Every November, Helsinki becomes one of the focal points of the European startup and investment ecosystem. Slush takes place on 18–19 November 2026, with Day 0 already bringing investors, founders and other growth company professionals together across the city. 

For many startups, Slush Week is one of the most exciting weeks of the year – for good reason. For a few days, Helsinki hosts an exceptional concentration of people who can otherwise be difficult to get into the same room with. 

But what should a founder actually do when an investor stops to listen? 

Do not try to tell them everything 

A good pitch is not the history of the company or a compressed version of the entire pitch deck. 

If you only have a minute or two, the investor should understand at least four things: 

• what problem you are solving and for whom 

• why the opportunity matters now 

• what evidence you already have, whether in customers, growth, technology or market validation 

• what you are trying to achieve next and why external capital would help you get there 

Technology and life science founders in particular can be tempted to start with the product and its features. Investors are interested in the technology, of course, but ultimately they are trying to understand whether it can become a scalable and sufficiently valuable business. 

My advice to founders is simple: do not try to secure an investment in the first conversation. Try to secure the next conversation. 

What happens if the investor becomes interested? 

This is where the second phase begins – and it often receives less attention. 

A strong pitch may open the door, but as investor interest develops, the focus quickly shifts from the story to the company behind it. 

The questions become more concrete. 

Who owns the company – and on what terms?

The ownership structure should be understandable. Founder ownership, option pools, previous investments and special rights should not become a puzzle that needs to be solved in the middle of a financing round.

Does the company actually own its technology?

For a growth company, the IP chain matters. Rights created by founders, employees, consultants and subcontractors should sit where an investor expects them to sit: with the company.

Are the rules between the founders clear?

Roles, vesting, decision-making and founder exit scenarios are not merely legal details. They tell an investor whether the ownership structure has been designed to survive more difficult situations as well.

What has the company promised its customers?

Winning major early customers is a great sign. But the underlying contracts matter. Unlimited liability, broad exclusivity, unclear IP provisions or unusual customer rights can later have a surprisingly significant impact on scalability and investment attractiveness.

Is the financing history understandable?

SAFEs, convertible instruments, capital loans, options and special rights from earlier rounds should be mapped before the next financing round starts – not during it.

Investment readiness does not mean perfection 

An early-stage company does not need to look like a listed company. 

And founders certainly do not need to carry a perfect data room around Slush just in case they happen to meet the right investor in a coffee queue. 

Investment readiness is more about understanding the company you have built. 

What is already in good shape? 
What still needs to be fixed? 
Where are the risks? 
And what can reasonably wait until later? 

Investors understand that startups are works in progress. What is much harder to explain later is a problem the founders themselves did not know existed. 

Slush Week starts before Slush 

The main Slush event takes place on 18–19 November, but for many investors and founders some of the most valuable conversations begin earlier at the hundreds of side events taking place across Helsinki. 

On Tuesday 17 November, Lexia is joining the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) and other partners in hosting Investor After Party – Baltic Sea Unicorns at Vanha Ylioppilastalo. The investor-focused event will bring together more than 300 Finnish and international investors as Slush Week gets underway. 

Events like these are a good reminder of what Slush Week is ultimately about: meeting people. 

A good pitch starts the conversation. 

A good company creates genuine interest. 

And being sufficiently investment-ready helps make sure that the interest survives the next meeting. 

See you during Slush Week! 

Senior Associate Marko Moilanen,

email: [email protected]

tel: +358 40 517 0002