Slush 2022: “Where has the future gone?”

Like in previous years, the focus is primarily on dealmaking: According to the organizers, 4,600 early-stage startup founders meet 2,600 investors, making Slush the world’s largest concentration of venture capital. And visitors can even follow at least one deal live: The winner of the Slush 100 pitching competition receives an investment of 1 million euros from five renowned investors. (Image: Julius Konttinen)

Despite all the lights in the halls and the positive prospects, Slush begins in darkness: In their welcome address, Slush CEOs Eerika Savolainen and Mikko Mäntylä pose the question “Where has the future gone?”. Because instead of all the things we imagined for the future just last year, we find ourselves in a present full of crises. Yet they are also confident that technological development will lead to solutions here, pointing to progress in areas such as biotech and energy security. The mission to the startups and investors gathered in Helsinki is thus formulated. (Image: Riikka Vaahtera)

For Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (right), it is clear: Europe must become more independent. For her, it doesn’t matter whether it concerns energy, raw materials, or high technology. Democratic states must no longer find themselves in positions where they can be blackmailed by autocracies. She also emphasizes that the necessary investments must be made now, as it takes a few years for them to take effect and, for example, for a microchip factory in Europe to produce at a globally top level. Furthermore, she sees governments as responsible for creating an innovation-friendly environment. You can follow the Slush stage program on YouTube live. (Image: Petri Anttila)

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, four startups represent the Munich ecosystem: Farminsect, Fernride, Justt, and Mily Technologies. At the joint stand of Startup Champions (Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Berlin), they compete for the attention of trade fair visitors and take the opportunity to meet with investors gathered in Helsinki. On the evening of the first day of the trade fair, they then pitch at an exclusive side event before a selected audience. (Image: Munich Startup)

Opposite the Munich Startup stand, German startups pitch on the German Pitching Stage. For two days, founders present themselves and their ideas here. With around 30 square meters more space than in the previous year, organizers around AHK Finland have created another hotspot at the trade fair. (Image: Munich Startup)

Of course, many other ecosystems also take the opportunity to present themselves: Representatives from France, Switzerland, Poland, Ireland, and even from Fukuoka, Japan populate the exhibition hall. Milan goes even a step further: The Italian metropolis covers Helsinki’s digital advertising spaces with a variety of advertisements. (Image: Munich Startup)