The Slush’D name is well-known to anyone in Liverpool connected with investment and start-ups. This influential start-up forum essentially shapes the development of entrepreneurship across the city. You can read more about its history, key players, and focus areas right here on liverpool1.one.
Project Highlights and Its History
Liverpool Slush’D is a major business event designed to support entrepreneurs across Merseyside. Modelled on the annual Finnish Slush conference in Helsinki, it aims to unite local business owners and attract investors. Crucially, it also works to showcase Liverpool as a promising location for business growth. Similar events are held in other cities, such as New Delhi, Cornwall, and Lusaka.
What Made Liverpool Slush’D 2023 So Memorable?
2023 marked the debut of the local Slush’D in Liverpool — the first Slush’D format event ever held in the UK. Slush’D is a series of satellite events held in various cities leading up to the main Finnish Slush start-up forum, which gathers innovators in Helsinki every year.
The event was a massive success, logging over 600 registrations and attracting around 400 attendees at its peak. It offered a fantastic platform for networking, inspirational talks, and practical advice for entrepreneurs. Despite a few hurdles, including unexpected speaker and sponsor drop-outs, the team successfully navigated the challenges.
The Return (2024)
On 19th September 2024, Liverpool Slush’D made its return, aiming to build on the success of the previous year. This success was all about cementing Liverpool’s reputation as a vital hub for start-ups and innovation within the UK.
The programme, hosted at Content on Stanhope Street in the Baltic Triangle district, covered various stages of the start-up lifecycle. Topics ranged from building a competitive edge through diverse teams and culture, to establishing a personal brand and media reputation. Key speakers included investor Piers Linney (a former Dragon from Dragons’ Den) and Sir Robin Saxby (former CEO of ARM Holdings).
The Concept of Scouse Sisu
The Liverpool event is also referred to as Scouse Sisu, a term that fuses the city’s identity (‘Scouse’) with the Finnish concept of ‘sisu’ — meaning willpower, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. It’s not about temporary bravery; it’s about the long-term capacity to pursue a goal, even when the journey is tough.
From the outset, the Liverpool event, much like Slush itself, has focused on supporting start-up founders and fostering the local tech ecosystem. Attendees were treated to engaging panel discussions, special guest speeches, practical workshops, and the chance to simply soak up the atmosphere of Liverpool’s thriving tech movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re involved in business and start-ups, you probably have a few questions. Below, we attempt to answer the most common ones.
Who is Behind Liverpool Slush’D?
The event was spearheaded by Jonathon Clark, an entrepreneur with years of experience supporting start-ups in the digital and creative industries. He assembled a small steering group and leveraged his expertise to make the event happen.
Why is Liverpool Slush’D Important for the City?
Liverpool isn’t traditionally seen as a tech business hub; however, the number of jobs in innovation, start-ups, and venture capital is constantly on the rise. The event has helped raise the city’s international profile and contributed to the development of a stronger business ecosystem.
What Challenges Did the Organisers Face?
The most challenging aspects in 2023 were the financial risks and administrative headaches. Some sponsors were late with payments or pulled out at the last minute, forcing the organiser to cover the costs himself. Furthermore, communication errors meant they failed to record the speaker sessions.
What Lessons Did the Organisers Learn?
Looking ahead, Clark decided to tighten control over the financial side and the commitments from speakers and sponsors, as well as maintaining interest in the event all year round. Despite the hiccups, the event ultimately strengthened Liverpool’s business community.
What are the Main Goals of Liverpool Slush’D?
Liverpool Slush’D brings together tech start-up founders, investors, and professional services that support the business world. It is one of the largest start-up conferences in the region.
Which Well-Known Speakers Have Appeared?
High-profile speakers have included entrepreneur and investor Piers Linney, famous for his appearances on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire, as well as Sir Robin Saxby, the founder and first CEO of ARM Holdings.
Were There Opportunities for Start-ups to Secure Investment?
Yes, several promising start-ups pitched their ideas to investors in the room, with support from Gateway Angels. Furthermore, Baltic Ventures announced the cohort for their ACCELERATOR 2024 programme live at the event. The organisers also included unexpected announcements and raffles, which were a welcome bonus for attendees.
What Sort of Topics are Discussed?
A wide array of topics beneficial to the business community are covered at start-up forums like this. Specifically, Slush’D Liverpool discussed themes such as:
- How to build innovative teams.
- How to raise venture capital and manage M&A.
- How to secure media coverage for your start-up.
- The latest trends in the British start-up ecosystem.
Without a doubt, these events are a must-attend if you are an investor or a start-up founder.