https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ikHe84u3Ug
THE MOST
FOUNDER-FOCUSED
EVENT ON EARTH
Slush is a non-profit and the world’s largest gathering of VC – delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in startups.
THIS IS WHY
EVERYONE'S AT SLUSH
4 STAGES
ON COMPANY BUILDING
We believe it is those who have built iconic startups who provide the most valuable advice for founders. Every company is different, and there are no two paths to building an outstanding company that are the same.
That is why we call on a diverse group of founders, operators, and investors to share their hard-earned lessons. Every year, we go above and beyond to find the most relevant people to talk about the nuts and bolts of company building and what’s unfolding in startups & tech.
20,000+ MEETINGS
TO TAKE PART IN
No other event on earth brings together the core of the startup ecosystem like Slush. Whether you’re looking to meet founders, startup operators, investors, media or policymakers – this is the place to be. Our Meeting Area has 300 tables ready to be booked – last year, 20,500 meetings took place during both Slush days. That’s more than 800 meetings per hour.
The Slush Matchmaking Tool allows you to connect with people based on the most extensive, self-submitted dataset on early-stage startups there is.
300+ SIDE EVENTS
DURING SLUSH WEEK
Throughout Slush Week, we host hundreds of Side Events ranging from founder-investor networking and industry-specific gatherings to underground parties and ice swimming.
We want Slush to be your chance to connect with old and new peers like nowhere else in the world, challenge yourself, be inspired, and have fun while you’re at it.
I always thought Silicon Valley was the epicenter of global innovation. After Slush‚ I changed my mind. One of the best entrepreneurship conferences in the world. I can pack a month's worth of meetings into two days. Everywhere you walk here at Slush‚ you walk into someone who wants to change the world. Distinctive style of entrepreneurship.
Wang Jian‚ CTO at Alibaba TechEU Tom Hulme‚ General Partner at Google Ventures Pär-Jörgen Pärson‚ Partner at Northzone Forbes
13,000
CURIOUS MINDS COMING TO SLUSH, INCLUDING:
5,000
startup founders
and operators
3,000
investors
300
media representatives
SLUSH FOR
STARTUPS
Slush 2022 brought together 4,600 startup founders and operators, accompanied by 2,600 investors, representing $1 trillion in assets under management.
FOUNDERS DAY (NOV 29)
Founders Day is the largest founder-only gathering in the world.
In 2023, we’re building Founders Day even bigger to include mentoring, workshops, speakers, and experiences. The day culminates with the legendary Founders Day Festival party with thousands of founders at a crazy venue you have never seen before.
Only two founders per company can register for Founders Day Festival.
Registration will open later in the fall.
STARTUP STUDIO
The Startup Studio is the only stage at Slush that focuses on the early-stage startups at Slush.
We’ll be highlighting 80 ambitious companies from deeptech, AI/ML, spacetech and several other thrilling sectors. We’ll also show the world who we think deserve more visibility in the Nordics and in Emerging Ecosystems.
You can apply to be one of the 80 companies highlighted on the stage through our Concepts page on the Slush Platform (after you’ve bought tickets).
STARTUP BOOTHS
Do you want to have your own booth at the heart of the Slush venue?
It’s the most concrete way to get traction, leads and general visibility for early-stage startups and their products.
With 13,000 of the most relevant founders, investors and media joining Slush, getting a Startup Booth guarantees a memorable spot at the heart of the venue.
We select the 40 companies that have applied for a Startup Booths at the Slush venue.
You can apply for a Startup Booth through our Concepts page on the Slush Platform (after you’ve bought tickets).
FOUNDER EXPERIENCE EVENTS
When was the last time you’ve dipped in the icy sea or slid through the Finnish archipelago? Maybe you’re looking for an activity to network with founder peers? We’ve got experiences for the adrenaline junkies and those that want to relax before kickstarting their time at Slush.
Registration opening later.
