Constant accelerated learning is the most important component in building a successful startup. The teams usually start with initial core understanding on a potential solution to a big problem based on knowledge and expertise of a couple of people – the founders. However, leveraging that into constructing a growth company requires various kinds of expertise and competences. Hence, finding the right people to learn with and learn from is a crucial part of developing a startup.
It sounds easy, but it's not. A major hurdle in attracting the needed people is timing. As there is no time to waste, ideally one has recruits, suppliers, and other partners all talked-up by the time new funding hits the bank account. Another hinderance is the time startups have available in doing the marketing and networking for attracting new collaborators and employees from those fields where their own circles have not yet developed.
While Slush and the likes focus on matchmaking startups and investors, there is demand for events matching startups with other stakeholders. Simultaneously, many people are interested in working with the pioneering startups at the forefront of the sustainability transition but lack sensible ways to get to know them.
“We saw that this is clearly a job for us”, says the Viikki Food Design Factory manager, Laura Forsman. The end result is the first Mix&Match event in Viikki, which Viikki Food Design Factory organizes together with the Helsinki incubators team. Close to 20 interesting startups working on the sustainability transformation for agriculture and food sectors and/or the circular economy will take the stage. The startups are in different developmental phases, seeking for example talent from different areas, research partners, summer employees, thesis workers, suppliers, board members and mentors. They are looking for experts on a wide range, e.g. from the fields of sales and marketing, operations, bio- and food chemistry, finance, circular economy, technology, product development, data science and analytics.
Thus, the Viikki Mix&Match event on the 1st of March is for you, especially if you are…
- looking for a job in a forerunner impact company
- a researcher looking to partner with innovative companies
- a student searching for a traineeship or summer employment
- looking for development partners for interesting pilots
Deadline for registration is on February 20th, if not fully booked before that.