This year, the FastoPayments team traveled to Venus Berlin, one of Europe’s most recognized expos for the adult entertainment and high-risk industries. The event brought together creators, brands, and service providers from all corners of the industry. While the B2B section felt a little emptier than expected, the overall experience was both valuable, eye-opening and an once in a lifetime adventure.
Meeting People Who Drive the Industry
One of the best parts of Venus Berlin was the people. From established brands to innovative startups, we connected with entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who are pushing the industry forward. We also had the chance to meet well-known names like Johnny Sins and Yasmina Khan, which added a fun and memorable element to the trip. These conversations and encounters gave us valuable insight into what merchants are looking for today, especially when it comes to payment solutions, risk management, and reliable partner support.
The B2B Section, Smaller but Still Valuable
The B2B section of Venus Berlin was quieter compared to other expos we have attended. While it may not have had the same density of exhibitors as events like TES or I-Con, it still provided us with opportunities to network and share ideas with relevant partners. For us, it was a chance to better understand where the demand lies in the European adult payments market and if you want to meet us in 2026 at conferences, we have made a list!
Industry Trends We Observed
We noticed three key takeaways during our time at Venus Berlin:
Merchants are still looking for reliable payment partners. Many attendees mentioned challenges in getting stable payment processing, especially for high-risk verticals.
Technology and compliance are becoming more important. From KYC solutions to fraud prevention, exhibitors highlighted the need for safer, smarter systems.
Content creators are exploring new monetization methods. Platforms and individuals are experimenting with subscription models, pay-per-view content, and direct tipping solutions.
High-risk industries also need trusted web hosting providers. Payments cannot stand alone without a reliable digital foundation. The best web hosting services ensure websites stay online during peak traffic, safeguard sensitive information, and give merchants the stability they need to grow. For businesses operating in high-risk verticals, choosing a trusted hosting provider can make the difference between scaling successfully and losing customers to downtime or security issues.
Capturing the Experience
Alongside networking and conversations, we also captured the experience in photos. These images showcase the event atmosphere, the exhibitors, and some of the highlights from our time in Berlin.
Overall, Venus Berlin may not have had the busiest B2B section, but it was still a valuable stop for FastoPayments and we appreciate the experience. The event gave us the chance to meet industry professionals, strengthen relationships, and gather fresh insights. Every expo we attend brings us closer to understanding merchant needs and refining how we deliver solutions for high-risk businesses across Europe and beyond.
💡 Interested in learning more about what’s included in a typical high-risk merchant account? View our complete breakdown of FastoPayments’s high-risk merchant accounts.
