, wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, with one hand resting behind his head, in a bright, modern interior with plants.
Two people are sitting on armchairs in a modern, sunlit living room and having a conversation. One of them gestures with his hands while the other listens. In the foreground is a table with bottles of water and cups.
A group of people meet at a high table in a sunlit interior with large windows and plants, drinks in hand and a view of the city visible outside.
A group of people are standing and talking in a modern building with glass walls near a sign reading "PKO Rotunda." Some are holding drinks and talking in small groups while sunlight streams in.
Three men stand together in a room, smiling and talking. One of them is holding a glass of water, and another is wearing a jacket over a T-shirt with animal graphics. Other people and large windows can be seen in the background.
A group of people are sitting and talking at a table in a modern, glass-walled living room with large windows overlooking city buildings. One person stands nearby, holding a phone or device. Natural light fills the spacious area.
Three men with backpacks stand and talk, smiling and laughing, in a bright, modern room with large windows and city buildings visible outside. Other people and tables can be seen in the background.
A woman with curly hair gestures with open arms as she talks to a man wearing glasses and a suit. He wears a badge and a smart watch. They seem to be having a lively conversation in the room.
A group of people sit and talk during a party in a room. One woman in a white sweater smiles and holds a bottle while others engage in conversation. Sunlight streams in through large windows in the background.
Four people sit at a table with drinks, talking and smiling in a modern, sunlit space with large windows and city buildings in the background. Other people can be seen in the background.
Two men standing in a room at a social event, talking and smiling. One is holding a drink, the other is looking at his phone. Snacks lie on a nearby table, and large windows with city buildings can be seen in the background.
Two people stand on a stage in front of a seated audience at a business conference. A large screen behind them displays details of the event, a link to a website, and an image of another audience member and presenter.
A man speaking at the business conference stands on stage, and behind him the logos of Smok Ventures, Polski Bank, Creative Motion and Vestbee are displayed on a large screen. Several seated attendees listen in the modern, sunlit room.
A group of men sit at tables, intently observing something off-camera. One of the men in the center wears sunglasses and has his arms crossed. Drinks and bottles are visible on the tables, suggesting a casual event or gathering.
Four people stand in a room near large windows and plants, carefully observing something off-camera. Another person sits on a curved white bench to the left. The space is modern with lots of natural light.
A group of people sit in a row in a room, some using their phones, while sunlight streams in through the large windows behind them. At the center of attention is a man in a black sweater, who stares intently ahead.
The audience sits in a modern, glass-walled facility, watching a large screen displaying a group shot of smiling people standing together in a room. Outside the windows, city buildings are visible.
A man in a purple jacket speaks into a microphone in front of a "reactorx pre-acceleration program" banner with the words "from idea to first funding."
The speaker is addressing a seated audience in a bright, modern venue with large windows. The screen next to him displays the words "Let's get started!" and a red sign proclaims "SMOK Ventures." People listen attentively.
The speaker addresses the audience in a modern, glass-walled conference space. People sit at tables and in rows, listening and watching the large screen at the front of the room.
A man speaking into a microphone in front of a group of people.
Three men sit close together in a sunlit room; two wear sunglasses and one wears corrective glasses. They all seem to be listening intently, with name badges on their shirts. Other people and large windows are visible in the background.
A person in a checked shirt sits in a room, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight with one hand and holding an object in the other. Other people sit nearby, and sunlight streams in through large glass windows.
The speaker presents in front of a large screen a slide titled "Why aren't current solutions good enough?" with a graphic of a person surrounded by logos of financial tools such as QuickBooks, Stripe and Wave.
A group of people, mostly men, sit and stand in a room near large windows, carefully observing something off-camera. One of the men in the foreground holds up his chin in thoughtfulness. Outside, city buildings are visible.
A man speaks into a microphone on stage in front of a large screen displaying diagrams and text. People are sitting in the audience. "Sisu Ventures" and "reactor x" banners are on either side.
A person with long brown hair, wearing a brown jacket and holding a microphone, speaks in front of a presentation slide with the caption "EMPOWER WORD OF MOUTH, GET PRICING, CREATE VALUE."
