Angel investments adapt as Helsinki’s startup events move online

If an Angel investor asked us pre-COVID what would be the best way to meet the top new Finnish entrepreneurs, we would connect you to organizations like FIBAN and point you to events like Arctic15 and Slush. Believe it or not, but the new remote-only world hasn’t changed much. As events have moved online, so have the ways Angel investors get access to new dealflow.

See for yourself next week at Arctic15’s Angel Track, led by Helsinki Business Hub. In addition to talks by leading U.S. and European angels, the online-only event is connecting Angels and entrepreneurs one-on-one in its virtual deal room, as well as pooling Angels together in Arctic15’s new multi-syndicate model. We’re excited how this new online format mixed with an easy multi-syndicate model may make it easier for international angels to become more involved with Finnish startups! 

Replicating Random Encounters

Syndicates aren’t a new concept to Arctic15. In years past, the conference hosted a pitching competition where the winner gained access to the official angel syndicate led by FIBAN. The syndicate was then just part of the show, while many more deals took place on the sideline as Angels and entrepreneurs bumped into each other in the sea of meeting tables in the middle of the event. 

But as the event moved online, an idea was born to help as many angels as possible link together, without limiting angels to forming just one group. 

“Without a physical event it’s harder for angels and startups to randomly meet, so the multi-syndicate model was born to try to replace the randomness and chance encounters at the event,” says Linda Emelianov, Helsinki Business Hub’s Angel Venture Advisor. “We want to enable as many different types of startups to get funding, and bring together as many groups of angels as possible to do so.”

How do I join as an Angel investor? 

We at Helsinki Business Hub are here to help. First, this is still an online event, so you will need a ticket to Arctic15, taking place virtually October 19-21. But once you’re in you’ll have access to Arctic15’s dealflow including the startups’ pitches and background information. 

As you browse through that info, send a quick email to Linda here at Helsinki Business Hub (linda.emelianov@hbh.fi). She’ll send you more information on the syndicates, connect you personally to the lead angels and co-investors, answer any additional questions, and generally do whatever she can to help deals close as smoothly as possible. 

You can find more practical info on Arctic15’s Angel Track page. It should be noted there are no financial commitments beforehand- the event is acting as a stepping stone for syndicates to kickoff. 

What startups are at Arctic15?

29 pitches are online at Arctic15’s official pitching competition, but that’s the tip of the iceberg as Arctic15’s matchmaking opens up.

Who are the lead angel investors? 

Find more info on the angel track page, but take a quick glance below:

Shamma Raghib 

Looking for: pre-seed & early stage. Revenue & strong core team. Data insights.

Thomas Desimpel 

Looking for: A good team with determination, founder fit, enthusiasm & will to internationalize which is solving a real problem. Main focus is B2B SaaS. 

Esa Kinnunen 

Looking for: promising entrepreneurs with preliminary evidence of starting a business, huge ambition to create the super successes of the future in international markets

Henry Nilert

Looking for: startups in B2B SaaS Fintech

Tuomas Pahlman 

Looking for: Early Seed stage startups, B2B software companies, data analytics

Annukka Mickelsson

Looking for: Innovative companies to grow the real estate business and broader insight on customer care in this industry.

Reima Linnanvirta

Looking for: B2B, Software/SaaS, Proven traction & team

Esa Mäkeläinen

Looking for: Startups which are working with one of these topics: SaaS, Fintech, Energy, Cleantech

Henrik Poulsen

Looking for: strong business development professionals and entrepreneurs.

See you at Arctic15!