Slush, one of the world’s leading startup and tech conferences, has grown from a small gathering of Finnish entrepreneurs to a global movement fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in startups. Held annually in Helsinki, Finland, Slush has become a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from across the globe. The journey of Slush from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global innovation hub is a fascinating story of vision, community, and passion for technology.
The Beginnings: A Small Gathering of Entrepreneurs (2008)
The Slush conference began in 2008 when a group of entrepreneurs and students in Helsinki came together to create a platform for the fledgling startup ecosystem in Finland. This was during a time when Finland’s economy, heavily reliant on large companies like Nokia, was beginning to shift toward smaller, more agile ventures in technology and innovation. The founders of Slush sought to bring together the local startup community to network, share ideas, and find investors.
With just around 300 attendees, the first Slush was an intimate event where Finnish startups had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to local investors. Despite its small size, the energy and enthusiasm among the participants were palpable, and the organisers quickly realised that they had tapped into something bigger than they initially imagined. The name “Slush” itself reflects the grey and wintry weather typical of Helsinki in November, but it also symbolised the emergence of fresh ideas in the often difficult conditions of the startup world.
Early Growth and International Recognition (2011-2014)
Slush grew steadily over its first few years, but it was in 2011 that the conference began to attract international attention. This was largely due to Finland’s increasing importance in the tech and startup world, with companies like Supercell and Rovio (the creators of Angry Birds) making headlines globally. Finland’s reputation as a tech hub began to grow, and Slush positioned itself as the key event that showcased the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit coming out of the region.
By 2012, Slush had attracted more than 3,000 participants, and international investors and startups began to take notice. In 2013, Slush hosted its first high-profile keynote speaker, Shervin Pishevar, a prominent Silicon Valley investor. This marked a turning point for Slush, as it started to transition from a regional event to an international platform. The number of attendees and investors continued to climb, and Slush became a key meeting point for tech innovators, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs looking for funding and collaboration.
The Breakthrough: Slush Goes Global (2015-2018)
The years between 2015 and 2018 marked a period of rapid growth for Slush, both in terms of size and global impact. By 2015, the conference had grown to more than 15,000 participants, attracting thousands of startups and investors from across the world. Slush had firmly established itself as Europe’s leading startup event, bringing together people from over 100 countries. In 2016, the event continued to break records, with 17,500 attendees and more than 2,300 startups, and saw participation from high-profile speakers such as former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and the founder of Skype, Niklas Zennström.
One of the key factors that drove this explosive growth was Slush’s commitment to creating a highly curated and meaningful event experience. The organisers emphasised matchmaking between startups and investors, hosting hundreds of pitch competitions, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings. By 2017, more than 1,700 investors attended Slush, including major venture capital firms from Silicon Valley and other key global tech hubs.
Slush was also known for its unique ambiance—its dark, atmospheric lighting, combined with a wintery setting and a festival-like vibe, created an unforgettable experience for participants. This distinctive atmosphere helped Slush stand out from other tech events, which were often held in more conventional settings. The sense of community and shared passion for innovation was palpable at every edition of Slush, making it a standout experience in the global conference circuit.
Expanding Beyond Finland: Slush in Asia and Beyond (2015-Present)
Slush’s ambitions grew beyond Helsinki as its influence expanded. In 2015, the organisers took the event overseas for the first time, launching Slush Asia in Tokyo. The goal was to replicate the spirit of the Helsinki event in other parts of the world, bringing together local and global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. The success of Slush Asia prompted further expansion, with Slush Shanghai debuting in 2016, followed by events in Singapore and other cities in Asia.
The Slush brand became synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven energy. Each new iteration of Slush maintained the core values of supporting early-stage startups while catering to the specific needs of the region it was hosted in. These global events helped further establish Slush as a major player in the global startup ecosystem, and it strengthened connections between European and Asian startup communities.
Slush Today: A Global Platform for Innovation
Today, Slush is more than just an annual conference—it’s a global movement that supports entrepreneurship through a variety of initiatives, including Slush Academy and Slush Ventures. The Academy provides educational programmes and mentorship for entrepreneurs, while Slush Ventures facilitates connections between startups and investors throughout the year.
In recent years, Slush has also played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship. Many of the keynote speeches and panel discussions at Slush focus on sustainability, climate change, and the social responsibility of tech companies. The organisers have made efforts to ensure that Slush leads by example, reducing the environmental impact of the event and promoting green technologies.
By 2023, Slush attracted over 25,000 attendees, including more than 4,000 startups and 2,000 investors. The event’s influence continues to grow, attracting leading figures from tech, finance, and policy-making. The Slush stage has been graced by global innovators like Daniel Ek (Spotify), Marc Benioff (Salesforce), and Jyrki Katainen (former Finnish Prime Minister), all sharing their insights on entrepreneurship and technology.
The Future of Slush
Looking forward, Slush aims to remain at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. With technology continuing to disrupt industries and reshape economies, Slush’s role in connecting startups with capital, expertise, and mentorship is more critical than ever. The Slush team remains committed to supporting early-stage ventures, fostering global connections, and promoting sustainable, responsible entrepreneurship.
Slush’s rise from a small local gathering to a global platform is a testament to the power of community, vision, and perseverance. By providing a space for innovators to collaborate and showcase their ideas, Slush has contributed significantly to the growth of the global startup ecosystem—and it shows no signs of slowing down.