At Business of Software, we’ve always believed that great thinking shouldn’t be long-winded. Sometimes the best lessons come in short bursts: direct, usable, and memorable. That’s where Lightning Talks shine.
These brief, practical sessions pack high-value ideas into a few minutes, and they’ve become one of the most talked-about parts of our events.
As we gear up for BoS Europe 2026, we wanted to spotlight some of the standout Lightning Talks from BoS USA 2025, talks that cut through noise and deliver real insight you can use now.
And if you already know how it works and wants to be a part of it, applications are now open.
What are Lightning Talks?
Lightning Talks are a BoS tradition. Here’s what makes them special:
- 7.5 minutes. That’s it. Just enough time to say something meaningful.
- Real stories, real lessons. No sales pitches. Just ideas that stick.
- Anyone can apply. Whether you’re a founder, product manager, engineer, or marketer — if you’ve got something powerful to share, we want to hear it.
Why Should You Apply
- You don’t need to be a pro speaker. Just bring your voice and your story.
- You’ll get coaching. BoS helps you shape your talk with friendly speaker support.
- You’ll stand out. On stage, in front of a thoughtful, engaged community of SaaS leaders.
And most importantly: you’ll contribute to the heart of BoS – honest, human stories that help others build better software businesses.
It’s a rare opportunity to spend time thinking about a specific topic of your own choosing and distilling it down into something you can quickly and effectively communicate to others.
How do you apply and how do we select the speakers?
- You submit your idea by March 3rd 2026.
- We will select a short list of talks.
- From the applications, we select a maximum of five talks to speak on stage.
- In the event that we have too many great quality applications, we will select a smaller group of the potential talks and invite those speakers to participate in a bake off during day one of the conference at which one of the speakers will be invited to speak on the second day.
Submit your Lightning Talk here. Deadline 3rd March 2026.
Check the latest lightning talks from BoS USA 2025:
1. John Knox — The Introvert’s Guide to Networking
Networking can feel like an unnatural obligation, especially if you’re not wired for small talk. John Knox flips the script: networking doesn’t have to be awkward or transactional. In his lightning talk, he offers a practical framework for connecting with others in meaningful ways, even if the idea of “working the room” makes you cringe. Your professional network shouldn’t be a performance; it should be a collection of real, reciprocal relationships.
2. Ivan Barajas — Top 15 Reasons the Vibes Are Off with Vibe Coding
By laying out the top 15 reasons the “vibes are off,” Ivan’s aim is to spark a more honest, nuanced conversation about what’s working, what’s failing, and where the risks really lie. You will hear clear, practical takeaways to help engineers and leaders separate hype from reality.
3. Art Koenig — Land and Expand
The “land and expand” growth strategy is well understood in theory but tricky in execution. Art Koenig gives us a lean, no-nonsense view of how to do it right: start with delivering genuine value to a small slice of customers, and then systematically grow your footprint by staying closely attuned to their outcomes. It’s a simple idea with discipline baked in, ideal for product leaders focused on sustainable growth.
4. Raj Mahajan — Fragile Deals, Enduring Lessons
Deals aren’t just contracts, they’re living negotiations shaped by human expectations, market shifts, and imperfect information. Raj Mahajan takes us through lessons learned from deals that almost closed, and what those near-wins taught him about strategy, empathy, timing, and resilience. For founders and leaders who live (and die) by close rates, this talk is a master class in reading between the lines.
5. David Robinson — How to Hire Your Next Employee
Hiring is one of the most expensive (and most important) decisions a software team makes. David Robinson strips it down to fundamentals: how to clarify what you really need, how to distinguish great candidates from average ones, and how to make hiring decisions that help your company actually build better products. If your inbox is full of resumes but you’re still unsure who to actually hire, this talk will give you a more structured way forward.
You can be a part of it too. Join the BoS stage.