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SLUSH 2023

SLUSH | HELSINKI, FINLAND

THE WORLD'S LEADING
STARTUP EVENT

Slush 100 Semifinals | Slush 2023
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Slush 100 Semifinals | Slush 2023
02:47:29

Slush 100 Semifinals | Slush 2023

Slush 100 Semifinals | Slush 2023 00:00 Intro to Slush 100 Semifinals 03:08 Congrify (Co-Founder Marco Conte) 10:47 Alter Climate (Co-Founder & CEO Cedric Robert) 18:51 GAIA Technologies (Co-Founder & CEO Janina Möllmann) 27:31 Shai (Co-Founder & CEO Leonardo Piumi) 34:55 Align (Co-Founder & CEO Georg Vooglaid) 42:24 AmberSearch (Co-Founder & CEO Philipp Reissel) 49:22 Clypp (Co-Founder Maximilian Zeyda) 57:10 Silo Team (Co-Founder & CCO Ida Stjernström) 1:04:07 Lua Health (Co-Founder & CEO Fionn Delahunty) 1:12:21 Ample (Founder & CEO Sampsa Aerikkala) 1:20:31 Broadn (Co-Founder & CEO Calin Drimbau) 1:28:22 Lifeyear (Founder & CEO Siim Saare) 1:35:46 Xworks Tech (Co-Founder & CEO Electra C.) 1:44:07 Factored (Co-Founder & CEO David Rabee) 1:51:27 Faircado (Co-Founder & CEO Evoléna de Wilde d'Estmael) 2:00:11 Monadd (Co-Founder & CEO Jessica Mendoza) 2:09:19 BoxBox (Founder Markus Evardson) 2:16:18 ColorTones (Co-Founder & CTO Henrik Schiller) 2:25:07 Ekvi (Co-Founder & CEO Cathrine Delp) 2:33:04 Jawsaver / SOVN (Co-Founder & CEO Selina Tirtajana) Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Slush 100 finals | Slush 2023
39:47

Slush 100 finals | Slush 2023

The grand finale of the world’s most coveted startup competition is finally here. Out of a staggering 1,100 startups, only three have made it this far. They will be competing for a €1,000,000 equity investment from Accel, General Catalyst, Lightspeed, NEA, and Northzone. Some of the best investors on the planet will ask these founders the hard questions to narrow down which startup is the best in the world. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Psychedelics | Ekaterina Malievskaia (Compass Pathways), Cosmo Feilding Mellen (Beckley Psytech)
29:46

Psychedelics | Ekaterina Malievskaia (Compass Pathways), Cosmo Feilding Mellen (Beckley Psytech)

Psychedelics — The New Psychiatric Frontier Psychedelics and mental health share a common thread. Both historically stigmatised, they are today witnessing a growth in interest and investment. But what happens when these two worlds intersect? With emerging research signaling the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for conditions like depression and PTSD, there is new hope for patients in need - and new challenges for regulators and healthcare systems. With Cate Lawrence of Tech.eu guiding the conversation, join Cosmo Feilding Mellen, CEO and co-founder of Beckley Psytech, and Ekaterina Malievskaia, co-founder of Compass Pathways, to learn how these companies are navigating the maze of psychedelic treatment development whilst pursuing their steadfast vision of patient access. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
How Not to Drown in Numbers | Sudheesh Nair (Thoughtspot) & Jai Das (Sapphire Ventures)
25:52

How Not to Drown in Numbers | Sudheesh Nair (Thoughtspot) & Jai Das (Sapphire Ventures)

How Not to Drown in Numbers — Data as a Springboard to Success We are a generation drowning in data. Accumulating endlessly, it is useless without analysis. And while it’s crucial for success, one outdated or missed fact can drag you under. How to leverage accurate data quickly to take meaningful action? Sudheesh Nair, CEO of Thoughtspot — the AI-Powered Analytics company, is no stranger to the complexities of numbers. Joined by Jai Das, President and partner of Sapphire Ventures, these two will illuminate how ML tools and the correct approach will save time and turn data into a trusty springboard for stellar decisionmaking. After all- if you ask the right questions, you get powerful answers. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
Data Privacy and User Trust in Health-tech | Audrey Tsang (Clue) & Edel Coen (Molten Ventures)
22:34

Data Privacy and User Trust in Health-tech | Audrey Tsang (Clue) & Edel Coen (Molten Ventures)

