International law firm Bird & Bird will return as a Key Sponsor of Slush 2026, marking its fifth consecutive year supporting one of Europe’s foremost gatherings of founders, investors and technology leaders.
Taking place in Helsinki on 18–19 November 2026, Slush brings together venture capital investors, entrepreneurs, institutional capital and technology businesses from around the world. Widely regarded as Europe’s leading startup and venture capital event, it provides a forum for the relationships, ideas and investment decisions that shape the next generation of growth companies.
Bird & Bird’s sponsorship reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to the innovation and investment ecosystem. Advising venture capital investors, growth companies and technology businesses across Europe and beyond, the firm supports clients throughout the investment lifecycle, from early-stage financing and scaling to international expansion, strategic transactions and exits.
The firm’s delegation will include lawyers from Finland, the UK, Spain, Germany and France, drawing on Bird & Bird’s international platform and deep experience advising businesses operating across borders.
As part of its presence at Slush, Bird & Bird will host the Bird & Bird Lounge during Investor Day on 17 November. Throughout the day, the firm will bring together investors and advisers to discuss developments shaping cross-border investment, including artificial intelligence, foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regimes and tax considerations for scaling businesses across global markets.
Struan Penwarden, International Head of VC at Bird & Bird, said: “Slush has established itself as one of the defining meeting points for the European innovation economy, bringing together the founders, investors, lenders and businesses shaping future industries. Our continued sponsorship reflects Bird & Bird’s enduring commitment to this community and to the sectors driving technological advancement and economic growth. As our clients continue to expand across borders and navigate increasingly complex commercial and regulatory environments, events such as Slush provide an important opportunity for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.”
Maria Carlsson, Partner and Head of Business Development in the Nordics at Bird & Bird, added: “The European venture market continues to mature, but founders and investors are operating in an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment. From fundraising and cross-border structuring to AI governance, tax and foreign investment screening, legal considerations are influencing strategic decisions earlier than ever before. Our role is to provide the clarity and judgment clients need to pursue opportunities across multiple markets with confidence. Slush remains one of the most important forums in Europe for those conversations.”
Nicolas Perheentup, Slush Investor Operations, said: “Slush Investor Day once again brings together more than 2,000 venture investors. At the event, the world’s leading investors will discuss topical issues. The programme will also feature a lounge hosted by Bird & Bird bringing together discussions with our investor and their legal experts. We are truly excited about this and our continued collaboration over the last 5 years, adds Nicolas Perheentupa from Slush Investor Operations.”
Meet the team going to Slush:
Juhani Vuento, Senior Associate, Bird & Bird
Ville Alahuhta, Partner, Bird & Bird
Felicien Bardsley, Partner, Bird & Bird
Maria Carlsson, Partner, Bird & Bird
Michael Dawes, Partner, Bird & Bird
Clemens Maschke, Partner, Bird & Bird
Adam Meisels, Partner, Bird & Bird
Alberto Rodriguez, Partner, Bird & Bird
Mark Rundall, Partner, Bird & Bird
Iina-Mari Supperi, Partner, Bird & Bird
