Amidst the cacophony of digital media/tech conferences that increasingly populate the globe, SLUSH stands out and rises above the din. That's what makes it an event definitely worth attending -- even from the distant shores of the U.S. (for reasons I laid out length last year after my first SLUSH experience). Organizers do it right. Everything is quality. Deep attention to detail. Focus on making SLUSH a true "experience" with a rich sense of style (real style ... euro style ... and that's a great thing that U.S. conferences should heed). And, the SLUSH support team -- which is comprised of literally every college student in the city of Helsinki -- is amazingly gracious, helpful, and friendly. They picked me up when I landed from my flight. They picked me up at my hotel for events. They said "yes" -- and those efforts matter. They matter a lot. The full weight of this beautiful city -- and the country itself -- is behind this one. And, you can both see and "feel" that. What other conference can say that?
This year's SLUSH -- its 8th -- was even bigger than last. 15,000 attendees (it was sold out). 1,700 startups. Over 800 investors representing 250 VCs. And, well over 50% of the world's nations represented. And you could feel it (physically). Much rubbing of shoulders took place as one walked the halls. Let's hope Slush organizers don't expand that number further ....
I spoke this year -- briefly laying out the fundamental transformation of the media and entertainment business before an audience of 1000+ (as a result of digital, mobile, social, and new millennial behavior) (that was my stage in the picture to the right) and moderating a related panel that featured Urs Cete, Managing Director of Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments and Malte Andraessen, CEO of leading Nordic-focused MCN United Screens. The feedback was excellent -- the panel's messages resonated. Earlier, I was honored to serve as a VC "jury" member to judge the startup pitch-fest competition. I also led a small informal Roundtable that dug deeper into new opportunities amidst digital's transformation of media.
HIGHLIGHTS?
(1) BEST PRODUCT EXPERIENCE -- demo-ing HTC's Vive VR headset (that's the 5-component Vive set-up to the right, minus the two stand-up room sensors). One word -- Epic! I have tried many VR headsets, but this one is the leader so long as HTC stays committed to it and eradicates its bugs. Even before I tried the Vive, its buzz in VR circles -- even amongst the competition -- was hot. Now I know why. You are immersed of course. But, you aren't forced to just stand there in your immersion -- you can actually move around the room ... safely! ... with a rather ingenious guiding system HTC calls its "Chaperon System." What else? Unlike the other guys, you get two hand controllers when you buy your system (which you will) -- hand controllers that enable you to pick up and control virtual objects, something it calls "job simulation." I used this intriguing "click and pick" feature to pick up food in my virtual kitchen, which was one of the 4 demos I "experienced." Yes, this early stage "hand control" experience was fairly rudimentary, but it reveals future possibilities. But, my single most compelling experience was "The Blue" -- where I was fully immersed underwater and literally looked a whale in the eye (and, remember, I was free to move about as I did it). A close second experience is called "Tilt Brush" -- in which you as the artist select your virtual palette and paint tools to, among other things, create amazing immersive 3D graffiti art in which you find yourself within the picture (something you must experience to fully grasp, because my explanation doesn't do it justice). I am told the Vive will be available Q1 2016 -- but no price point has yet been revealed. Nonetheless, many of you will buy it. And, I understand why. It is mind-blowing.
(2) BEST AUTHENTIC FINNISH "EXPERIENCE" -- this one's easy -- being an honorary member of the Finnish Sauna Society for a second straight year (at least for one day) and trying out 6 of its saunas before jumping and swimming into the frigid Baltic Sea three separate times (okay, we Americans must applaud ourselves -- as I do on the right -- when we believe 40-45 degrees qualifies as frigid; but our Finnish hosts take us down a peg or two when they mock that notion and consider those temperatures to be downright balmy). I proudly used all mental powers I could muster to hit the one minute mark (okay, maybe closer to 30-45 seconds) on each submersion (and that qualifies as being more than a dip). Our generous hosts also submersed us in the authentic history of Finnish saunas -- and sauna etiquette (i.e., act as you would in church, meaning no business talk!). Music consultant -- and overall great person, Andie Simon, BDMI's Urs Cete, Slush's own Petri Vilen, and PTTOW!'s Ryan Brenner, among others, joined me for this authentic experience. All of us agreed that this was the personal highlight of the trip. (Taking a distant second place -- but still very much worth mentioning -- is experiencing Finland's award-winning Gin called "Napue" -- pictured below -- that is not yet available in the States. That is downright criminal).
(3) COMPANIES TO WATCH -- so many to mention, so little time. But, here goes -- here is my list of "must know" companies featured at this year's SLUSH:
(i) Kiosked -- a company I have known for quite some time -- and for good reason. I spent considerable time with uber-connected CEO/Founder and Finn entrepreneur Micke Paqvalen and learned much that you should know (and now do) (the picture below the Gin shows their Helsinki offices). This ad-tech company, with Rovio roots, merges marketing and advertising together on a global scale and on a single 100% programmatic advertising platform. Publishers and advertisers unite indeed! The company now has an eye-opening $50 million revenue run rate and will hit $100 million in revenues in 2016. Micke tells me that its only true competitor is Facebook -- but, remember, Facebook is a walled garden and only takes care of its own. THAT -- ladies and gentlemen -- is a fundamental difference.(ii) Candela -- Micke is associated with this one as well (as an investor), but that's not the only reason I like it. Candela is "Tesla for boats"-- a beautiful fully electric motorboat that upends the boating industry just like Tesla continues to disrupt the automobile market. Candela's team is comprised of a "who's who" of engineering and design. I am a believer. Silicon Valley, you should invest in this one. Certainly not as massive as the automobile market -- but massive all the same. You'll be happy with the inevitable return. The first fully functional prototype hits the water early next year -- but full first year production already is sold out. Get your ticket now if you like the high seas.
(iii) Velmenni -- I learned about this one from the Slush 100 pitch-fest (it was one of the companies I judged -- and voted for). If the CEO's claims are true -- and the technology from this Indian company works as advertised -- then all of us soon may have a new option for high speed wi-fi in crowded venues (concerts, conventions), airplanes and other notoriously challenging wi-fi zones. Velemnni uses light to accomplish this -- call it "Li-Fi" (they do). Don't ask "how." Just hope that it's all true -- that now you can transfer your data at the speed of light (their slogan) -- which I have no reason to doubt. Exciting.
(iv) Pop Dash -- not a separate company, but rather a cool new game launched at SLUSH by MaxPlay (and from the minds of Andie Simon and CEO Sinjin Bain). Just check it out.
SLUSH 2015 -- in the books -- in the mind. Another unforgettable experience that, once again, underscores that Americans MUST travel outside their borders (and comfort zones) to see and "feel" what the rest of the world is doing ... how they are innovating ... and what they are using to innovate. (Case in point, as I left the venue on this last day, I first learned about "Slack", a new more efficient communication platform that apparently is the new "WhatsApp" -- worth checking out itself).(Final pictures -- to the right, that's VR innovator and thought leader Mike Rothenberg of Rothenberg Ventures, who hosted a cocktail/dinner reception for others like me who are focused on the immersive space (as all of us should be); and below that picture is Nokia's new "Ozo" 360 degree camera that was proudly displayed on its home turf as either a work of art or a museum piece -- consumers will make that decision.)