Power and Responsibility — Data Privacy and User Trust in Health-tech As health tech becomes smarter and more pervasive, how should we ensure the promise of data-driven, personalised healthcare doesn't come at the expense of privacy? As CEO of Clue, the leading period-tracking and reproductive health app, Audrey Tsang deeply understands the responsibility that comes with a customer base for whom trust is paramount. Accompanied by deep-tech aficionado and Principal at Molten Ventures, Edel Coen, discover how Clue is building tech that can be used with curiosity and peace of mind, without compromise. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
Not Your Keys, Not Your Crypto | Pascal Gauthier (Ledger) & Jonathan Sibilia (Molten Ventures)
23:46

Not Your Keys, Not Your Crypto | Pascal Gauthier (Ledger) & Jonathan Sibilia (Molten Ventures)

Not Your Keys, Not Your Crypto Imagine holding your crypto wealth in your hand, a tangible key to your digital fortress. Amidst a hurricane of crypto security breaches, Pascal Gauthier developed a hardware key that allowed startup Ledger to thrive in the eye of the storm. With Jonathan Sibilia, Partner at Molten Ventures, guiding the story, discover how Ledger's hardware solutions came to protect 20% of all crypto assets, and how hardware may be the key to software security. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
The Arc of Computing — Revival of Browsers | Josh Miller (The Browser Company) & Anna Song (Slush)
25:55

The Arc of Computing — Revival of Browsers | Josh Miller (The Browser Company) & Anna Song (Slush)

The Arc of Computing — Revival of Browsers Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer… Browsers — who thinks about them anymore? Browsers have remained constant, but beneath the static surface lies the next phase of computing — The Age of Internet computers. Josh Miller, Co-founder and CEO of The Browser Company, imagines a world where The Arc browser is the computer. With support from the most notorious builders of the internet, such as the founders of Instagram, Figma, Twitter, and Linkedin, Josh is pioneering this change. Taking the stage with Anna from Slush, he will share what the Age of Internet Computers means and why browsers are the key to entering the new age. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
How Generative AI Will Reshape Gaming | CCP, Believer & Lightspeed | Slush 2023
30:20

How Generative AI Will Reshape Gaming | CCP, Believer & Lightspeed | Slush 2023

Creating Infinite Worlds — How Generative AI Will Reshape Gaming AI is elevating every industry — and gaming is no exception. In platform shifts like these, generational companies won’t only improve upon existing workflows with faster, better, or cheaper developer tools; they will create completely novel, previously impossible user experiences—like intelligent NPCs and simulations, immersive procedurally created worlds, and even AI co-pilots for player-led game design. The potential is infinite, but who will grab it first: incumbent publishers or startups that challenge the status quo? Join Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP and creator of EVE Online, the most player-driven MMO ever, and Michael Chow, Co-Founder and CEO of Believer, the most-coveted new game studio of 2023, in a conversation with Moritz Baier-Lentz, Partner & Head of Gaming at Lightspeed, to explore how this revolution may unfold. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Dustin Preick
AI Won't Take Your Job | Hovhannes Avoyan (Picsart) & Kia Kokalitcheva (Axios) | Slush 2023
25:35

AI Won't Take Your Job | Hovhannes Avoyan (Picsart) & Kia Kokalitcheva (Axios) | Slush 2023

AI Won't Take Your Job, But the People Using it Will Disruption or displacement? It’s the question on everyone’s minds when it comes to generative AI, and it’s one we’ve found ourselves asking many times before — with crypto, ATMs, driverless cars, you name it. So, have we actually opened Pandora’s box this time? Does the mass usage of this tech mean the mass extinction of the workforce as we know it? In conversation with Kia Kokalitcheva from Axios, Hovhannes Avoyan, co-founder and CEO of Picsart, will discuss the growing impact of generative AI for creativity, design and the world at large, and its ultimate value as a co-pilot and silent partner. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
Age (of Founders & VCs) is Just a Number | Meagan Loyst (Gen Z VCs) | Slush 2023
17:45

Age (of Founders & VCs) is Just a Number | Meagan Loyst (Gen Z VCs) | Slush 2023

Age (of Founders & VCs) is Just a Number What do most coveted job positions ask for? Years of experience. In fact, the older you are, the better. Of course, this discourages young people from pursuing their ambitions, casting an insurmountable wall between young people with great ideas, and those older than them. Meagan Loyst, landing a job at General Atlantic ($80Bn Growth Fund) at 21, beat the odds despite her age. Tired of bureaucratic barriers and inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of young founders and investors, she founded Gen Z VCs, a global community for Gen Z investors, founders, and operators with 26,000+ members creating waves worldwide. Speaking from experience, Meagan will show how Gen Z has the power to pave the way to a better tomorrow. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ --- Thumbnail photo (c) Jessica North
Scaling people | Claire Hughes Johnson (Stripe) & Harry Stebbings (20VC) | Slush 2023
27:21