SLUSH IN NUMBERS
- 4,600 startups from around the world:
- 87% European
- 40% Nordic
- 26% Finnish
- 7% Asian
- 5% North American
- 20,500 meetings:
- 37% of all meetings held between startups and investors.
- 40% of investors invest across Europe and North America.
SLUSH FOR
INVESTORS
Slush gathers $1 trillion in assets under management under one roof. At no other gathering will you find the same critical mass of people you absolutely have to meet.
INVESTOR DAY (NOV 29)
No founders, no media.
Just you and 1,500 fellow investors under the same roof.
Get a headstart on your Slush experience through Investor Day – this year with daring new improvements and a program created to maximize your networking and learning opportunities.
Make sure to save the date, and stay tuned for more!
INVESTOR OFFICE HOURS
Imagine you’d have a 1-hour private session with access to hand-picked startup invitees according to your interests in one go.
And better yet, what if this session had the flexibility to offer a customized program, ranging from stage presentations to workshops? How about catering options that help you tailor your session for the most effective use of time?
Dream no more.
Welcome to Investor Office Hours.
Please contact investors@slush.org to request a reservation.
INVESTOR LOUNGES
At Slush this year, we’re bringing Investor Lounges to the next level – literally.
Located inside the Meeting Area, elevated at the heart of the Slush venue, the lounges give an intimate setting to work & wind-down during the Slush days. Perfect spaces for pre-booked meetings & team gatherings alike.
All Investor Lounges for 2023 are reserved. Please contact investors@slush.org to request a spot on the waitlist.
INVESTOR EXPERIENCE EVENTS
Sauna and dip into the icy waters of Helsinki. Challenge your colleagues in a round of padel. Wind-down at the National Gallery. Prepare your body and mind with yoga.
Regardless of whether you like sweating it out or absorbing a local cultural experience, we’ve got something for everyone to kick-off their Slush week on Nov 29.
Limited spots available booked as first-come, first-served. Registration opening later.
SLUSH IN NUMBERS
- 4,600 startups from around the world:
- 87% European
- 40% Nordic
- 26% Finnish
- 7% Asian
- 5% North American
- 28% of startups at Slush have patented some part of their product.
- The vast majority of investor entities present at Slush come from Northern and Central Europe. Finnish entities account for 9% of total entities represented. There were also 50% more North American entities present, when comparing to last year (90 vs. 59).
- Over 70% of investors are happy with the amount of follow-up meetings they’ve had after Slush.
SLUSH FOR
MEDIA
Hundreds of journalists are joining Slush to be where the action takes place.
MEDIA DAY (NOV 29)
Media Day is an exclusive media-only event in the afternoon of Nov 29 where you’ll get an exclusive taste of the hottest topics at Slush 2023 from global tech leaders before anyone else.
This is something you can’t miss.
Registrations for Media Day will open in June so stay tuned.
STAGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
We will run a total of 5 unique announcements on Founder Stage during Slush 2023. Come and listen to groundbreaking news and research results, and find your next article topic.
Some previous announcements we would like to highlight for you so you know what to expect: Oura, FNDR, and Reface
So that you can start preparing, we’ll release our detailed program in the autumn.
PRESS Q&AS
Located inside the Media Area, Press Q&As serve as a space with two purposes:
- To ask follow-up questions to Stage Announcement speakers after their time on stage.
- To learn more and clarify your questions about other selected startup announcements at Slush.
You’ll get access to Press Q&As with your Media Pass or Speaker Pass if you are a media representative moderating at Slush.
MEDIA AREA
“One of the best media areas I have ever seen at a conference” – media representative at Slush 2022
Located behind Founder Stage, media and speaker pass holders will be writing their next story, interviewing a future shaper, networking with peers and relaxing during the event.
At the Media Area, you will have access to pre-bookable interview and podcast pods, working tables, and a silent streaming room.
