Helsinki Impact Lounge events at Slush 2024

The ultimate list of Slush 2024 side events for global startups and VCs in Helsinki

From 19–21 November, Helsinki will buzz with the energy of Slush 2024, the world’s leading startup event. Slush is largest gathering of VCs globally and the biggest startup event in Europe, serving up a wealth of actionable insights for scaling companies and attracting the biggest names in the startup ecosystem.

This year, the Helsinki Impact Lounge will shine with its own lineup of events, sparking international collaboration and showcasing Helsinki’s role in the global startup scene. Curated by Helsinki Partners and Business Helsinki, two key players helping international businesses and investors find opportunities in the Finnish capital, the Helsinki Impact Lounge is the place to connect.

You’ll find the Helsinki Impact Lounge in Messukeskus, right inside the Slush venue. Just enter through the main doors, turn right, and head upstairs. And yes, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible (learn more about accessibility here).

But that’s just the start! There’s a whirlwind of exciting events and networking opportunities happening all over the city during Slush week. Stay tuned – we’ll be updating our event list regularly.

Women in Defense

For: Investors, scaleups, corporations
Date: Wednesday, 20 November, 2024 | 11:30 – 13:00
Location: Helsinki Impact Lounge (Wheelchair Accessible)
Organisers: Helsinki Partners, Women in Defence

This unique gathering offers a prime opportunity to network and foster greater female participation in the defense and dual-use industries, including STEAM and cybersecurity, while exploring the ever-evolving defense and security landscape.

The event will feature thought-provoking discussions led by industry leaders, followed by a networking lunch where you can connect with global experts and exchange ideas.

Japan x Finland Day 1: RAMEN TECH in Helsinki

Just as ramen introduced from the continent evolved uniquely in Fukuoka, Japan, and spread around the world as Tonkotsu ramen, we aim to create new value and innovation that will spread globally.

Join us as we explore business and collaboration opportunities between Japan and Europe. Find out how you could be part of the exciting developments in the birthplace of Tonkotsu Ramen. This event caters especially well the interests of investors and startups looking to set foot to Japan.

RAMEN TECH 2024 (Revolutionizing Asia: Merging Ecosystems & Networks – Tech) event in 9-10 October brought together startups, engineers, investors and ecosystem builders from around the world. They came together to create innovation by taking full advantage of Fukuoka’s entrepreneurial and exchange-oriented nature. Gear up for the next event taking place in Fukuoka in October 2025!

Impact Session: Exploring Most Sustainable Business Opportunities

For: Investors, scale-ups, corporations
Date: Wednesday, 20 November, 2024 | 16:30 – 18:30
Location: Helsinki Impact Lounge (Wheelchair Accessible)
Organisers: Helsinki Partners

Join industry leaders, innovators, and forward-thinking professionals at the Impact Session: Exploring Most Sustainable Business Opportunities event on the Day 1 of Slush at the Helsinki Impact Lounge in Messukeskus.

The program includes investors and sustainability experts who are committed to shaping the future of responsible business practices.

Program Breakfast

For: Investors, scale-ups, and business executives
Date: Thursday, 21 November, 2024 | 9:00 – 11:00
Location: Helsinki Impact Lounge (Wheelchair Accessible)
Organisers: Helsinki Partners

Join for a breakfast session to hear more about several programs offered for international investors, scale-up founders, and business executives by Helsinki Partners.

Hear the stories and experiences of alumni from 90 Day Finn, Venture Nordics, and Founders to Finland. Decide whether one of these programs could be your way to exploring the opportunities in Helsinki.

Helsinki Startup Services: Accelerate Your Success

For: Startups
Date: Thursday, 21 November, 2024 | 12:00 – 14:00
Location: Helsinki Impact Lounge (Wheelchair Accessible)
Organisers: Business Helsinki

Open the doors to the startup world in Helsinki. We help you create valuable connections and to succeed as a startup founder. Turn to us if you are bringing your business to Finland, and we’ll help both you and your business find your footing here.

