Noora Saksa takes on the role of CEO of Slush.

      Slush, the Finnish nonprofit that hosts one of Europe's most significant startup events, has appointed Noora Saksa as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment signifies a strategic shift for the organization as it seeks to move beyond its primary event-focused model.

      Saksa steps into the CEO position after serving as Slush’s Chief Operating & Financial Officer and Head of Partnerships, where she oversaw essential operations, finances, and ecosystem initiatives.

      Her path within the organization demonstrates a profound operational comprehension of Slush’s objective: to connect founders, investors, and builders in a manner that aids founders in progressing on their journeys.

      By assuming the CEO role, Saksa takes on a mandate that goes well beyond an annual conference in Helsinki. Under her guidance, Slush intends to enhance year-round engagement through digital initiatives and local ecosystem programs, while also broadening its global support for founders.

      Board members consider her operational expertise and insights into the ecosystem to be valuable for Slush’s upcoming phase.

      Slush continues to be predominantly organized by a dedicated team of young professionals and volunteers, a setup that has facilitated its rapid expansion since the early 2010s.

      The event attracts thousands of founders and investors annually, and the organization’s year-round platform seeks to maintain connections long after the main event concludes.

      In her inaugural statement as CEO, Saksa emphasized that the focus will stay on creating meaningful experiences that assist founders in addressing practical challenges, broadening their networks, and securing funding. Her thorough understanding of Slush’s operations equips her to align growth aspirations with the organization’s mission-centered values.

      **Profile: Noora Saksa**

      Noora Saksa has been instrumental at Slush as Chief Operating & Financial Officer and Head of Partnerships, managing operations, finances, and programs centered on startups. Prior to her time at Slush, she held leadership positions in entrepreneurial student organizations and participated in startup support roles. Saksa studied Industrial Engineering and Management at Aalto University, with an exchange experience at Eindhoven University of Technology. Her background encompasses operational strategy, ecosystem development, and partnership formation within Nordic innovation networks.

      Published January 27, 2026 - 8:59 am UTC

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