Let’s kick things off with a fun observation: Slush, in our opinion, seemed to mirror Finland’s winter vibe perfectly—dark, mysterious, and illuminated by artistic, artificial light sources. This felt particularly fitting because when we arrived in Finland, the first thing we noticed was just how little daylight there was.
In Finland, the sun sets around 3:30 PM during winter, which meant we barely saw any sunlight during our stay. Adding to that, it was overcast most of the time, so even when the sun did rise, it remained hidden behind thick clouds. For us Austrians, accustomed to brighter days, this was a major shift. Unsurprisingly, it highlighted just how much sunlight—or the lack thereof—affects our circadian rhythm.
The dark mornings were particularly tough as we rely on sunlight to signal our bodies to “wake up.” Instead, we were bombarded with artificial blue light, which disrupted our sleep patterns and mood. What can you do in situations like this?
One way to combat excessive blue light exposure is by using blue-light-blocking glasses. Alternatively, Red Light Therapy is a great way to counteract the effects of diminished sunlight. It’s especially helpful after dark to realign your circadian rhythm and promote deeper sleep. But that’s a discussion for another day—let’s dive into Slush!
What is Slush?
Slush is all about creating opportunities for startups and investors to meet and collaborate. Our primary focus at the event was on connecting with potential investors and partners to help propel Luminous Labs to the next level.
We quickly learned that finding the right investor is much like dating—you have to find the right match. Slush provided an amazing environment to facilitate these “first dates,” with dedicated meeting areas, cozy tables, and even standing spots to share a coffee while having a chat. It was both efficient and creative!
Photobiomodulation: From Experimental to Mainstream
Even though photobiomodulation (PBM) is a relatively new and experimental technology, our mission is to make it accessible and mainstream. By enhancing the user experience, improving usability, and focusing on precise dosing and tracking, we aim to bring the incredible benefits of PBM to a wider audience.
Our vision is crystal clear, and events like Slush help us refine our priorities and focus on the next steps in our journey.
Inspiring Talks and Key Takeaways
When we weren’t pitching to investors or brainstorming future developments, we soaked in the wisdom shared at Slush. Founders from around the globe spoke on multiple stages, offering invaluable insights.
One standout talk was by Max Levchin, founder of Affirm and co-founder of PayPal (alongside Elon Musk). Max shared his journey, revealing how his passion for finance shaped his career. He emphasized the importance of failure, noting that PayPal wasn’t his first—or even his fifth—business attempt. It was a powerful reminder that persistence pays off.
A Side Event to Remember
Another highlight was a side event hosted at Hästens Beds. Surrounded by the world’s most luxurious beds, we discussed sleep optimization with coaches and biohackers. It was a surreal experience—relaxing on Hästens’ renowned beds while exploring ways to optimize rest and recovery.
The event featured incredible speakers like Kanerva Ahonala, Kaisa Merelä, and Teemu Arina (a pioneering figure in European biohacking). Connecting with them was an unforgettable experience that added even more depth to our time at Slush.
Wrapping Up
Slush left us buzzing with ideas and brimming with motivation. From investor meetings to inspiring talks, and even biohacking discussions in a bed store, every moment brought something valuable.
We’re taking these insights back to our headquarters, ready to illuminate the path forward for Luminous Labs. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!
