Frequently Asked Questions

ARCTIC15 is the most effective startup-investor conference in Northern Europe. The goal of the event is to look beneath the surface of a business event. ARCTIC15 enables quality networking, fostering of meaningful relationships and real returns on investment. With the right size, the right people and a focus on meaningful networking, our 15 Values ranging from Equality and Personal Responsibility to Presence and Quality help get the most out of the event.

The name ARCTIC15  originates from the event’s early days as a pitching competition that gathered the top 15 startups from the Nordic and Baltic region. Over time, the event evolved beyond pitching into one of Europe’s most founder‑focused startup conferences. The original competition still exists today, which connects angel investors with high‑potential startups across the region to form cross‑border investments. What began as a showcase of 15 promising teams has grown into a pan‑European platform driving real funding and lasting partnerships.

This year marks 15 years of ARCTIC15 , and the team is introducing a refreshed vision for how founders, investors, and innovators connect. For the anniversary edition, we’ve reimagined the experience to go beyond conversation — turning ideas into something you can see, touch, and feel. The 2026 program introduces forward‑looking concepts and deeper engagement formats, including the new Experience Zone, an expanded Top 100 Innovations initiative, and upgraded matchmaking tools designed to help startups and investors create lasting results.

Debuting in 2026, the Experience Zone is a dedicated environment where innovation truly comes alive. Attendees can explore new technologies, products, and solutions first‑hand — gaining a deeper understanding of how they work and the impact they can make. It’s an opportunity to engage directly with innovation, not just hear about it.

We’ll share more information about participation, themes, and exhibitor opportunities in spring 2026 via the ARCTIC15  newsletter and official communication channels.

The Top 100 Innovations celebrate the most promising startups, technologies, and products shaping the future. From this distinguished group, the Top 30 startups will take the ARCTIC15  Main Stage to present their vision to global investors, partners, and media.

Applications will open soon on the ARCTIC15 website. Selection is based on innovation strength, traction, scalability, and impact potential. Startups can find additional details on the separate concept pages.

Startups, scaleups, investors, large corporations, service providers, startup ecosystem supporters, influencers, media, & anyone with a valid ticket are welcome. This year, we expect 2500+ participants, 100+ speakers, 600+ startups and scaleups, 400+ VCs, angel investors, and CVCs and 100+ corporations & media representatives from 60 countries.

Dates:  11-12 June, 2026
Venue: Kaapelitehdas – Cable Factory
Location: Kaapeliaukio 3, 00180 Helsinki

How to get to the Venue

We know that great conversations often happen over great food. In previous years, we’ve provided gourmet meals and all-day coffee to fuel your networking.

But now, we’re doing things a little differently. Drinks and snacks are part of the Startup, Investor, and Attendee tickets. With an Expo Pass, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to discover Helsinki’s vibrant food scene just around the corner.

Our focus remains on creating the best environment for meaningful connections and deal-making. We appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to welcome you to an even more impactful ARCTIC15!

The program for this year will be announced as we get closer to the event. Our main focus this year will be on founder stories, sharing advice for startup building, and industries such as Defence Tech, AI + Data, Sustainability & Climate, Deep Tech. Tracks will consist of stage programmes with keynotes, fireside chats and panels, workshops, networking sessions and 1-on-1 meetings.

Unfortunately no, due to the GDPR we can not share a list of attendees or details of any company, but If you buy tickets you will find them all on our matchmaking platform.

The event will not be live streamed but the programme will be captured on video.

Use hashtag #ARCTIC15 and keep up with our updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Workshop registration will commence closer to the event date in the matchmaking platform and you will also be invited via email. If you want to host a workshop, contact us at hello@arcticstartup.com

Contact our Partnership Team (partnership@arcticstartup.com), Theys will build the perfect package for you.

You can pick up your badge and wristband at the registration desk upon arrival at ARCTIC15. The registration area will be clearly marked at the venue entrance.

To speed up the process, please have your ticket QR code ready when you arrive at the venue.

There will be a cloakroom available for all attendees so they can hang their coats, cloaks or other outerwear. Unfortunately, there is no designated storage area for bigger personal belongings at the conference venue (like luggage, for example).

Yes! Every year, we partner up with the best hotels of Helsinki to offer exclusive deals for ARCTIC15 attendees.

You will find special rates and convenient accommodation options.

Tickets will be available at the ticket page. There are be Startup, Investor, and Attendee tickets. As a startup, you can also buy a Startup Booth Package which includes two Startup tickets.

Now, for our 15th year anniversary, we’re opening our doors to all tech enthusiasts with a new ticket type; Expo Pass. Whether you’re curious about startups, new technology, or where innovation is heading next, then you have the option to join for the first time for Day 2.

If you’re a press member, please visit our Media/ Press page to apply for accreditation.

SiRA™ is a Startup Investment Readiness Assessment by SiRA Intelligence Labs that helps startups measure and improve fundraising readiness, giving startups and investors a clear snapshot for evaluating funding prospects and opportunities. Completing the startup form takes about 45 minutes.

Sira uses structured profile data such as industry focus, growth stage, investment thesis, ticket size, and strategic interests to generate smart meeting recommendations and show investment readiness for Startups.

For the ARCTIC15 2026 – 15th Anniversary Edition, we offer the following ticket categories: Startup, Investor, Investor Select, Attendee, Expo Pass, and Media.

You have the option to benefit from the SIRA ticket offer with lower ticket prices, when securing your ticket for the ARCTIC15 2026 event in June.

Startup Ticket

For: Early-stage & growth startups.
Startup Ticket Eligibility

To qualify for a Startup Ticket at ArcticStartup events such as Arctic15.com and Nordeep.com, companies must meet the following criteria:

– Incorporation: Legally registered as a company (must have a valid Business ID) within the last seven years.
– Exclusions: Accelerators, incubators, agencies, consultancies, and service providers do not qualify under the startup category, but may purchase Attendee tickets or book booths or pavilions separately.