Plus, if you need help during the event, we’ve got you covered! A help desk will be available during the whole event.
Media representatives holding a media or a speaker pass will have access to this area.
SLUSH MEDIA BANK
Media Bank is the resource bank for finding your next story.
Located on the Slush Platform, Media Bank features company profiles and all the information you’ll need to successfully create your next hit piece: from latest announcements to the media kit and contact details.
STARTUP PR-ACTICE
Speed-date startups at Startup PR-actice.
Startup PR-actice is a new concept born from Slush’s mission to create and help founders to change the future.
As a media representative, you’ll have the chance to discover the breakthrough stories of the highest-quality companies from Startup Studio in a one-hour speed-dating session.
Registrations will open later in the year.
SLUSH FOR
LIMITED PARTNERS
Get a bird’s eye view of the VC ecosystem in two days.
MEET BEST MANAGERS IN EUROPE
Slush is the largest gathering of venture capital in the world, bringing together $1 trillion in assets under management under one roof.
We’re thus welcoming a wide slate of both established and emerging managers.
Meet them at Slush either through our Matchmaking Tool or at one of our curated Side Events.
CATCH UP WITH ALLOCATORS
We’ll arrange exclusive LP-only Side Events to connect you with other LPs, help you exchange notes on managers, and provide you with a relaxed setting to discuss the ecosystem.
REFERENCE MANAGERS WITH FOUNDERS
We’ll have 5,000 founders and startup operators joining us at Slush 2023.
Reach out to them through our Matchmaking Tool, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
RECEIVE CONCIERGE SERVICE
Our LP team will be at your disposal to help you navigate the event, set up meetings with relevant managers, and curate bespoke GP lists according to your investment criteria.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by emailing our LP Relations at juha.hovintalo@slush.org
SLUSH FOR
VOLUNTEERS
We’re currently going through our Team Lead applications. Thank you for all the applicants and stay tuned for more volunteer positions!
PRODUCTION TEAM
The Slush Production Team’s main goal is to guarantee Slush a seamless customer journey through the biggest and most complex event production in Finland for all our 13,000 visitors. While at it, we do all in our power to bring the best of both worlds together: conferences and festivals. So if you are curious to see how all those lights & lasers, tons of details and huge operations come together behind the dark curtains of Messukeskus, Production is the team for you! Take a look of what we are talking about here.
Production Team has 8 Team Leads:
- Production Assistant
- Pre-Badge Claim
- Cloakroom
- Event Badge Claim
- Catering
- Construction
- Recycling
- Production Help
FINANCE TEAM
The Finance Team is here to help the Slush team dream big and help develop the sustainability of Slush whilst providing a world-class ticket and Slush Store experience. We are often the first touchpoint for many of our attendees and play a pivotal role in creating and building the Slush magic for all our customers. On top of this, we help build, sustain and support all Slush operations.
The Finance Team has 2 Team Lead roles:
- Finance (Tickets)
- Store
STUDIO TEAM
Studio is a combination of the Marketing and Design team, like two peas in a pod. We work closely together to create and curate the external and visual communications for Slush. In other words, everything you see and read about Slush has passed through our hands.
The Studio team has 9 Team Lead roles collectively fitting into these 7 teams:
- Content Curators
- Photography
- Videography
- Text Production
- Quick Visual Content
- Customer Success
- Livestream
MEDIA & PR TEAM
The Media & PR team has two core responsibilities at Slush: attracting the world’s leading media representatives to Slush and creating the best media experience of any event on the planet for them, and building compelling narratives to showcase Slush as an organization to media.
To provide an effortless and unique experience to them, the Media & PR team organizes Media Day, Press Q&As, Stage Announcements, Media Area, Startup PR-actice and Media Bank.
The Media & PR team has 2 Team Lead roles:
- Media Side Events
- Media Experience
PEOPLE TEAM
Slush would not happen without our people — the 1,500 volunteers make the real magic happen. The People Team recruits and trains these curious future builders. On top of this, we organize training events and gatherings for the Slush team and volunteers and make sure the volunteer operations run smoothly from start to finish.
