Today is the first day of Slush 2014.  As the event kicks off, it’s worth sharing some quick facts about this event and the startup community in the Nordics. Slush brings together startups, investors, exhibitors and an amazing line-up of speakers. Started in 2008 with about 150 attendees, six years later there are over 13,000 attendees, 300 speakers, five stages and 125 exhibition stands. Talk about amazing growth.
Although the Nordics only represent 4% of the population of Europe, they boast 26% of the startup exits in this region to watch. The ability to attract keynote speakers such as this morning’s first round, which includes the prime minister of Finland, the prime minister of Estonia and the CEO of Alibaba, shows the world is watching and participating.
A key part of the event is the startup pitch competition. Of the 1,000 startups that apply to participate, 100 are chosen to compete over the two-day event. Out of that number, 20 are selected go to the semi-finals, 4 are selected as finalists, and the winner receives €250,000 ($313,075) in funding.
There are also larger companies that not only participate, but make new product announcements at the event.  Today we will hear from Nokia on the topic of “What’s Next.”
Stay tuned.
