Venture Nordics
A unique and effective opportunity for International Fund Managers and LPs interested in setting up their operations in the Nordics or investing in the Finnish VC funds.
Venture Nordics Program
Applications open until August 18th – secure your spot!
Join the ultimate value add program for investors to efficiently explore Europe’s most innovative high-performing tech ecosystem at Slush.
The program takes place in Helsinki, Finland on November 15th – 21st.
About the program
What is the Venture Nordics Program?
Now in it’s second edition, Venture Nordics is a 7-Day program for international VCs and LPs interested in exploring the opportunities in the New Nordics. The program includes a series of exclusive networking events, introductions to Finnish LPs and VCs, curated meetings with high performing startups and scale-ups from Helsinki and a free ticket to Slush 2024.
Elevate your impact
Why apply to Venture Nordics?
Join the world’s largest gathering of VC
Program participants will get a free ticket to the largest gathering of venture capital in the world gathering over $3 trillion in assets.
Free Slush Investor Pass
Enjoy a complimentary Slush Investor Pass, granting you access to the exclusive Day 0 – Investor Day. Additionally, you will gain access to the NODE by Slush platform.
Exclusive side events
Step into elite gatherings and private events. Engage with industry leaders in intimate settings, perfect for making lasting connections.
Meet Nordic LPs
Get introduced to key Nordic Limited Partners. Build relationships with influential investors driving the region’s venture capital scene.
Connect with local VCs
Expand your network with local venture capitalists. Explore unique opportunities and insights from the Nordic ecosystem.
Cultural immersion
Dive deep into the vibrant culture that created Slush. Experience firsthand the innovative spirit and collaborative energy that make it a global phenomenon.
Maximise your efficiency and impact
Optimise your time and efforts at Slush. Leverage curated sessions and personalised introductions to make every moment count.
Build a highly relevant network in just 7 days
Become part of an elite group of alumni. Build a powerful, supportive peer network that extends beyond the event, fostering long-term growth and collaboration.
Apply for Venture Nordics Program, today!
The application period for the program runs until August 18, 2024. Selected candidates will be interviewed between August 19 and August 30, 2024. Final confirmations and contract signings will take place from August 31 to September 8, 2024. The onsite program in Helsinki is scheduled for November 15-21, 2024.
Read more in Terms & Conditions
About the program
Meet the Venture Nordics alumni
This is the second edition of the program. The first edition had 9 participants – 7 international VCs and 2 international LPs – managing a total AUM of around 12 billion euros. Of the 9 participants, 6 stated that the program exceeded their expectations.
November 15–21
Venture Nordics Program 2024 – Slush edition
We’ve crafted an engaging 7-day program, designed to equip you with all the essentials for launching your VC and investing in Finland, while connecting you with a highly relevant network to ease your market entry.
Arrival to Helsinki
Day 0 | Nov 14
Get ready to embark on an adventure that sets the stage for an immersive program.
Welcome to Helsinki
Day 1 | Nov 15
This day begins with a warm welcome at our Helsinki office, followed by a roundtable with some of the notorious LPs in Finland and a networking sessions with the local VCs.
Cottage weekend
Day 2–3 | Nov 16–17
Enjoy the ultimate Finnish experience, a weekend retreat to a cottage, complete with sauna, swimming in the ice-cold water, and good company.
Deep-tech deep-dive
Day 4 | Nov 18
Explore Finland’s innovative ecosystem by meeting Helsinki-based successful deep-tech scale-ups and organisations dedicated to this field.
Investor Day at Slush
Day 5 | Nov 19
Investor Day aims to connect investors through peer-to-peer roundtables, venture-focused stage programs, pre-booked meetings, and free-form networking. In the evening we’ll guide you to curated events in Helsinki, tailored to align with your goals.
Slush 2024
Day 6–7 | Nov 20–21
Enjoy complimentary access to Slush 2024, world’s largest venture capital gathering and end up the days with curated side-events by us.
*We reserve the right to adjust the program’s dates and content, always ensuring the core essence remains the same for an enriching experience.
“Given the venture ecosystem’s rapid development and strong foundations, it’s impressive how stakeholders’ positive drive attracts more attention and capital. Despite the lack of growth capital, the fund sizes here are ideal for scalability and returns, avoiding the performance drag of larger funds.”
Rahul Rajani
Partner, Manerama Capital
“The Venture Nordics program was absolutely wonderful. Each day was unique and valuable, making our time here both professionally productive and personally enjoyable. We couldn’t have asked for more.”
Vivek Dogra
Co-founder and General Partner, Defossilisation Development Fund
Still not convinced?