Scaling people | Claire Hughes Johnson (Stripe) & Harry Stebbings (20VC) | Slush 2023

Many founders struggle with the transition from a small, flexible and fun organisation to one with huge teams and management hierarchies. What if we told you that you don’t have to lose all of what makes your company so great right now as you grow? Claire Hughes Johnson has quite literally written the book on “Scaling People” detailing how she helped grow Stripe from a few hundred employees to thousands without compromising on the essence of what makes Stripe an incredible workplace. 20VC host Harry Stebbings joins superstar operator Claire Hughes Johnson to find out how founders and leaders can effectively scale their companies and still know the human beings behind the product. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Navigating the Hurdles on the Journey From Start-up to Scale-up | Monzo & Accel | Slush 2023
30:35

Navigating the Hurdles on the Journey From Start-up to Scale-up | Monzo & Accel | Slush 2023

In just eight years, Monzo has grown into the UK’s largest digital bank and the 7th largest UK bank by customer numbers, but scaling such an ambitious business hasn’t come without its hurdles. Moderated by Callum, Monzo’s Global CEO TS Anil and Accel’s Sonali de Rycker share anecdotes on how they’ve navigated some of the challenges together - and turned these into opportunities. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Building Companies from the Baltics and Beyond | Transferwise & Bolt | Slush 2023
30:35

Building Companies from the Baltics and Beyond | Transferwise & Bolt | Slush 2023

Despite lacking the historic pedigree of Silicon Valley many iconic companies including Spotify, Skype, Transferwise & Bolt can all global successes trace their roots back to the Baltic. What do these companies all have in common? Well for one, this very panel. Sophia Bendz joins Taavet Hinrikus & Markus Villig to find out what it is about iconic Baltic companies and the people running them that has been able to translate into large scale global success as well as how they keep beating the competition. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Navigating Through Change - The Founding Story of Swappie | Slush 2023
26:03

Navigating Through Change - The Founding Story of Swappie | Slush 2023

The average European consumer replaces their mobile phone every 2.8 years with about 10% choosing to buy a used phone. After a particularly bad experience trying to purchase a used phone Sami Marttinen saw an opportunity for lasting change and founded Swappie. Tackling both e-waste and rising cell phone prices Swappie handles the entire supply chain from buying, selling to refurbishing meaning that the team has had to handle a multitude of challenges along the way. Sifted Journalist Amy O’Brien joins Swappie’s co-founder & CEO Sami Marttinen on stage as he shares advice and insights from Swappie’s story so far. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Trade Republic’s Journey to Become Europe’s Leading Savings Platform | Slush 2023
25:52

Trade Republic’s Journey to Become Europe’s Leading Savings Platform | Slush 2023

Trade Republic is one of Europe's fastest growing fintechs, and launched after building the platform for over 4 years. Navigating through hypergrowth, covid and regulatory hurdles, few people are as familiar with scaling fintechs as Christian Hecker. In a discussion with Creandum's Johan Brenner, backer of iZettle, Klarna, Pleo and others, Christian Hecker tells the story of the early days of Trade Republic and how he and the team got started and navigated to success. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Leveraging Community for Product Growth | dbtLabs & Sequoia | Slush 2023
25:40

Leveraging Community for Product Growth | dbtLabs & Sequoia | Slush 2023

A community of dedicated users can be an invaluable asset to any growing startup. The communities surrounding open-source projects are some of the best examples of this. An engaged community can help fellow users understand the product as well as develop the project further. But how do you build and leverage such a community? Tristan Handy, founder of dbtLabs, knows this better than most with dbtCommunity bringing together over 90 000 committed users working to change data together. Together with Sequoia Partner Matt Miller, Tristan Handy shares the story of the dbtCommunity and how other founders can engage their communities and change the world. Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#01 Validating a Problem | Alice Bentinck | Slush 2023
27:36

#01 Validating a Problem | Alice Bentinck | Slush 2023

To become a founder, you need an idea, but as the saying goes, ideas are worth little if executed poorly. Choosing a problem to solve may seem straightforward in theory, given the daily challenges we all encounter. Yet, in practice, it's often a complex journey. Your problem must resonate with a broad customer group to be scalable and VC-fundable. Effectively validating a problem can save you valuable time and resources, and this talk will show you how. Alice Bentinck, Co-Founder of Entrepreneur First and the author of “How to Be a Founder” book, helps you succeed with this first step on the long entrepreneurial rollercoaster by sharing her insights from validating problems with hundreds of early-stage companies. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#02 Managing Co-Founder Relations | Rina Onur Sirinoglu | Slush 2023
27:42

