TechRadar Pro is on the ground in Helsinki for Slush 2021, where many of the world's brightest startups come together for two days of networking and idea-sharing.
Flights and accommodation for this even were funded by Business Finland, but the content of this live blog represent the writer's own views.
We're told to expect "a dissection of the art of company building" from some of the most exciting entrepreneurs around, as well as insight into specifically what the Finnish tech scene has to offer.
The event kicks off today with a series of keynotes and panel sessions, and you can follow all the latest updates from the main stage here:
In 20 minutes' time, Slush President Mikko Mäntylä takes the stage to kick off the opening show, followed by a session on "Building iconic products" with Tony Fadell, inventor of the iPod and Nest founder.
Messukeskus, the Helsinki convention center, is certainly kitted out for the occasion. If only we could see where we're going...
T-minus two minutes until the opening show begins. The arena is packed out; TechRadar Pro had to wrestle for a seat near the back.
Well, that's unexpected. We're treated to a quick DJ set to kick off Slush 2021.
The President, CEO and CEO of Slush have taken to the stage for a quick introduction to the show.
"While the past two years have taught us to collab remotely, the need for human communication has not diminished," says Miika Huttunen, CEO.
This is especially true of startups, he says, before thanking all the organizers and companies that came together to make the in-person event possible again this year.
Next up: Tony Fadell, inventor of the iPod and Nest founder. He's in conversation with Michael Stothard, editor of Sifted.
Fadell is here to talk about how to set about building iconic products:
"It's vital to understand what people need, or will need. You've got to make sure you're solving a problem that people are starting to have," he says.
"Sometimes, we were two decades early. But that's no good, people need to understand the problems you're trying to solve."
His advice is to stop trying to create something that impresses the engineers and tech geeks. "It needs to give super powers to every person."
Although Fadell is best known for the iPod and Nest, the smart thermostat, he's now working on a different venture, called Future Shape.
It's his own venture fund, investing in "deep tech" companies that are tackling difficult problems that most VCs won't touch until it becomes more mainstream.
The fund has 200+ statups in its portfolio, including an early investment in Impossible, the company behind the popular range of meat-free burgers.
Fadell takes a moment to slam the metaverse trend...
"We're interested in companies that will make a real difference."
It's revealed that Fadell has been working on a secret product, that he's announcing today at Slush.
"Over the years, working with all these entrepreneurs, I realized something: the only reason I'm on this stage is because someone helped me to get there - mentored and believed in me."
"But a lot of my mentors have died. That baton of mentorship has been passed from them to me. The only way I can give back is to give back to the community.
His new product: Build, "an unorthodox guide to making things worth making". Available in May 2022, the book aims to help entrepreneurs take the big leaps necessary to bring about dramatic change.
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