Come to meet us and learn more about Business Helsinki’s startup soft landing services and how the city acts as testbed for new innovations.

Sarita Runeberg, CEO of Maria 01 tells how the leading startup campus in the Nordics provides a thriving environment for ambitious early-stage startups.

You will also get an introduction to the city’s accelerators and incubators like Business Helsinki Accelerator, Urban Tech Helsinki, and Health Incubator Helsinki, to name a few.

Building a Winning Nordic Ecosystem for Impact Startups

For: Ecosystems builders, startups, investors
Date: Thursday, 21 November, 2024 | 14:30 – 16:00
Location: Helsinki Impact Lounge (Wheelchair Accessible)
Organisers: Business Helsinki, Stockholm Business Region, Oslo Business Region

Over the past decade, the Nordic impact startup scene has grown up. We have seen the first unicorns, even welcomed some decacorns, but we’ve also been faced with a changing financing climate. How do we keep momentum for Nordic impact startups?

What does it take to build a winning Nordic ecosystem for impact startups?

Join us to discuss how Nordic Countries should work more intensely together to make the Nordics the best place for scaling an impact startup.

European Values Mixer – Shaking Up Innovation

For: Investors, startups
Date: Thursday, 21 November, 2024 | 16:30 – 18:00
Location: Helsinki Impact Lounge (Wheelchair Accessible)
Organisers: Helsinki Partners, Choose Europe Network

Join us for “European Values Mixer,” a vibrant pre-party event that blends innovation with purpose! Sip on values-inspired mocktails and cocktails while connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries.

Together, we’ll celebrate the core principles of respect, diversity, collaboration, ethical innovation, and social responsibility—all before the official Slush after-party. Let’s shake up the future of business by choosing Europe!

Talent Acquisition Meets Helsinki!

For: HR professionals in Finland
Date: Wednesday, 20 November, 2024 | 9:00 – 11:00
Organisers: Helsinki Partners and Business Helsinki

Helsinki is the city for good life – and wonderful work opportunities. Find out how the City of Helsinki can help your company to stand out in international talent recruitment and retainment.

HR professional, join Helsinki Partners and the City of Helsinki to learn, discuss and network at the Helsinki Impact Lounge.

Other events

Cocktails and Connections – Powered by Helsinki Partners

For: International delegations
Date: Tuesday, 19 November, 2024
Organisers: Helsinki Partners

By invitation only. For more information, contact sami.haikio@helsinkipartners.com.

Explore Tokyo: The Ultimate Future Ground for Entrepreneurs

For: Startups, investors, accelerators
Date: Thursday, 21 November, 2024 | 13.30 – 15.00
Organiser: Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Supporting partner: Helsinki Partners
Location: Siipi Room 6, Partner Side Event Wing

Join us with “Explore Tokyo: The Ultimate Future Ground for Entrepreneurs,” a session designed mainly for startups interested in entering Japanese markets through collaboration with Japanese corporations.

The session will feature policy makers from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and 3 prominent corporates that are eager to collaborate with innovative startups.

This will be a great opportunity to understand the importance of Tokyo as a hub and entry-point to other Asian markets and why Tokyo should be your next destination.

You will also listen to a real-life example of Tokyo expansion from a Finnish startup and their Japanese counterpart.

Free services for international startups and investors in Helsinki

Beyond these headline events, the City of Helsinki offers a range of no-cost services to fuel your business growth.

Helsinki Partners supports international investors and companies eyeing the European or Nordic markets. Whether you’re a VC, LP, corporation, or scale-up, we’ll help you make the right connections and find essential information within Helsinki’s thriving business ecosystem.

Business Helsinki is your key to the local startup scene, aligning your company’s needs with their expansive network. They can help you navigate the networks and knowledge that Helsinki offers.

Slush isn’t just the world’s largest gathering of VCs and startups—it’s a week-long festival packed with hundreds of events citywide. For more official side events, head to the Slush website.

Meet our business advisors at Slush from 20–21 November at Messukeskus, Expo and Convention Centre, located at Messuaukio 1.