3 reasons to invest in Helsinki
22% IRR
VC funds are outperforming the European comparison with a 22% annual return of a TVPI of 2.9x and a DPI of 1.3 funds (inception 2009–2015)
TESI, 2023
€48B
Helsinki startups are worth €48B, up 2.9x since 2018.
Dealroom, 2023
2.7 unicorns / million citizens
The New Nordics are generating 2,7 Unicorns per million citizens, ratio that is the highest outside of silicon valley
A Guide to Nordic Innovation Europe’s Unicorn Factory, 2021
Free ticket to Slush 2024
Based in Helsinki, Slush annually hosts the world’s leading startup event bringing together a curated crowd of European startups, world-class investors, and tech journalists. Participants will receive a free ticket to Slush and exclusive side events.
Assistance with travel documents.
Our dedicated team will guide you through the visa application process and assist with any travel documentation needed, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to Finland.
Support in establishing operations or investing in Finnish funds.
Leverage our expert business advisors’ services and resources to set up your operations seamlessly in Finland or make informed investments in promising Finnish funds, benefiting from our deep local market knowledge.
A unique Finnish cottage getaway experience, including accommodation, food, drinks, and transport.
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Finland with a stay at a traditional cottage, complete with authentic Finnish cuisine, beverages, and convenient transportation arrangements for a holistic cultural experience.
Public transport passes and local SIM data during the program.
Navigate Helsinki with ease using complimentary public transport passes, and stay connected with a local SIM card providing ample data, ensuring you’re always just a call or click away from what you need.
Travel costs
Participants are responsible for their travel to Finland, allowing them the flexibility to choose their preferred airline and travel itinerary. Although we assist with the visa process, any fees associated with visas or other travel documents are the responsibility of the participants.
Accommodation costs in Finland
While we facilitate a great stay, the cost of hotels or other accommodations during your time in Finland is not covered by the program.
Living expenses
Everyday expenses such as meals, recreational activities, and personal expenses in Finland will need to be managed by the participants themselves
Application period: till 18 August2024
Selection and interview period: 19 – 30 August 2024
Final confirmation with contracts signing: 31 August – 8 September 2024
Onsite program in Helsinki: 15 – 21 November, 2024
Helsinki Partners will choose 3 – 10 participants upon its sole discretion in 2024. The chosen participants are informed during August 2024, after which the chosen participants will be interviewed.
The purpose of the interview is to further evaluate the suitability of each participant and ensure that the participant is suitable for the goals and target group of the Venture Nordics program.
The Venture Nordics programme onsite part shall take place during 15 – 21 November 2024.
There is no cost for the program.
The program is sponsored by the City of Helsinki. Participants cover their travel, living, and personal expenses.
Helsinki is an affordable and well-connected city. The local bus, tram, train, and metro system cover the whole city and the centre is very walkable. You can easily manage your life without a car. However, for day trips you can easily rent a car or use a car-share service.
You can find more information about life in Helsinki below:
At Helsinki Partners, we match people with opportunities. We are more than happy to support you in expanding your VC operations to Finland or in investing in a Finnish fund, even if you’re not selected for the program.
We provide free-of-charge, customised services to international VCs aiming for long-term growth or fund operations in the Nordics, particularly those eyeing expansion and establishment in Finland. Additionally, we assist international LPs interested in investing in Finland by providing relevant data from Finland and connecting them with the local VCs. Read more about this on LP & Funds services page.
Contact info
If you have any questions about the program or about setting up or investing in a fund in the Nordics– you can find the relevant contact details below. We’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
Panu Maulaheimo
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives
LPs & Funds
panu.maulaheimo(at)helsinkipartners.com
+358 40 669 3888
Tian Yu
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives
LPs & Funds
tian.yu(at)helsinkipartners.com
+358 45 225 8618
Apply for the Venture Nordics Program
Join the ultimate value add program for investors to efficiently explore Europe’s most innovative high-performing tech ecosystem at Slush.
Now in it’s second edition, Venture Nordics is a 7-Day program for international VCs and LPs interested in exploring the opportunities in the New Nordics. The program includes a series of exclusive networking events, introductions to Finnish LPs and VCs, curated meetings with high performing startups and scale-ups from Helsinki and a free ticket to Slush 2024.
Why Leo Capital moved to Helsinki
Founded in Singapore, venture capital investor Leo Capital took the leap in 2023 to expand to Europe. Helsinki won over co-founder Shwetank Verma and Europe-based Partner, Henry Goodwin. Read Leo Capital’s Helsinki success story and learn how they are helping Finnish startups go global.