02/12/2024

Connected Innovation, Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited and Game Anglia lead East of England delegation to Slush

Slush was once again an amazing event – bringing together 13,000 founders, investors and innovation ecosystems from across 90 countries with 300+ side events happening across the week, it really has to be seen to be believed.

This year the Connected Innovation and Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited teams supported 6 companies from our region, alongside Game Anglia, to join the wider Games London delegation. This gave them the opportunity to meet with investors, the wider gaming community and build connections across the industry. You can find out more about the companies in the delegation here- https://lnkd.in/e9qi3RCs

We arrived on ‘Day 0’ and the delegation wasted no time immersing themselves in the city of Helsinki joining a tour of leading Finnish tech companies and the infamous ‘Founders Day Beach Party’. Eyes then turned to the Investing in Creative Success: UK and European Video Games Industry at the British Embassy that evening. The event set the scene for what was to come bringing together a panel of leading VC, angel investors alongside the former CEO of Sony to discuss building and funding creative ecosystems.

‘Day 1’ brought the Winter Wonderland we had seen the year before – with heavy snow providing a true Slush experience as we made our way to the venue. The opening show resembled the start of techno set with the President of Finland showcasing the emphasis on innovation and the impact Slush continues to deliver. We then headed straight for the Games London side event – ‘Meet the Hottest Video Game Start-ups’. The room was filled with innovative gaming companies and investors and was 90 mins of pitching, networking and supporting the founders.

We capped day one with the Games London dinner where we got a chance to continue meeting the wider Games London delegation whilst sampling reindeer (hopefully this doesn’t put us on Santa’s naughty list…).

‘Day 2’ began with a flurry of meetings and catchups with likeminded innovation ecosystems, communities and some amazing innovative founders. As the day wore on Slush transformed into the techno venue it looked like it was made for and signed off with a mix of Eurovision, karaoke and dance sets.

Across the week we got to meet a number of startups, fellow innovation ecosystems from across the UK and Europe and compare notes on the support we deliver and opportunities to engage moving forward. There feels like a huge opportunity to draw together our innovation ecosystems across the UK to work with the Department of Business and Trade to deliver a coordinated and connected ‘super delegation’ in 2025.

Once again thank you Slush and all the organiser for an amazing week. We are just left with our top tops to share for those wanting to attend Slush 2025:

  • Slush is unique in exhibitions and conferences, while every event is important to arrange meetings in advance, at Slush it is fundamental as nearly all formal meetings and events are scheduled in advance.
  • If you are looking for more serendipitous meetings and introductions, then make sure you make the most of the 300+ side events hosted during ‘Slush Week’. These provide unique opportunities across a host of venues in Helsinki to meet new contacts.
  • Joining group chats / forums with other attendees beforehand and during the week (if possible) means you will have a network to share day to day advice, tips and allow you arrange any informal meetups whilst you are out there.
  • Get yourself acquainted with the venue on day 1. Meeting areas fill quickly and if you want to arrange any last-minute meetings and chats (formal or informal) it helps to know where the cafes and restaurants are.
  • Wear robust shoes, Helsinki is cold, and weather can be tricky, it’s perfectly acceptable to not wear work shoes
  • Do not be afraid to use the trains and trams. They are affordable, near to the venue and much quicker than navigating taxis or Ubers during peak times. Unlike in the UK they also run frequently during adverse weather (snow) too.