The Vietnam-Finland Startup Night 2023, organized by VE Finland (the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in Finland), was a Slush side event on 28/11/2023 at Maria 01. It served as an opportunity where the Vietnamese entrepreneurial community and the Finnish startup ecosystem could converge, share insights, and forge meaningful connections. Our goal was to bring together a diverse group of individuals – startups, investors, ecosystem builders, and enthusiasts interested in Vietnam-Finland collaboration.
The event was very successful, with around 80 people attending. We also received tons of positive feedback from participants appreciating the quality of the event. A survey at the end of the event revealed that people were very satisfied, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
While I’m not a board member at VE Finland, all the board members are good Vietnamese friends of mine. So when they reached out to ask me to help plan and organize this event for the Vietnamese community, it didn’t take me long to decide to make this happen.
As the event organizer, I am proud to share a behind-the-scenes look at this dynamic event.
A Symphony of Structure and Strategy
The evening’s structure was carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience for every attendee. The event unfolded in a meticulously planned sequence, beginning with opening remarks from the VE Finland board. This set the tone for an evening of insightful exchanges, followed by speeches from distinguished guest speakers representing various facets of the entrepreneurial world, including the Embassy of Vietnam in Helsinki, Business Finland, Urban Tech Helsinki, and BiziVietnam.
The highlight of the night was a series of startup pitches – six in total, each bringing a unique idea and vision to the forefront. Additionally, a presentation from a Vietnamese investor in Climate Tech. from Vietnam coming to Finland for Slush, provided a broader perspective on the startup ecosystem. The night concluded with a vibrant networking session, allowing for organic interactions and the potential for future collaborations.
My Role: “The Showrunner“
As the showrunner, my responsibilities spanned the entire spectrum of the event’s organization. It began with planning the agenda, a task that involved not just scheduling but also ensuring a diverse and enriching lineup of speakers and activities. Inviting guest speakers was a process marked by careful consideration, aiming to bring varied and valuable perspectives to the event.
The execution of the registration required not only a significant number of diverse participants but also a personalized approach for different participant groups. Crafting tailored communications for startups, investors, and ecosystem players was essential to attract a dynamic and relevant audience.
I was also responsible for the visuals and marketing of the event, from designing posters to creating marketing materials and social media content before, during, and after the event.
Leading the organizing team, comprised of dedicated volunteers, media personnel, and photographers, was a testament to teamwork and collective effort. My focus was on ensuring a smooth flow of the event – from logistics to on-site coordination, every detail mattered. The success of the event hinged on this harmonious collaboration.
A Collective Triumph
I’m very happy with how the event turned out. Reflecting on the event, it’s evident that its success was not just my own but a shared victory. The collective effort of everyone involved – from the team behind the scenes to each participant who brought their energy and enthusiasm – was the true driving force.
The Vietnam-Finland Startup Night 2023 was not just an event; it was a milestone for VE Finland in fostering a strong Vietnamese entrepreneurial community in Finland. As the event organizer, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Although this wasn’t my first time organizing a business-themed event (as I’ve been involved in many organizations and events promoting Vietnamese entrepreneurship and community), this experience has been a remarkable journey of learning, growth, and community building.
Looking Ahead
The positive feedback and outcomes of the event are encouraging signs for future endeavors. As we look forward to more such events, the aim remains to create platforms that inspire, connect, and elevate the entrepreneurial spirit among the Vietnamese community in Finland.
Stay tuned for our next chapter by following us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and join us as we continue to nurture and celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among the Vietnamese community in Finland.