#02 Managing Co-Founder Relations | Rina Onur Sirinoglu | Slush 2023

Finding the right co-founder is akin to choosing a companion for a journey filled with highs, lows, and difficult decisions. Your co-founder becomes your confidant, your ally, and the person you spend countless hours with, shaping your entrepreneurial voyage. Therefore, discovering the paths to manage and nurture strong co-founder relations is a company-defining task. Rina Onu Sirinoglu, co-founder and CEO of Spyke Games, brings an abundance of experience in forming strong co-founder relationships. With enduring partnerships that have stood the test of time, Rina knows the importance of choosing the right co-founders and navigating the inevitable ups and downs. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#03 Building an MVP | Tuomas Artman | Slush 2023
26:02

#03 Building an MVP | Tuomas Artman | Slush 2023

Every startup feels the pressure to quickly release their product, so the real question isn't when to launch, but what to launch. With a laundry list of possible features and ideas, determining the functionality for your minimum viable product can be a hard nut to crack. Achieving the perfect balance between speed and complexity is the secret sauce when building an MPV - a recipe that will be revealed in this talk. Tuomas Artman, co-founder & CTO of Linear, built a $400 million company in 4 years. Clearly, he struck the right balance between speed and complexity when launching the product. Drawing from his experiences and insights, Tuomas guides you in navigating the MVP journey quickly and effectively. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#04 Moving from Lab to Market | Samuel Mueller | Slush 2023
27:29

#04 Moving from Lab to Market | Samuel Mueller | Slush 2023

Universities invest millions in spinoff projects annually. Despite the massive efforts, the number of successful academic spinoffs is disappointingly low. Universities are not the only ones struggling with commercializing innovations - corporations, militaries, and governments all seem to face the same challenges. Clearly, the untapped potential is humongous and this talk strives to unlock it, providing best practices and common pitfalls on the path to commercialization. Samuel Müller, co-founder and CEO of Scandit, is one of the very few entrepreneurs who has successfully led the development of a university spinoff. Building upon his unique win, he shows you how to turn theory into practice, offering invaluable lessons for anyone striving to bring their product to market. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#05 Acquiring the First Customers | Lindsey Scrase | Slush 2023
25:30

#05 Acquiring the First Customers | Lindsey Scrase | Slush 2023

Launching your product is like setting sail on the vast, uncharted seas on your entrepreneur-Ship. In these unexplored waters, your quest is to discover the elusive "windcatchers" – your first users, the crucial gusts of support that will propel your ship forward. Just as ancient mariners sought favorable winds to guide their vessels, you must navigate through innovative strategies and channels to attract and engage these early users. Lindsey Scrase, CRO at Checkr, a seasoned business captain, charts a course for you. Learn how to harness these initial gusts, turning them into loyal companions who will stay the course with your venture, even when the seas of entrepreneurship grow turbulent. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#06 Raising a Seed Round | Jessica Schultz | Slush 2023
26:47

#06 Raising a Seed Round | Jessica Schultz | Slush 2023

Even though VCs hold a record amount of dry powder, raising the seed round is more difficult than before. VC winter and zombie VCs are only a few of the current challenges. That is why you need a fresh direction on how to navigate the tricky fundraising landscape. Jessica Schultz, Partner of Northzone, has been on both sides of the fundraising table. She raised a seed round when co-founding HelloFresh and has also backed many early-stage companies as an investor. In this talk, she shares her learnings on how to raise the first round to survive the winter. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#07 Making Early Hires | Julio Martinez | Slush 2023
26:36

#07 Making Early Hires | Julio Martinez | Slush 2023

People are every startup’s most important asset. The best people create the best products, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies. However, acquiring top talent is no walk in the park. Firstly, it is tricky to identify who your first hires should be and who can take your startup to the next level. Secondly, you may not be able to compete with the hefty salaries offered by bigger tech companies. Julio Martinez, Co-Founder & CEO of Abacum, shares best practices on who your first hires should be and how to convince top talents to join your company. In addition, he instructs on how to unite the individuals to ensure that you have a high-performing team that can build world-class products. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
#08 Building a Diverse Team | Anna Gullstrand | Slush 2023
27:44

