Home News & ViewsGrowth Companies in the Defence Sector – Strategy & Tactics 23/10/2025 | Events & Seminars | M&A, Private Growth Companies in the Defence Sector – Strategy & Tactics Warming up for Slush Week, DDE, FVCA, Hannes Snellman, Nordic West Office, and Pillsbury are pleased to invite you to an official Slush side event: Growth Companies in the Defence Sector — Strategy & Tactics, taking place on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at the Hannes Snellman office, Eteläesplanadi 20, Helsinki. This high-level gathering will bring together investors, legal and policy experts, and technology leaders to explore the strategic and regulatory dimensions of the defence and dual-use technology sectors. As global security priorities evolve, the defence tech landscape is becoming increasingly relevant for innovation-driven investment. Programme 2.45 p.m. Registration & coffee3.10 – 5 p.m. Presentations5 p.m. Networking Introduction – Defence Sector DynamicsKlaus Ilmonen, Partner, Hannes Snellman Geopolitics Constrains Dual-Use Defence CompaniesCharly Salonius-Pasternak, CEO, Nordic West Office Licence to Scale – The Rise of Nordic Dual-Use Startups, VC PerspectiveInka Mero, Founder & Managing Partner, Voima Ventures International Opportunities – Selling to the United StatesNancy Fischer, Partner and Justin Rubin, Senior Counsel, Pillsbury Panel Discussion & Shark Tank Remarks from the Sharks Timo Ahopelto, Founder, Lifeline VenturesInka Mero, Founder & Managing Partner, Voima VenturesJuha-Matti Ylitalo, Brigadier General Engineering, The Finnish Defence Forces Shark Tank Pitches AGATE SensorsAILiveSimNordic Inertial US Shark Tank CommentsChristina Pearson, Partner, Pillsbury Closing RemarksRabbe Sittnikow, Partner, Hannes Snellman Networking & Mingling The event will conclude with a networking session over refreshments—an opportunity to connect with peers and stakeholders shaping the future of defence innovation.