Investor Ticket

For: Angels, VCs, CVCs, family offices.

Investor Plus Ticket

With an Investor Plus ticket you have access to fast-track registration, lunch ticket, ,access to invite-only gatherings, Speaker & Investor lounge, and VIP Rooftop cocktail and VIP dinner.

Eligibility: Must be an active investor (verification required).

Attendee Ticket

For: Corporates, ecosystem players, service providers, tech professionals.
Eligibility: Open ticket (non-startup, non-investor roles).

Expo Pass (Day 2 Visitor)

For: Tech / Startup Enthusiasts, public and/ or general audience.
Eligibility: Open for day 2  -access ticket.

Media Pass

For: Accredited journalists & media professionals.
Eligibility: Media accreditation required.

No. If you purchase startup tickets without a valid business ID, provide false information about your startup, or use your university, incubator, or accelerator’s business ID instead of your startup’s, we will void your tickets and issue a refund. However, a €100 administration fee will be deducted per person in your ticket.

To avoid this, please have your organization (University, Incubator, accelerator etc.) purchase a pavilion directly from us instead of buying tickets individually without a business ID.

Startup, Attendee, Investor, Investor Plus and Expo Pass ticket types have different features and benefits. Check what’s included on the ticket page.

Startups and Investors get access to the matchmaking tool before and during the event, the full program, workshops, and exclusive side events depending on your ticket type. And of course, to the ARCTIC15  After Party.

Also, please note that value-added tax (VAT) is excluded.

Yes. You’re welcome to purchase two separate tickets (e.g. one Investor Pass and one Startup Pass) if you actively operate in both roles.

For the Matchmaking / Deal Room, you will need to choose which role you represent in the platform. This ensures that your meeting recommendations and matches align clearly with your selected position — either as an investor seeking deal flow or as a founder seeking funding and partnerships.

Our recommendation: if possible, bring another team member to represent your startup in the Deal Room while you participate as an investor (or vice versa). This way, both roles are fully optimized and you maximize relevant meetings on both sides.

As this is our anniversary edition, we’re offering especially great ticket deals for 2026. These offers also apply if you book a Startup Village booth, an amazing place to showcase your company and meet new people.

Yes. You can simply go to your personal ticket link that you have received in an e-mail upon registration and re-assign it there. Take note that if you have already filled out the whole form and gained access to the matchmaking platform, your account in the matchmaking platform gets deactivated after the ticket change. The new ticket holder will get an invitation to join the matchmaking platform. If any help is needed, please email us at hello@arcticstartup.com

Yes. You can abandon the form creation process after you have created the ticket and then return to it using the ticket link that you received in your e-mail to fill out the details.

Unfortunately not, but you can transfer the ticket to someone else. Click here for Terms and Conditions.

Once you buy the ticket you will receive an email with some information about the event. The subject of the email is “Your ARCTIC15 Helsinki 2026 Confirmation & Receipt” (if you did not receive it in your main inbox, please, make sure to check the spam folder).

If you scroll down to the bottom of that email, after “summary” you will be able to find the “view receipt” button, beside “view order”. You can add information such as billing address and tax information to your receipt in that same link.

Yes, you can. There will be a plus 30€ + VAT administration fee added to your invoice per ticket. Send us your invoicing details like your Company name and VAT number (if you don’t have a company, send your Full name), Address, and email to send your invoice. Also, you may send us your electronic invoicing details if you have them.

No, each ticket is assigned to an individual person.

Matchmaking and networking are the core of ARCTIC15. The matchmaking platform allows you to enhance your networking and meeting experience. The platform enables you to screen other attendees and has 20-minute meetings with them. The platform will be opened 1 week prior to the event date.

You can meet startups, scaleups, speakers, investors, corporation representatives and other tech ecosystem players.

One meeting will be approximately 20 minutes.

If you are not able to attend the meeting, you can cancel or reschedule it using the matchmaking tool.

Yes, and we are happy to discuss different ideas on how to make it a real magnet at the event. Contact Partnerships Team (partnership@arcticstartup.com).

You can check out the rules here.

At the minimum, you will get visibility through roll-ups and on the screens. Also, we can create logo visibility almost anywhere – booths, lanyards, stages, walls, flags and in program content. We will find the right kind of presence for your brand and depending on your needs, find the right way to connect with other attendees, startups, investors, or corporates.

You will get visibility on the event website and in articles, press releases and social media channels.

Absolutely – the matchmaking platform will allow you to filter for and prearrange meetings with all participants.

In the last event, we arranged 13000+ meetings in two days.

Contact us at hello@arcticstartup.com

Closer to the event you will find workshops on our ARCTIC15 webpage and in the on the matchmaking platform. You can sign up over matchmaking platform by going directly to matchmaking platform or choose your workshop on the ARCTIC15 webpage which will link you to matchmaking platform.

If you want to host a workshop you can contact us at hello@arcticstartup.com

Each workshop will last 1 hour.

All rooms fit up to 50 people.

Yes, you will get a wifi pass at the venue.

You can contact us at hello@arcticstartup.com

Media pass applications are in our Press page.

You can work in the media & press lounge.

Scheduling interviews at ARCTIC15 is eezi-peezi. You are in control of your own time and schedule. All interviews can be agreed upon and scheduled well in advance via our matchmaking tool Deal Room.

Your press contact person is Enes. If you have questions or difficulties finding the person on matchmaking platform, feel free to drop him an e-mail at enes.hotalak@arcticstartup.com and CC hello@arcticstartup.com.