#08 Building a Diverse Team | Anna Gullstrand | Slush 2023

Despite a great deal of progress, diversity still remains a critical issue. Without diversity, businesses build bro culture, while also missing out on exceptional talent, creative thinking, and innovation. How can you tackle this challenge? From crafting inclusive job ads to ensuring diverse individuals unite into a high-performing team, this talk will guide you in creating a world-class, diverse workforce. Anna Gullstrand, Chief People and Culture Officer of Mentimeter, has harnessed diversity to elevate her company. As a seasoned leader, she shares actionable strategies that apply to your company, helping you embrace diversity for success in the startup world. --- Slush is the most founder-focused event on earth delivering actionable company-building advice and bringing together the who’s who in the ecosystem. Want to join us at Slush in 2024? Pre-register here: slush.org/pre-register Want even more? Follow us on social media 💚 Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/slush Instagram: instagram.com/slushhq Twitter: twitter.com/SlushHQ
Creators Or Viewers First? - (Twitch) Emmett Shear & (CNBC) Ryan Browne | Slush 2022
27:10

Creators Or Viewers First? - (Twitch) Emmett Shear & (CNBC) Ryan Browne | Slush 2022

Creators Or Viewers First? Twitch’s Way To Scale The Creator Economy - (Twitch) Emmett Shear & (CNBC) Ryan Browne | Slush 2022 Twitch is a global community of millions that comes together around live video, sharing their passions as streamers or viewers. Since Twitch was born back in 2011, it has helped spur a new generation of online entertainers who have become masters of the live streaming format - unique for its unedited, interactive, and conversational nature. Over 29 million channels went live in 2021 alone. Emmett Shear, Co-founder & CEO of Twitch, will join us on stage with Ryan Browne to discuss the growth and future of the creator economy and share his advice and insights into growing and scaling a B2C product.
Making a U-turn: Road to Net-zero - Pledge, Paebbl, Supercritical & Lowercarbon Capital
29:52

Making a U-turn: Road to Net-zero - Pledge, Paebbl, Supercritical & Lowercarbon Capital

Making a U-turn: Road to Net-zero | David de Picciotto (Pledge), Marta Sjögren (Paebbl), Michelle You (Supercritical) & Mia Diawara (Lowercarbon Capital) | Slush 2022 As the urgency of the climate crisis becomes evermore apparent, more businesses are being tasked with building out net zero plans, but many don’t know where to start. The world of carbon accounting and reduction is confusing and filled with complex terms and processes. How do you go about carbon measuring, take the first step towards decreasing your carbon footprint, and scale reliably while avoiding greenwashing? David de Picciotto, Co-founder and CEO at Pledge, Marta Sjögren, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Paebbl, and Michelle You, Co-founder, and CEO at Supercritical will be joined on the stage by Mia Diawara, Partner at Lowercarbon Capital.
Next Gen VC: Looking Into the Future - Kleiner Perkins, Firstmark, Meritech & Founders Fund
32:28

Next Gen VC: Looking Into the Future - Kleiner Perkins, Firstmark, Meritech & Founders Fund

Next Gen VC: Looking Into the Future - Josh Coyne (Kleiner Perkins), Lisa Xu (Firstmark), Ashley Paston (Meritech), Matias Van Thienen (Founders Fund) and Mikko Mäntylä (Slush) At Slush 2022 we’ve gathered a group of young venture capital investors that are paving the way for the future. Venture Capital, like any industry, is one that is characterized by waves and trends – venture investing is no exception. Join us to hear what’s in store for the evolution and future of VC. Kleiner Perkins' Josh Coyne, Firstmark’s Lisa Xu, Meritech’s Ashley Paston, and Founders Fund’s Matias Van Thienen will be joined on the stage by Mikko Mäntylä, President at Slush, to discuss what’s in for the next gen.
Pioneering Decentralized Social Media - (Aave) Stani Kulechov & Hannah Miller | Slush 2022
25:41

Pioneering Decentralized Social Media - (Aave) Stani Kulechov & Hannah Miller | Slush 2022

Pioneering Decentralized Social Media - (Aave) Stani Kulechov & (Bloomberg) Hannah Miller | Slush 2022 For all their popularity, Web2 social media platforms have drawbacks. Users aren't rewarded for their participation or loyalty. They and content creators don't own their content or their audience. Content monetization options are limited. And algorithms are designed to maximize social media platform profit and often spread bias and misinformation. How might Web3 be different? What does Web3 social offer to improve the experience for users, brands, and creators? What does it mean for content to become a new asset class? And what will it take for Web3 to gain mass adoption? Stani Kulechov will answer these questions and more on stage with Hannah Miller, Editor at Bloomberg.
Ovary-ecstatic: Gameto’s Mission to Revive Reproduction - Gameto & Fifty Years
22:21

