Slush — Helsinki, Finland 2026
Overview
Slush, a not-for-profit organization owned by the Startup Foundation, is the world’s leading startup event on a mission to inspire, help, and collide founders with the resources to change the world, gathering over 6,000 startups, 3,500 investors, and 1,700 ecosystem builders in Helsinki for tangible company-building advice and high-impact networking. Founded in 2008 as a 250-person gathering by students and recent graduates, the 2026 edition will continue its legacy of relevance over scale, featuring iconic speakers like Anton Osika of Lovable and Vlad Tenev of Robinhood, across four stages with hands-on insights into growth, venture, and innovation, all supercharged by the in-house Slush Platform for meetings and activities.
As a human accelerator run by the next generation with 1,600 volunteers, Slush extends beyond the event through Slush Online for year-round matchmaking and Slush’D for global ecosystem building, ensuring diverse representation and actionable value for attendees from 100+ countries. The event’s curated crowd—70% startups or investors—fosters 20,000+ meetings via 400+ pre-bookable tables and access to 600+ side events during Slush Week, emphasizing curiosity, trust, and crazy ambition in line with its values. Slush 2026 will highlight pressing themes like diverse entrepreneurship and risk-taking for societal impact, drawing $4T AUM under one roof with one VC per two founders, denser than Silicon Valley. Committed to sustainability and inclusion, it offers discounted tickets for women in tech and youth programs like The Next 750, while reducing ecological footprint through local sourcing and waste minimization, making it the most founder-focused gathering on the planet.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Iconic keynotes and stage talks from top founders and investors across four stages, including Investor Day and hands-on mentoring sessions.
- Special Traditions or Features: Founders Day for startup-only networking, Slush Afterparty, and Investor Office Hours; thought leadership on company-building with no fluff, plus the Slush 100 showcase.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: 20,000+ facilitated meetings via the Meeting Tool, 600+ Helsinki-wide side events, and the Activity Tool for discovering legendary community-hosted activities.
Why Attend
Slush 2026 is the ultimate collision point for Europe’s startup ecosystem, where 13,000+ curated attendees—including a $4T AUM investor density—forge partnerships, secure funding, and gain no-fluff advice from legends like Lucy Liu of Airwallex, turning two days into a month’s worth of breakthroughs that propel founders to global impact. With tools like the Slush Platform enabling precise matchmaking and side events sparking magic, participants—whether nascent entrepreneurs or scaleup operators—leave equipped with strategies for durable companies, diverse teams, and extraordinary risks, making it an indispensable accelerator for changing the world through tech.
The event’s intimate yet electric vibe, backed by 1,600 volunteers, ensures high relevance and serendipitous connections unattainable at larger conferences. Rooted in a decade-long vision from Entrepreneurship Redefined, Slush emphasizes solving pressing problems with societal buy-in, offering exclusive perks like pre-event announcements and ecosystem data for informed decisions. For investors, it’s the world’s largest venture gathering with dense founder access; for startups, a launchpad with mentoring and visibility; and for all, a celebration of curiosity and care in a sustainable, inclusive setting that inspires the next generation of builders amid Helsinki’s innovative spirit.
Date & Duration
- Dates: November 18–19, 2026
- Duration: 2 days
Venue / Location
- City: Helsinki, Finland
- Main Venue: Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki
- Google Maps Address: Messukeskus Helsinki
- Additional Notes: Central expo hall; no shipments accepted at the address.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via the official Slush website; team purchases and discounts for women in tech/youth available.
- Admission Type: Paid
- Ticket Price Range: $430–$1,200 USD (converted from €395–€1,095; minimum to maximum, depending on pass type)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Investor and Scaleup passes include exclusive side events and database access; Founders Day requires application.
Booking with Euro Travelo
- Looking to attend Slush 2026 hassle-free?
- Euro Travelo can secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish.
- The team specializes in seamless experiences for international visitors attending business conferences, trade shows, or cultural festivals across Europe.
- Contact: Reach out to Euro Travelo to book tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: hello@slush.org (general inquiries); tickets@slush.org (tickets); investors@slush.org (investors); startups@slush.org (startups)
- Phone: Not specified; use contact form on website.
- Website: slush.org
- Social Media: @SlushHQ (Instagram, Twitter), Slush (LinkedIn)
- Key Staff: Aino Bergius (CEO); Elin Dölker (President); contact via specific emails for roles.
- Press/Volunteers: media@slush.org (press); volunteer applications through the site.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English/Finnish support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL), 20 km, 30-min train or 25-min drive.
- Public Transport: I/P trains to Messukeskus station (direct from airport, €5); trams 7/9; buses 23/30.
- Parking: On-site for 2,000 vehicles (€15/day); accessible spaces with permit.
- Private Vehicle Drop-off/Pick-up: Designated areas at entrances; taxi/Uber from HEL €40.
- Visa Support: Schengen visa if required; invitation letters via tickets@slush.org post-registration.
Accommodation Options
- Scandic Park Helsinki: Modern hotel near expo, ideal for networking. Fastest route: 10-minute walk to Messukeskus.
- Hotel Kämp: Luxury historic option in city center. Fastest route: 15-minute tram to venue.
- Glo Hotel Helsinki Airport: Convenient for early arrivals. Fastest route: 30-minute train to Messukeskus.
- Booking Partner: Official partners like Visit Helsinki offer exclusive rates at 300+ properties, group deals, and shuttles. Contact: slush@visithelsinki.fi.
- Accessible Accommodations: Partners provide adapted rooms; contact for mobility support and inclusive options.
Reviews
- “Slush 2025 was a founder’s dream—dense investor access and life-changing meetings!” — Startup CEO
- “From stages to side events, it’s pure ecosystem magic in Helsinki’s cool vibe.” — VC Partner
- “Actionable advice and global connections; the most relevant tech event hands down.” — Entrepreneur
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the main focus of Slush 2026?
Slush 2026 focuses on empowering founders to change the world through inspiration, hands-on help, and collisions with investors/mentors, hosting 6,000+ startups and 3,500+ VCs with $4T AUM for 20,000+ meetings and iconic talks. Curated for relevance, it features Founders Day, Investor Day, and 600+ side events via the Slush Platform. Attendees gain tangible advice on building diverse, impactful companies tackling global challenges. It's the densest VC-founder gathering, run by students with volunteer energy.
How accessible is the Messukeskus venue?
Messukeskus is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, braille signage, and wheelchair seating; audio/sign language for sessions on request. Trains/trams have low-floor access; parking and shuttles for mobility needs. Contact hello@slush.org for companion passes or aids. App includes navigation filters; Slush promotes inclusion with diverse programming and youth discounts.
How can I avoid ticket fraud for Slush 2026?
Buy only via slush.org for verified tickets; avoid resellers. Use secure payments and confirm via official emails. Partners like Euro Travelo offer safe group bookings. Report suspicious sites to tickets@slush.org. Early purchase prevents scarcity scams, with 80% sold out historically.
What are the transportation options to Messukeskus?
From HEL Airport, I/P train to Messukeskus (30 mins, €5); taxis/Uber €40 (25 mins); trams 7/9 from center (€3). On-site parking €15/day; bike rentals encouraged. Group shuttles via partners; app provides real-time updates. Sustainable public transport aligns with Slush's eco-goals.
Can I extend my stay in Helsinki after Slush?
Yes, partners arrange extensions at discounted rates to explore saunas, design districts, and archipelago. Add days for seamless blending of business and leisure. Inclusive tours via Visit Helsinki include accessible Suomenlinna visits. Contact slush@visithelsinki.fi for custom itineraries in Finland's startup capital.