A group of people are sitting in a room in rows, carefully observing something outside the frame. Sunlight streams in through large windows, and a potted plant and studio light are visible in the background.
Two men stand on stage with microphones. A large screen displays a pixelated smiley face and the words "Thank you!". Next to them is a red SMOK Ventures banner. People are seated at tables in a modern, bright room.
A man with shoulder-length hair speaks into a microphone, gesturing with his hand. He is standing next to a red banner that reads "SMOK VENTURES: Bridging Silicon Valley and Poland." The people in the background are a blur.
A man wearing a cap, glasses and dark clothing sits thoughtfully at a table with others, resting his chin on his hands in a bright room with large windows.
A man holding a microphone speaks on stage in front of a screen displaying the logos of Kickstarter, Indiegogo and other crowdfunding platforms.
A man in a navy blue polo shirt sits and speaks into a microphone at an event, wearing a name badge. Around him sit other attendees, and a camera on a tripod can be seen in the background.
A group of people sit and listen to two speakers presenting in front of a large screen in a modern, glass-walled conference space with plants and a view of the city.
Two men stand in a room and carry on a conversation. One holds a cup of coffee and smiles while the other gestures. People and tables appear blurred in the background, suggesting a casual social or networking meeting.
A woman presents herself on stage with a microphone in front of a large screen showing a market validation slide, including a market size chart and a map of Europe with target markets in Poland, Germany and Scandinavia marked.
A woman stands on a stage, giving a presentation to a seated audience. Behind her is a large screen showing a mountain of garbage, the word "Problem" and a CAPTCHA prompt confirming humanity. Bright windows and banners are visible.
A woman wearing a black jacket and holding a microphone stands in front of a red banner, speaking or presenting. She has a name badge with the name "Martha" on it and looks to the side.
A group of people sit and stand in a room, carefully watching an event or presentation. Some are holding drinks. The stage is lit by natural sunlight streaming in through large windows. The mood seems focused and engaged.
The speaker is presenting in front of a large screen to an audience seated in a modern, bright room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the city. A large plant is visible on the left side of the image.
The speaker presents a slide on audience verification in a modern, sunlit event space. People are sitting and listening attentively, while greenery and large windows are visible in the background.
The speaker speaks before an audience in a modern, sunlit conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows, large screens and people sitting and listening attentively.
A man is standing on a stage, giving a presentation to a seated audience. Behind him is a large screen displaying a competitive analysis chart and logo, and a banner with the brand name "reactorx" is visible on the side.
A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a black polka dot blouse and pink skirt, speaks into a microphone as she sits among a group of attentive people at a room party.
A man holding a microphone speaks on a stage next to a large screen. Behind him is a standing banner that reads "reactor x: from idea to first funding." Sunlight streams in through large windows in the background.
The speaker speaks before an audience in a modern, sunlit room with large windows. A large screen behind the speaker displays a website interface. People sit and listen attentively, some taking notes. The stage area is decorated with banners.
A man holding a microphone and remote control presents to the audience in front of a large screen displaying a website and identification photo. Several people sit and watch the presentation.
Two men stand in a room with their arms crossed, facing each other and smiling. Both wear name badges and casual clothes. Behind them is a large leafy plant, and bright windows show city buildings outside.
A man holding a microphone speaks to an audience seated in a bright, modern room. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting the speaker in the foreground.
A group of people sit attentively in rows of modern chairs at an event or seminar in a room, listening to the speaker outside the frame. The environment is bright with large windows in the background.
A bald man with a beard, wearing a black suit and holding a microphone, speaks at the event. He stands in front of a red and pink presentation screen and a banner with partially visible text.
A group of people sit and listen attentively during a party in a modern, sunny room with large windows. Some hold drinks while one man in front looks at his phone.
A man speaking into a microphone.
A man in the audience raises his hand to ask a question during a presentation in a modern, bright conference room. The speaker stands near a screen displaying animated characters and text.
Two men are standing at a round wooden table, looking intently ahead. They both wear name badges and plain shirts. Green glass water bottles stand on the table, and there are large windows with soft light in the background.
A man in a suit and tie sits and speaks into a microphone during the event, while a large screen behind him displays his image and the network pattern.
A woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a black floral top and jeans, sits on a gray chair holding a microphone. A large screen with a QR code and an abstract pattern is visible in the background.
A young man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a purple jacket, holds a microphone and speaks. He looks slightly to the left in the well-lit room.
A person sits with his hands on his head, facing a panel discussion in a modern, glass-walled room. Several people sit in the audience, while speakers appear on stage with digital screens behind them.
Four people sit on stage during a panel discussion. One woman on the left, dressed in a colorful outfit and orange shoes, speaks into a microphone. Two men and another woman listen, with a large screen and an event banner behind them.
Four people stand in a modern, bright room and carry on a conversation. One person gestures with his hands while the others listen attentively. In the background is a large potted plant and glass walls.
Three women at a networking meeting stand in a room, wearing badges and holding drinks. They smile and talk in a bright, modern space with glass walls.
Three men are talking to each other at a social or networking meeting. One man in a white shirt with an ID stands in the middle, while the other two stand facing him, engaged in conversation. There are more people in the background.
Two men are standing and talking in a room near a large window; one is wearing a red plaid shirt, the other a black T-shirt with tattoos and a name badge. Other people and a plant are visible in the background.
A group of five young people are chatting at a wooden table in a bright, modern lobby with large windows. On the wall behind them is the logo "PKO Rotunda.
Three smiling people at a networking event stand in a room by large windows, holding drinks and wearing name badges. One woman raises a glass and two men stand next to her, all looking cheerful and engaged.
A man with tattoos and a name badge smiles while talking to a woman with curly hair at a room party. Bright studio lights and another person in the background are visible.
A man and a woman in a room with windows.
Four people stand in a circle, talking and holding drinks in a modern interior with large windows and a view of the city. The screen behind them displays an illustration of a blue bird and text. Other participants sit nearby.
A conversation between two men standing at a round table in a bright, modern room with large windows. One of the men holds his thumb up and smiles while the others interact in the background.
A group of people are chatting in a bright, modern room with large windows overlooking the city. Snack tables are set up and sunlight streams in, creating a lively, social atmosphere.
Four people stand together in a modern room with large glass windows. One woman holds a phone displaying a QR code, while two men look at their phones. Another man watches the group, while a seating area is visible in the background.
A group of people stand together in a room at a social event, talking and smiling. Large windows and city buildings are visible in the background. One person is drinking from a glass.
A group of people are talking at a wooden table. One man wearing a black T-shirt with his name on it listens intently to another man who gestures with his hands while a woman and others engage in conversation nearby.
Three people stand in a modern, well-lit café, holding wine glasses and carrying on a conversation while other guests sit in the background.
A group of people are sitting on modern chairs in a bright glass room, having a lively conversation. More people stand and talk in the background. The atmosphere is casual and sociable.
Two people are sitting on a modern sofa in a glass-walled living room and having a conversation. A glass of wine sits on the table next to them, and outside the window one can see yellow streetcars and city buildings.
Three people are having a conversation in a room. One man in a white T-shirt and glasses is talking and smiling, while a man and a woman, both wearing dark clothes, listen intently. Green leaves hang above them.
Sunlight streams in through large glass windows in a modern, circular building with multiple floors. Silhouettes of people are scattered, some sitting and some standing, creating a busy urban atmosphere.

See also

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Marcin Krokowski - Event Photographer

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Event photography, event photography, event photographer. I photograph in the Mazovia province (surrounding areas of Warsaw, Marki, Ząbki, Kobylka, Wolomin, Zielonka, Radzymin, Pruszków, Nowy Dwój Mazowiecki, Powsin, Żyrardów, Skierniewice, Sochaczew, Brok, Blonie, Białobrzegi, Czerwin, Dąbrówka, Górki, Garwolin, Halinów, Izabelin, Jabłonna, Jasienica, Józefów, Leszno, Lochów, Legionowo, Małkinia, Mława, Milanówek, Nadarzyn, Otwock, Pułtusk, Płock). I also photograph in large cities such as Lodz, Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan, Czestochowa, Lublin, Bialystok. I can also photograph outside Poland in Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain, Switzerland, Holland and other countries. If an event photographer is the person you are looking for - check out my offer documentary-style coverage.

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