Ovary-ecstatic: Gameto’s Mission to Revive Reproduction - Gameto & Fifty Years

Ovary-ecstatic: Gameto’s Mission to Revive Reproduction | Dina Radenkovic (Gameto) & Sara Kemppainen (Fifty Years) | Slush 2022 Cell engineering refers to the manipulation of a live cell to modify its functions. The applications of cell engineering are abundant and the field has developed rapidly over the years. Dina Radenkovic’s Gameto uses cell engineering to treat diseases of the female reproductive system. Its platform for ovarian therapeutics addresses menopause and assisted fertility. Gameto’s first program, Fertilo, targets IVF and egg freezing with the goal of making the typically invasive process shorter, safer and more efficient. On stage, Dina will discuss Gameto’s solution, share her insights on how to commercialize research, and the importance of a viable business plan in making any new technology accessible, as moderated by Sara Kemppainen of Fifty Years.
Redesigning a Category: Einride’s Take On Transportation - Linnéa Kornehed & (Norrsken) Tove Larsson
24:54

Redesigning a Category: Einride’s Take On Transportation - Linnéa Kornehed & (Norrsken) Tove Larsson

Redesigning a Category: Einride’s Take On Transportation - (Einride) Linnéa Kornehed & (Norrsken) Tove Larsson | Slush 2022 Einride, founded in Sweden, has successfully paved the way for a new way to transport goods. Einride has built a new solution to transport goods by combining software with electric vehicles without a driver or a driver's cabinet. Linnéa Kornehed Falck, CMO, Deputy CEO, and Founder at Einride, will dig into Einride’s path to redesigning a category with Tove Larsson, General Partner at Norrsken. What have been critical steps in breaking from the norm and creating something new? What are the parameters to be considered when thinking about redesigning transportation?
Creators Or Viewers First? - (Twitch) Emmett Shear & (CNBC) Ryan Browne | Slush 2022
27:10

Creators Or Viewers First? - (Twitch) Emmett Shear & (CNBC) Ryan Browne | Slush 2022

Creators Or Viewers First? Twitch’s Way To Scale The Creator Economy - (Twitch) Emmett Shear & (CNBC) Ryan Browne | Slush 2022 Twitch is a global community of millions that comes together around live video, sharing their passions as streamers or viewers. Since Twitch was born back in 2011, it has helped spur a new generation of online entertainers who have become masters of the live streaming format - unique for its unedited, interactive, and conversational nature. Over 29 million channels went live in 2021 alone. Emmett Shear, Co-founder & CEO of Twitch, will join us on stage with Ryan Browne to discuss the growth and future of the creator economy and share his advice and insights into growing and scaling a B2C product.
Pioneering Decentralized Social Media - (Aave) Stani Kulechov & Hannah Miller | Slush 2022
25:41

Pioneering Decentralized Social Media - (Aave) Stani Kulechov & Hannah Miller | Slush 2022

Pioneering Decentralized Social Media - (Aave) Stani Kulechov & (Bloomberg) Hannah Miller | Slush 2022 For all their popularity, Web2 social media platforms have drawbacks. Users aren't rewarded for their participation or loyalty. They and content creators don't own their content or their audience. Content monetization options are limited. And algorithms are designed to maximize social media platform profit and often spread bias and misinformation. How might Web3 be different? What does Web3 social offer to improve the experience for users, brands, and creators? What does it mean for content to become a new asset class? And what will it take for Web3 to gain mass adoption? Stani Kulechov will answer these questions and more on stage with Hannah Miller, Editor at Bloomberg.
Redesigning a Category: Einride’s Take On Transportation - Linnéa Kornehed & (Norrsken) Tove Larsson
24:54

Redesigning a Category: Einride’s Take On Transportation - Linnéa Kornehed & (Norrsken) Tove Larsson

Redesigning a Category: Einride’s Take On Transportation - (Einride) Linnéa Kornehed & (Norrsken) Tove Larsson | Slush 2022 Einride, founded in Sweden, has successfully paved the way for a new way to transport goods. Einride has built a new solution to transport goods by combining software with electric vehicles without a driver or a driver's cabinet. Linnéa Kornehed Falck, CMO, Deputy CEO, and Founder at Einride, will dig into Einride’s path to redesigning a category with Tove Larsson, General Partner at Norrsken. What have been critical steps in breaking from the norm and creating something new? What are the parameters to be considered when thinking about redesigning transportation?
Rocket Science 101: Creating Low-Cost Access to Space - (Isar Aerospace) Daniel Metzler | Slush 2022
17:14

Rocket Science 101: Creating Low-Cost Access to Space - (Isar Aerospace) Daniel Metzler | Slush 2022

