Slush

What Slush does

Slush is a Finnish not-for-profit organization founded in 2008 and headquartered in Helsinki, operating what it positions as the world's most founder-focused startup event and largest venture capital gathering. The organization is owned by the Startup Foundation and reinvests profits into the Finnish startup ecosystem. Its flagship Slush Main Event takes place annually at Messukeskus in Helsinki (Nov 18-19, 2026), attracting approximately 5,800 startups, 3,300 investors representing €4T in AUM, and 2,100 partners/ecosystem builders, totaling 12,000+ attendees and facilitating 25,000+ pre-booked meetings.

The organization's core technology is the Slush Platform, built 100% in-house, comprising the Meeting Tool (enabling 1:1 meeting booking at 400+ tables with 25-minute sessions), the Activity Tool (browsing 600+ side events), the Stage Program, two-way Google Calendar sync, an in-app indoor map, and AI-powered meeting recommendations. Beyond the annual event, Slush 365 delivers monthly Matchmaking Sprints that connected 493 startups with VCs and CVCs in 2025. Supporting offerings include Investor Day (2,000+ investors, LP-GP matchmaking), Slush 100 startup competition, Founders Day, the Venture Client Track (hosted with 27pilots), the Slush Forest sustainability initiative (51 hectares protecting 133.4 tCO2e annually), and research publications including the Impact Report and Startup Struggle Survey.

Slush's revenue model combines tiered ticket sales (Startup Pass €395, Investor Pass €1,195, Thursday Pass €595, Ecosystem Pass €1,195, with free Media accreditation), tiered corporate partnerships (Main, Key, Supporting, Production), and application-based startup registration. Main Partners include Nordea (9 consecutive years), Google, and A2A Life Ventures; Key Partners include AWS, Stripe, VTT, and Aalto University. Top-tier VC attendees include Sequoia, a16z, Accel, Index Ventures, General Catalyst, ICONIQ, and IVP, with LPs including Mubadala, Temasek, Wellcome Trust, and Oxford University Endowment. The organization operates with a lean core team of 11-50 employees supplemented by 1,700+ volunteers for the annual event.

Name

Slush

Legal name

Slush Oy

Website

https://slush.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Slush is a Finnish not-for-profit organization that operates the world's leading annual startup event in Helsinki and a proprietary in-house platform for startup-investor matchmaking, serving 12,000+ attendees, 3,500+ investors managing €4T in AUM, and 50+ corporate partners across the global startup ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Conference & Investor Matchmaking Platform

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums (MPAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Meeting & Conference Planning & Coordination (HSACADAA), Conference & Trade Show Registration Platforms (THAHAFAB)

Keywords

• Startup conference events
• Venture capital matchmaking
• Startup investor networking
• Founder ecosystem platform
• Tech industry conferences

Headquarters

HQ city

Helsinki

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Slush generates revenue through tiered ticket sales: Startup Pass (€395), Investor Pass (€1,195), Thursday Pass (€595), Ecosystem Pass (€1,195), and media accreditation. Slush is a not-for-profit organization, with profits going to Startup Foundation to support other ecosystem initiatives.
2. Startup Applications: Revenue from application fees for startup and investor pass approvals, though ticket purchases are separate. Companies must apply and be approved before purchasing tickets.
3. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship: Partnership tiers include Main Partners (e.g., Nordea for 9 years, Google), Key Partners (AWS, Stripe, VTT), Supporting Partners (PwC, Dealroom, EIB, EIC), and Production Partners. Partners receive booth access, speaking slots, investor speed dating hosting opportunities, and branding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Slush organizes and operates the world's leading annual startup conference held in Helsinki, complemented by a proprietary in-house digital platform that facilitates startup-investor matchmaking. The core event draws 12,000+ attendees, supports 25,000+ pre-booked 1-on-1 meetings, and brings together investors managing €4T in assets under management, with year-round engagement through Slush 365 Matchmaking Sprints connecting startups to VCs monthly.

Product overview

Slush is a not-for-profit organization operating a flagship annual startup event in Helsinki alongside a comprehensive year-round platform. The core offering consists of the Slush Main Event (November 18-19, the world's largest startup-focused gathering with 12,000+ attendees) combined with the Slush Platform (100% in-house built, featuring Meeting Tool, Activity Tool, Stage Program, calendar sync, and in-app map). Year-round services include Slush 365 matchmaking sprints connecting startups with investors monthly, the Slush Startup Database for deal sourcing, and research publications including the Impact Report and Startup Struggle Survey. Supporting events include Investor Day (€4T AUM gathering), Slush 100 startup competition, Venture Client Track, Founders Day, and 600+ Side Events during Slush Week. The organization also operates the Slush Forest sustainability initiative offsetting 308 tonnes CO₂ annually through protected Finnish forests.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Slush365: Year-round offering providing matchmaking sprints and resources for startups to connect with investors throughout the year.
• Investor Day
• Slush 100
• Founders Day