The People Team has 2 Team Lead roles:
- Volunteer Area
- Volunteer Operations
PARTNERSHIP TEAM
The Partnership Team brings the world’s leading corporates, scale-ups, country delegations, and research labs to be involved in Slush activities as partners.
We wouldn’t be able to create the Slush Magic without the support from all our partners. They make up the largest share of Slush’s overall revenue and create the look and feel of the event through content and design. This is an amazing opportunity to connect and work hands-on with our partners.
The Partnership Team has 5 Team Lead roles:
- Partner Side Event (Operations)
- Partner Side Event (Communications)
- Partner Buddies
- Partner Day
- Partner Badge Claim
PROGRAM TEAM
The Program team is at the center of one of Slush’s most visible parts of the event: Speakers and stages. Our speakers are few of the most exciting individuals in the global startup ecosystem, and on stage, they will educate, inspire, and challenge the audience by taking the global conversation around tech, startups, and society into new directions.
We ensure the speakers at Slush will have a smooth and superb experience attending Slush and Helsinki: From arriving in Helsinki, receiving their ticket, hopping onto the stage, attending side events, and mentoring early-stage founders at Slush.
The program team has 5 Team Leads:
- Speaker Buddies
- Speaker Rides
- Stages
- Mentoring Area
- Speaker Tickets & Website
The team leads are in order of team size – Speaker Buddies has the biggest team, while Speaker Tickets & Website has no team, but helps the Program team continuously throughout the fall.
MEETING OPERATIONS
People come to Slush to meet relevant people for their ventures – and we’ve taken it to our heart to provide the world’s best meeting experience for them.
We connect
1) startups <> investors,
2) investors <> investors, and
3) startups <> partners.
Our meeting experience is not a purely digital exercise, but rather a complicated combination of digital products, physical space, service concepts, and communication.
Meeting Operations has 2 Team Leads:
- Meeting Area
- Meeting Experience
INVESTOR TEAM
The Investor team is responsible for attracting the world’s leading venture capital investors to Slush, and creating the best investor experience of any event on the planet for them. Investors are one of Slush’s core audience groups, and the Investor team works closely with the other two core audience teams (Startups & Media).
Investor team has 4 Team Leads:
- Investor Lounge Area
- Investor Day
- Investor Experience Events
- Investor Side Events
LIMITED PARTNERS
Limited Partners (LPs) are institutions and individuals from which venture capital funds raise the money which they eventually invest into startups. LPs can be e.g. university endowments (such as Harvard), pension funds, insurance companies, and wealthy individuals.
The mission of Slush’s LP team is to strengthen European venture as an asset class by connecting limited partners with VCs. By working with Slush’s LP team, you will meaningfully participate in bringing more money into the startup ecosystem in Finland, Nordics, and Europe.
LP team has one Team Lead.
STARTUPS TEAM
The Startup Team has the exciting responsibility of taking care of our largest core visitor group – the startup CEOs and founders. This is done with concepts like Founders Day, Slush 100, Startup Studio, Nordic Showcase, and Startup Booths to mention a few. We communicate directly with the leading startups of Europe, so there isn’t a better place to get connected and learn from the best.
Startups Team has 5 Team Leads:
- Slush 100
- Startup Studio
- Founders Day Festival
- Special Projects & Activities
- Startup Booths
VOLUNTEER FAQ
What is Slush about?
Slush is a student-driven, not-for-profit movement with the mission to create and help the next generation of groundbreaking entrepreneurs, originally founded to change attitudes toward entrepreneurship. The Slush 2023 event features two days full of stage programs, in addition to several side events, talks at networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and facilitated workshops. Our speaker line-up includes successful founders, top-notch investors, and other startup and tech influencers.
