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13 June 16:30-18:30 EESTEpicenter Helsinki

Epicenter Helsinki proudly presents "Woke: Investing in Diversity for Tomorrow’s Returns," the fifth event in our HIRED 2024 series. This event will spotlight the financial and strategic advantages of embracing diversity, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, which is rapidly redefining market dynamics and talent acquisition strategies globally.

This event is ideal for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, business executives, HR leaders, diversity and inclusion advocates, and anyone interested in how social justice aligns with economic benefits. Join us to understand how progressive investment in diversity can yield substantial returns.

    About HIRED

    Do you want to attract and keep the best talent? Then you need to join us at HIRED – an Epicenter event series focusing on domestic and foreign talent and engagement. 

    From building your company culture to embracing diversity and inclusion, we'll be talking about what it takes to make sure you've got an engaged mix of employees who are well-suited for your mission.

    In addition to learning from leading experts, you'll also have the opportunity to network with other professionals and share your own experiences and challenges.

    Grab your free ticket

    Schedule

    16:30

    Welcome

    Grab a drink, network, and settle in.

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    16:50

    Fireside Chat

    This one on one conversation with Mari Luukkainen will delve into critical discussions around three key topics:

    1. Expanding Investment Horizons
    2. The Next Generation Workforce
    3. The Economics of Inclusion
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    Mari Luukkainen
    Principal, identity.vc
    Moderator Joey Bayer
    Head of Community, Epicenter Helsinki
    17:30

    Networking on the Terrace

    Grab a drink. Grab a bite. Meet someone new!

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    18:30

    Thank You and Goodbye

    Thanks for coming, we hope to see you soon!

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    Meet our experts

    Mari Luukkainen
    Principal, identity.vc

    Mari is a Principal at identity.vc, Europe's first VC investing in early-stage startups led by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, has over 20 years of experience in growth operations and venture capital. She has driven significant growth for companies like Freska, Paxful, and Yousician. As a former Principal at Icebreaker.vc, they managed a portfolio of 100+ startups, helping them raise substantial seed and series A funding. They also founded Herizon.io, a non-profit creating tech jobs for international talent, and received the 2022 Investor of the Year award at the Nordic Women in Tech Awards and the 2023 Diversity Role Model of the Year at the Nordic Startup Awards. Their mission is to support diversity in entrepreneurship and foster innovation by breaking conventional norms. Key achievements include increasing Freska's ARR from €200K to €13M in two years and significantly boosting investments in diverse founding teams at Icebreaker.vc.

    Moderator Joey Bayer
    Head of Community, Epicenter Helsinki

    Joey Bayer has been responsible for creating conversations that matter for more than 16 years.

    From creating the space, to connecting key players, to driving / setting the agenda, Joey brings together individuals for moments that both transform and inspire.

    Over the course of his career, Joey has hosted the world's most fascinating and influential people - from world leaders, like Bill Clinton, to iconic legends like Liza Minelli, to the CEOs of today's Fortune 500 companies.

    Joey's intuitive ability to connect with others, his passion for people and dialogue, and ability to get directly to the heart of the discussion have earned him a reputation of trust and respect with leaders around the world, and made him a central figure in today's most important conversations.

    More Speakers Announced Soon

    Welcome to Epicenter Helsinki

    This is the place where people come together to share society's changing thoughts. To co-create and make ideas leave the desk and become reality. A meeting arena where companies can collaborate, grow, and build new solutions - together. Do you share our way of thinking? Rent a desk or a flexible office, host a knowledge driven event, book a conference, join an innovation program, or just stop by.

    Grab your free ticket
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    Epicenter is the place where people come together to share society's changing thoughts. To co-create and make ideas leave the desk and become reality. A meeting arena where companies can collaborate, grow and build new solutions.