After Austin comes Helsinki: Munich Haus is stopping by Slush on November 18, 2026. Our side event brings together the startup ecosystems from Munich and Helsinki, relying on a mix of targeted networking, startup pitches, and Oktoberfest atmosphere. There’s even a genuine pair of lederhosen to be won.
The idea behind the event is simple: instead of non-committal small talk, participants are encouraged to make valuable connections. Ensuring this happens are the two hosts, Flora Geske and Till Kaestner, who will connect founders, investors, and other players from both startup ecosystems.
The most important house rule: before the first beer is finished, a promising new connection should already be made. Whoever is particularly successful at networking gets one step closer to winning a pair of lederhosen.
From SXSW to Slush
The Munich Haus celebrated its premiere in March 2026 at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. More than 1,000 people attended the event in a single day. The goal was to bring the Munich startup scene together with the local tech community in Austin.
From the very beginning, the concept focused on personal encounters rather than traditional conference formats. Under the motto “Connecting Hubs. Brewing Innovation.”, a meeting place emerged for international founders, investors, and tech experts.
Following its debut in Austin, the Munich Haus is now set to show in Helsinki as well how international startup ecosystems can be connected in an uncomplicated way.
Startup Pitches Meet Oktoberfest
At Slush, the concept is getting a new stage. Startups from Munich and Helsinki present their ideas and explain not only what they are working on, but also what kind of support they need. The audience can connect directly, broker introductions, and kick off potential collaborations.
Once again, the two initiators of the Munich Haus will ensure the right encounters. Till Kaestner is a serial founder and former Managing Director of LinkedIn in the DACH region. He relies on the power of personal networks and introductions through mutual acquaintances.
Flora Geske is the founder of Munich-based AI and govtech company Summ AI. She brings her experience from the startup scene and her network to connect people with shared interests and complementary skills.
Munich connects internationally
What began as a joint project by Kaestner and Geske is developing into an international networking format. After Austin, Helsinki is the next stop.
The Munich Haus at Slush is made possible by Munich Startup and supported by Werk1. Together, we want to strengthen the international visibility of the Munich startup ecosystem and build new connections between European tech hubs.
And anyone who takes home not just new contacts but also a real pair of lederhosen by the end of the night is unlikely to forget the evening anytime soon.