When does Slush take place?
Slush 2023 will take place physically on Nov 30–Dec 1, 2023, at Helsinki Expo and Convention Center (Messukeskus).
Where is Slush organized?
Slush is organized in the Helsinki Expo and Convention Center. Address: Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki Helsinki Expo and Convention Center is located just a few kilometers from the Helsinki city center – you’ll be able to arrive at the venue within 15 minutes from all around the city.
What is the number of volunteers this year?
In 2023 the Slush Team will be recruiting 47 Team Leads, 194 Group Leads, and 1378 volunteers.
In total, this results in over 1,500 volunteers.
What are the different volunteer roles at Slush?
Team Leads are the link between core team members and volunteers. As a Team Lead, you work as part of the Slush Fall Team, consisting of our full-time team members and Team Leads. Following our value trust by default, you’ll be given autonomy and responsibilities that contribute towards making Slush 2023 the best Slush to date.
Group Leads are responsible for running the core operations during the event days. They are also recruiting and training the volunteers for various different tasks.
Volunteers will be the biggest helping hands during the event days. They will be responsible for helping and executing various different tasks, mostly during Slush week.
What is the process for recruiting volunteers?
Team Leads will be recruited during the Spring. The Team Lead recruitment process is done through group interviews, which our core team conducts.
Group Leads will be recruited during the Fall by the Team Leads.
Volunteers will be recruited by our Group Leads during the Fall.
Is there an age limit to volunteering?
Yes, we don’t recruit under 18 year olds to be volunteers at Slush.
When will the 2023 volunteer application open?
The Slush Group Lead & Volunteer application opens on 7 Aug and closes on 10 Sep.
What are the workloads for different volunteer positions?
Team Lead position approximate workload during the Fall: 15-25h/week.
Group Lead position maximum workload during the Fall: 10h/week.
Volunteer position approximate workload during the event week: 20h (depending on which team and what kind of tasks they have). Adding to the workload during the event days there will be different kinds of Volunteer activities such as Volunteer Day, Talkoot, Volunteer’s Afterparty, and Venue Tour.
Does Slush cover travel and accommodation costs?
Unfortunately, Slush can’t offer traveling and accommodation costs for volunteers. During previous years some Group Leads and local volunteers have kindly offered their places to international volunteers. Although we can’t guarantee accommodation like this, since we can’t oblige anyone to offer a place to stay.
How should I proceed if I need a visa traveling to Finland?
Slush can help the recruited volunteers with their visa applications by providing them with an invitation letter. Contact finance@slush.org for this matter. Read more about Finland’s visa policies on the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
What are the important dates for volunteers?
The Slush Fall contains tons of fun events. In order to get the most out of your volunteer experience these are the important dates that would require your physical presence in Helsinki.
In 2023 the important dates will be the following:
- 14 Oct – Talkoot 2
- 11 Nov – Volunteers Day
- 27 Nov–1 Dec – Slush week
- 2 Dec – Volunteer Afterparty
What are the important dates for group leads?
This exciting position offers training sessions to prepare for the greater responsibilities, which means that Group Leads have a larger time commitment and additional attendance dates:
In 2023 the important dates will be the following:
- 11 Oct – Leadership Experience #1
- 14 Oct – Talkoot 2
- 1 Nov – Leadership Experience #2
- 11 Nov – Volunteers Day
- 27 Nov–1 Dec – Slush week
- 2 Dec – Volunteer Afterparty
How do I contact the Slush team?
You can reach the Slush People Team by email at volunteers@slush.org.
TICKETS
TO SLUSH 2023
Hatching Bird discounted tickets have sold out.
Early Bird discount is available until the limited quantity is sold out.
If you’re a startup, investor, or angel investor, we’ll ask you to register your company while you’re buying your ticket. This’ll help us ensure Slush 2023 is full of the most relevant people.
COME VISIT
Malminkatu 16
00100 Helsinki