Products and services

• Slush Main Event The world's most founder-focused event and largest venture capital gathering held annually in Helsinki. Features 12,000+ attendees, 25,000+ pre-booked 1-on-1 meetings, €4T AUM represented by attending investors, 200+ speakers, and 600+ side events. Slush 2026 attendance includes 5,800 startups, 3,300 investors, and 2,100 partners and ecosystem builders.
• Investor Day Exclusive investor-only gathering on Day 0 (Nov 17) at Finlandia Hall, featuring stage talks, roundtable discussions, LP x GP matchmaking sessions, and 2,000+ venture investors representing €4T in VC assets under management.
• Founders Day
• Slush 100 Startup competition within the Slush event, providing emerging founders opportunity to pitch to investors, journalists, and partners on the Startup Stage.
• Venture Client Track
• Slush 365 Matchmaking Sprints
• Slush Platform

Quantifiable outcome

• Slush-participating startups are 3.5x more likely to raise funding compared to comparable peer companies (based on 2,100 startups tracked 2022-2024 vs 230,000 peer companies)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, minor and supporting.

• NordeaflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025Nordea has been a Main Partner for nine consecutive years. As Finland's largest bank, Nordea supports startups through matchmaking with investors via Investor Speed Dating events, startup financing experts at booth, and annual Investor Day Dinner. Their Startup & Growth teams specialize in serving high-growth companies. Partnership exemplifies Nordea's commitment to Nordic entrepreneurship and innovation.
• HuhtamakicoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025Huhtamaki has been Sustainability Partner for three consecutive years. Provided circular packaging solutions at Slush 2025: 30,000+ fiber-based foodservice items and 110,000 Slush-branded fiber cups collected and recycled at Stora Enso's Varkaus Recycling Mill, achieving true closed-loop model.
• 27pilotscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 November 2025Hosts Venture Client Track for fifth year, bridging global corporates and startups. Corporate partners include Siemens, Equinor, Holcim, Helm, OTTO, Lufthansa, Rehau. In 2025 launching first-ever Venture Client Summit - invite-only event on Nov 18 for operational leaders from advanced Venture Client Units.
• A2A Life VenturesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025A2A Life Ventures, Italy's leading Life Company, is Main Partner for second consecutive year. Managing Italy's largest climate innovation fund (€200M). Showcases ventures driving energy transition at booth with expert panels on climate tech, AI, and corporate venture building. Hosts community side event.
• StripecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025Stripe provides financial infrastructure helping startups build fast with no-code payments and monetization tools. Team at booth near Founder Stage for one-on-one discussions, speaking session for founders and operators, informal lunch with Stripe leaders.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025AWS booth at Slush with one-on-one sessions with solutions architects, go-to-market best practices, VC partner connections, and access to up to $100,000 in Activate credits. Nordic startup ecosystem represents one of Europe's most dynamic innovation hubs per AWS.
• GoogleflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle is listed as a Main Partner in Slush's partner ecosystem, providing technology and marketing support to the event.
• Aalto UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAalto University is a Key Partner, collaborating on startup ecosystem development. The partnership focuses on innovation transfer and commercializing research. University has invested up to €10 million through internal PE fund in businesses originating at the university.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAWS is a Key Partner providing up to $100,000 in Activate credits for startups, one-on-one sessions with solutions architects, go-to-market best practices with startup experts, and VC partner connections. AWS has supported 330,000+ startups globally.
• VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVTT is a Key Partner and Europe's leading research organization with deep tech incubator. VTT LaunchPad develops fundable spin-off ventures. In 2024, 15% of all equity capital funding raised by Finnish startups (€207M) was secured by VTT startups across 16 companies.
• StripecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStripe is a Key Partner providing financial infrastructure for startups. Offers no-code payments, billing solutions, and tax tools. Stripe powers many European AI leading companies. Team available at booth near Founder Stage for one-on-one discussions.
• University of HelsinkicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity is a Partner showcasing innovations from multiple research fields. Has generated 30+ research-based spinouts worth €330 million and 300+ jobs. Organizes Y Science side event for life science innovation and InvestEd for education technology.
• Jylhä Logistics OyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLogistics partner using renewable liquefied biogas (LBG) trucks reducing greenhouse gas emissions by ~90% compared to fossil fuels. Committed to carbon neutrality and promoting sustainable event logistics.
• Stora EnsominorGTM or Marketing PartnerProduction partner providing fiber recycling services. Partnered with Huhtamaki to recycle 110,000 Slush-branded fiber cups into new packaging materials at Varkaus Recycling Mill.
• PwCsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner providing professional services expertise to the ecosystem.
• EIB (European Investment Bank)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner representing European public lending institution supporting innovation and startups.
• EIC (European Innovation Council)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner representing EU program supporting deeptech and innovation.
• DealroomsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting Partner providing startup database and analytics used for company discovery and ecosystem intelligence.
• Helsinki PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHelsinki Partners hosts LP x GP Matchmaking Lounge at Investor Day, Venture Nordics Program bringing 12 international investors to experience Helsinki ecosystem, and various investor-related activities during Slush week.
• Business HelsinkisupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness Helsinki showcases services for domestic and international startups during Slush week. Organizes side events in education and health tech sectors, including New Nordics Health Tech Matchmaking with Health Incubator Helsinki and Terkko Health Hub.
• City of HelsinkicoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCity partnership focuses on attracting international talent and new businesses to Helsinki. Slush serves as entry point to Finland for many international startups and investors. Partnership rooted in Slush's student-driven origins now grown into global phenomenon.
• SiemenscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. Shares insights on Venture Clienting and technologies scouting.
• EquinorcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. Norwegian energy company scouting startup innovations.
• HolcimcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. Building materials company exploring sustainable construction innovations.
• LufthansacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. Aviation company scouting innovation in travel and logistics.
• HelmcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. German retail and wholesale company exploring innovations.
• OTTOcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. Japanese e-commerce company scouting startup partnerships.
• RehaucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner in Venture Client Track hosted by 27pilots. Polymer solutions company exploring innovations.
• Finnish Natural Heritage FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for Slush Forest initiative protecting endangered Finnish forests. Sites include Muhos Kanasuo (27 hectares), Ylöjärvi Isomäki (9 hectares), Joensuu Tuupovaara Mustalampi (15 hectares). Capturing 133.4 tCO2e annually.
• Pure WasteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMerchandise partner using 99% less water and producing 50% less CO2 compared to virgin materials for Slush merchandise.
• Imperfect IndustriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner that carefully inspects, cleans and restores second-hand t-shirts for Slush merchandise sustainability.
• Helsinki PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner hosting LP x GP Matchmaking Sessions at Investor Day. Bringing together LPs and GPs for targeted networking during speed dating sessions.

