The future of circular investment is taking center stage in Helsinki as CircularInvest joins the global startup and tech community at this year’s Slush Event, recognised as one of the world’s leading gatherings for innovators and investors.
On Monday, 17 November, CircularInvest will host a dedicated side session during the event: Circular Connect – The Circular Economy Investment Case. The session aims to highlight why circularity is not only environmentally necessary but also increasingly attractive for investors seeking resilient, future-proof opportunities.
The event will bring together practitioners, investors, and city representatives to explore how circular business models can drive strong returns while addressing pressing sustainability challenges. Speakers include Dora Fazekas (Innova+, CircularInvest Coordinator), Kaisa Spilling (ARKI135), Jukka Hakola (Business Helsinki), and Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures). A central feature of the programme is a panel discussion moderated by Alisa Mick (MiXi), examining whether the Circular Economy can be considered a marketable and impactful financial asset.
The session concludes with a networking opportunity designed to help CircularInvest beneficiaries and partner projects connect directly with investors. This will allow participants to explore potential collaborations, discuss investment readiness, and strengthen the circular innovation ecosystem.
The side event is co-organised by CircularInvest (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative – CCRI), Arabian Kiertotaloushubi – Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki, MiXi Center, and Business Helsinki.
Date: Monday, November 17th, 2025
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 CET
Location: ARKI 135 Circular Hub, Hämeentie 135A, 4th floor, Helsinki
Agenda:
15:00 – Doors open: Arrival & coffee
15:10 – Welcome remarks – Kaisa Spilling (ARKI135) & Jukka Hakola (Business Helsinki)
15:20 – Shaping the Next Generation of Investment – Dora Fazekas (CircularInvest)
15:25 – Circular Economy as an Asset Class?
Panel discussion moderated by Alisa Mick (MiXi), with investors including Fredrik Blomquist (FundForward), Iida Miettinen (Ensto Invest), Heli Kerminen (Tesi).
15:50 – Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures) - Keynote
16:00 - Networking
Meet standout companies from CircularInvest and the ARKI 135 Circular Programme in a relaxed setting and explore potential collaborations and investment opportunities.
ReNew Lifecycle is developing a platform to extend the lifespan of electronic devices through intelligent fleet management and refurbishment. With support from CircularInvest, the project refined its business model, engaged investors, and joined a network of circular innovators. It now aims to scale its solution across markets, reduce waste, and set a standard for sustainable electronics.
SURLEV has developed a method to lift existing sloped roofs instead of demolishing them to create new space without additional footprint.
The Ocean Package seeks to revolutionize packaging in e-commerce by creating a sustainable and efficient reuse system for shipping materials, b< eliminating single-use packaging and replacing it with durable, reusable solutions that contribute to a circular economy.
The Circular Investment Readiness Network (CIRN) is organising a series of sessions to support circular economy projects in overcoming development and financial challenges. The next session will take place on 27 March (09:30 - 10:30 CET) and will be hosted by Vojtech Vosecki, one of Europe's leading circular economy voices.
