Getting down with start-ups: 12 signs you’re taking Slush a bit too seriously
The way the Slush startup conference brings capital and mindshare to the Helsinki tech startup scene is well established and undisputable. As someone who works for Finnish tech companies, I have nothing but praise for how Slush mixes geeks with business people in different stages of their careers. If you are into business, you should attend and just feel the magic of Finnish people turning talkative and creative.
At Ink Tank, we are strictly anti Jante law. We do not subscribe to the old Nordic small-town norm that believing in yourself is next to a deadly sin. However, at some point, everything becomes a cliche. For the past couple of years, the media circus around Slush has turned annoying enough to warrant a friendly slap every now and then.
We will help you navigate the awesomeness of Slush with a guide that points out just how to know you have been slurping a bit too much of that sweet, refreshing tech buzz Kool-Aid.
1. You share photos of your Slush ticket on social media
2. You find yourself slipping over-excited words like innovation, growth and opportunity into your daily vocabulary
3. You totally buy into the idea Microsoft, IBM, PwC, Nordea, Tieto etc. are refurbishing themselves as edgy, agile and bootstrapping startups
4. You’ve Airbnb’d your flat and slept on the kitchen floor to be able to afford Slush tickets
5. Yet, you clap your hands unirononically when middle-aged Finnish politicians blow the trickle-down economics dog whistle in Slush keynote speeches
6. You’re pressuring “assets” in the hospitality industry for intel on where Slush speakers and investors are staying
7. You’ve made Twitter lists for stalking said speakers and investors
8. You find yourself asking where a serious business person can get hold of some goddamned cocaine
9. You’ve made up a fake business to pitch at Slush
10. You’ve gone through five iterations of new business cards
11. You’re buying spy gear to better pick up conversations on where to find VIP parties
The 48 hours of the year when techies can pretend they’re cool :)
Funny cause it’s true. Slush is a giant circle jerk created on the back of unpaid students surfs.
The news said the Slush afterparties were packed with sleazy dickwads. Typical business casual crowd. http://www.iltasanomat.fi/digitoday/art-2000004894576.html