Scale indicators31 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TechCrunch (Disrupt): TechCrunch Disrupt is the US-centric counterpart to Slush, featuring the Startup Battlefield competition, founder-investor meetings, and tiered ticket access. Both target the same startup-investor-media audience and compete for attention and sponsorship budgets from top-tier VCs and global tech brands.
• Collision Conference: Collision is Web Summit's North American startup conference brand that competes directly with Slush for the same attendee personas and partner dollars. It mirrors Slush's startup-investor ratio emphasis and curates similar programming around founder-investor matchmaking.
• Founders Forum: Founders Forum is an invite-only executive tech conference serving a similar investor-founder-corporate audience as Slush's Investor Day and curated main event; both monetize via premium corporate partnerships rather than mass ticket sales.
• Web Summit: Web Summit is the largest direct competitor to Slush, organizing flagship tech conferences (Web Summit in Lisbon, Collision in Toronto/Vancouver, Money 20/20) that similarly bring together startups, investors, and media. Both operate event platforms, sell tiered passes, secure marquee corporate partnerships, and curate high-density startup-investor interactions; Slush is the European-focused counterpart with deeper proprietary software ownership.
• 4YFN (Four Years From Now): 4YFN is the Mobile World Congress startup event that, like Slush, runs a curated startup-investor program with tiered passes, partner-driven side events, and a proprietary matchmaking/registration platform; both target early-stage founders seeking direct capital and enterprise access.
• Money 20/20: Money 20/20 is a Web Summit-owned fintech conference that competes for similar enterprise and investor sponsorship budgets as Slush and overlaps in serving financial VCs, corporate venture arms, and high-growth fintech startups (like those on the Slush Startup Stage).
• Pioneers Festival: Pioneers is an Austria-based startup and deep-tech event organizer that directly competes with Slush in the European founder-investor conference space with similar curated matchmaking, partner-supported side events, and tiered ticket/access models.
• TechOpenAir (TOA): TOA is a Berlin-based tech and startup conference that competes with Slush for European startup-investor attention, offering similar speaker programming, side events, and partnership-driven revenue models in the same ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• CES (Consumer Electronics Show): CES is the incumbent global technology conference with a significantly broader hardware/enterprise scope than Slush, but it competes for the same tier-one enterprise and tech sponsor partners (Google, AWS, etc.) and offers similar startup-investor matchmaking programs (Eureka Park).
• SXSW (South by Southwest): SXSW is a much larger, broader festival (music, film, tech, gaming) but is comparable to Slush in being a major hub for startup-investor networking, brand activation, and curated programming; both monetize via tiered passes and corporate sponsorships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SlushHQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/SlushHQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/slush

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Slush