Rocket Science 101: Creating Low-Cost Access to Space - (Isar Aerospace) Daniel Metzler | Slush 2022 The next tech revolution will be decided in space. Launching is the first step to getting there. But access to space currently is a rare asset in Europe. Isar Aerospace is the European answer to creating low-cost access to space driving key technologies on earth like telecommunications, autonomous driving, and tackling climate change. Isar Aerospace significantly reduces cost and increases launch cadence through its in-house automated rocket production. Daniel Metzler, CEO, and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace will join us on stage to explain how creating cost-effective and flexible access to space will help other technologies to grow and why sovereignty in the area has become an essential geopolitical factor. Daniel co-founded Isar Aerospace in 2018 to develop the first privately financed European orbital launch service provider lowering the barriers to commercial space access.
How Focus Can Make All The Difference - (MinIO) Garima Kapoor & (GC) Quentin Clark | Slush 2022
24:31

How Focus Can Make All The Difference - (MinIO) Garima Kapoor & (GC) Quentin Clark | Slush 2022

How Focus Can Make All The Difference - (MinIO) Garima Kapoor & (GC) Quentin Clark | Slush 2022 Founding a startup is a thrilling venture, where the anticipation of the final grand product can overtake the founder’s focus on what should be advanced now. Eventually, every founder needs to learn to focus. MinIO is building a high-performance, cloud-native object store for handling unstructured data and has become a unicorn competing against industry giants like Dell, AWS and NetApp. MinIO credits much of that success to its singular focus on building one thing, multi-cloud object storage  - and doing it better than anyone else. COO and Co-founder Garima Kapoor will take the stage with Quentin Clark, former Dropbox and SAP CTO General Catalyst Managing Director, and MinIO’s Board Director and investor. Together, they share advice on why focus matters and how to maintain discipline and how to identify what to change in pursuit of the end goal.
Past, Present, Future of Web3 - (Blockchain.com) Nicolas Cary & (Axios) Kia Kokalitcheva
23:12

Past, Present, Future of Web3 - (Blockchain.com) Nicolas Cary & (Axios) Kia Kokalitcheva

Past, Present, Future of Web3 - (Blockchain.com) Nicolas Cary & (Axios) Kia Kokalitcheva | Slush 2022 In 2011, in the little town of York, England, early Bitcoiners started to play around with ideas on the crypto economy. To make the use of Bitcoin easier, they built the first blockchain search engine and crypto wallet. Today, we know the company as Blockchain.com, which was the earliest crypto wallet ever. Nicolas Cary, the Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Blockchain.com, has helped develop the crypto space for more than a decade now. His journey started with exploring the Bitcoin blockchain to building Blockchain.com into one of the most valuable crypto startups to date, last valued at $14B. In addition to building, Blockchain.com has actively funded the next generation of web3 companies as well. Nicolas will be on stage with Axios' reporter, Kia Kokalitcheva, to share his insights on how the ecosystem has developed and where it is going.
Helping to Build a Better Internet - (Cloudflare) Matthew Prince & (NEA) Scott Sandell | Slush 2022
24:29

Helping to Build a Better Internet - (Cloudflare) Matthew Prince & (NEA) Scott Sandell | Slush 2022

Helping to Build a Better Internet - (Cloudflare) Matthew Prince & (NEA) Scott Sandell | Slush 2022 The extent to which data, personal information, and others have been stolen or hacked is enormous. This is especially problematic as people and organizations rely on the Internet now more than ever before. Founded in 2009, Cloudflare makes anything connected to the Internet faster, safer, and more reliable. Today the company blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day, and powers about 20 percent of all websites. Matthew Prince, Co-founder & CEO of Cloudflare, together with Scott Sandell, Managing General Partner at NEA, will discuss the extensive growth of Cloudflare that has had a lasting effect on the Internet as we know it.
Making a U-turn: Road to Net-zero - Pledge, Paebbl, Supercritical & Lowercarbon Capital
29:52

Making a U-turn: Road to Net-zero - Pledge, Paebbl, Supercritical & Lowercarbon Capital

Making a U-turn: Road to Net-zero | David de Picciotto (Pledge), Marta Sjögren (Paebbl), Michelle You (Supercritical) & Mia Diawara (Lowercarbon Capital) | Slush 2022 As the urgency of the climate crisis becomes evermore apparent, more businesses are being tasked with building out net zero plans, but many don’t know where to start. The world of carbon accounting and reduction is confusing and filled with complex terms and processes. How do you go about carbon measuring, take the first step towards decreasing your carbon footprint, and scale reliably while avoiding greenwashing? David de Picciotto, Co-founder and CEO at Pledge, Marta Sjögren, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Paebbl, and Michelle You, Co-founder, and CEO at Supercritical will be joined on the stage by Mia Diawara, Partner at Lowercarbon Capital.
Next Gen VC: Looking Into the Future - Kleiner Perkins, Firstmark, Meritech & Founders Fund
32:28

Next Gen VC: Looking Into the Future - Kleiner Perkins, Firstmark, Meritech & Founders Fund

Next Gen VC: Looking Into the Future - Josh Coyne (Kleiner Perkins), Lisa Xu (Firstmark), Ashley Paston (Meritech), Matias Van Thienen (Founders Fund) and Mikko Mäntylä (Slush) At Slush 2022 we’ve gathered a group of young venture capital investors that are paving the way for the future. Venture Capital, like any industry, is one that is characterized by waves and trends – venture investing is no exception. Join us to hear what’s in store for the evolution and future of VC. Kleiner Perkins' Josh Coyne, Firstmark’s Lisa Xu, Meritech’s Ashley Paston, and Founders Fund’s Matias Van Thienen will be joined on the stage by Mikko Mäntylä, President at Slush, to discuss what’s in for the next gen.
Ovary-ecstatic: Gameto’s Mission to Revive Reproduction - Gameto & Fifty Years
22:21

Ovary-ecstatic: Gameto’s Mission to Revive Reproduction - Gameto & Fifty Years

Ovary-ecstatic: Gameto’s Mission to Revive Reproduction | Dina Radenkovic (Gameto) & Sara Kemppainen (Fifty Years) | Slush 2022 Cell engineering refers to the manipulation of a live cell to modify its functions. The applications of cell engineering are abundant and the field has developed rapidly over the years. Dina Radenkovic’s Gameto uses cell engineering to treat diseases of the female reproductive system. Its platform for ovarian therapeutics addresses menopause and assisted fertility. Gameto’s first program, Fertilo, targets IVF and egg freezing with the goal of making the typically invasive process shorter, safer and more efficient. On stage, Dina will discuss Gameto’s solution, share her insights on how to commercialize research, and the importance of a viable business plan in making any new technology accessible, as moderated by Sara Kemppainen of Fifty Years.
Think Different: Rohlik’s Approach to Grocery Delivery - Tomáš Čupr (Rohlik) & Sofia Dolfe (Index)
24:42

Think Different: Rohlik’s Approach to Grocery Delivery - Tomáš Čupr (Rohlik) & Sofia Dolfe (Index)

Think Different: Rohlik’s Approach to Grocery Delivery - Tomáš Čupr (Rohlik) & Sofia Dolfe (Index Ventures) | Slush 2022 One of the side-effects of the Covid pandemic has been the boom in the rapid online grocery industry. One company after another sprang up, each promising faster and cheaper delivery. Rohlik's Founder and CEO Tomáš Čupr has always marched to a different drum already since 2014: rather than offering the quickest possible delivery, the company has differentiated itself with a unique combination of speed, choice, and price. Rohlik’s strategy is working: while the food delivery market has started to cool, Rohlik has raised a total of $613 million in funding. Tomáš will be joined on the stage by Index Ventures investor Sofia Dolfe to recap Rohlik's journey and what’s next.
#3 Your First Fundraise - (sennder) David Nothacker | Slush 2022
23:40

#3 Your First Fundraise - (sennder) David Nothacker | Slush 2022

A startup’s first fundraise can be a daunting process. First, you have to figure out who to raise from and how much. Angels or VCs? How many of each? Second, you have to break through the noise, land a meeting, and convince investors of your vision. Third, you need to figure out what a fair valuation is and how much equity you’re willing to give away. Last, you have to accept that you might well be working closely with these investors for a decade if your company succeeds. Joining us to make sense of it all and share practical tips for raising your first dollars is David Nothacker, the Co-founder and CEO of sennder. David will also share the top 3 mistakes and learnings from the first fundraising journey of sennder.
#8 Talking to Users - (PKO Investments) Holly Liu | Slush 2022
24:04

#8 Talking to Users - (PKO Investments) Holly Liu | Slush 2022

In a startup, there are only so many things you can figure out sitting by your desk. Often, you’ll eventually learn that the list was actually far shorter than you initially assumed. Therefore, before you have users, you should spend a lot of time talking to people who could potentially become ones. However, especially in B2C, it might be hard to find people who are willing to spend this much time with you, and even more difficult to get them to give actionable direction on what to build. Who should you reach out to? What should you ask them? What if they question your fundamental premise? How should you interpret their answers? To answer all of these questions with five practical rules on how to talk to users, we have Holly Liu, who co-founded and scaled the gaming company Kabam all the way to a $1B acquisition, spent two years as visiting Partner at Y Combinator, and now invests in early-stage companies at PKO.
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