Silicon Valley Experience 2024

The Silicon Valley Experience trip will be organized again in 2024! Join other members of the Boardman network to explore and network in the world’s largest technology and innovation hub, Silicon Valley.

The trip provides a unique opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders in Silicon Valley, as well as visit both startups and major technology companies.

We promise that you will gain valuable insights about the latest market trends and innovations and hear about the opportunities that Silicon Valley can offer to your company.

The Silicon Valley Experience trip is scheduled for September 8-13, 2024.

Sign up here!

Program for Silicon Valley (Silicon Valley Experience) September 8-13, 2024

The program will be tailored to the needs and wishes of the participants, utilizing contacts from the Boardman network, and will include:

• Company Visits to Finnish Companies Operating in Silicon Valley, Local Growth Companies, and Global Brand Companies. Confirmed Visit Locations Include:
  • Google Campus and Bay View: We will visit Google’s Campus and experience the innovative office building Google Bay View. During a mini-seminar, Antti Järvinen, Country Manager of Google Finland, and his colleagues will present the latest developments and opportunities in artificial intelligence and maintaining well-being at Google.
  • AKKR (Accel-KKR): Representatives from the private equity firm AKKR, which has an impressive portfolio, will share insights on funding, the conditions for obtaining it, and the capital markets in Silicon Valley.
  • Verge Motorcycles: Pekka Pärnänen, COO of the globally recognized electric motorcycle manufacturer Verge Motorcycles, will share the company’s growth story and experiences of leading an innovative growth company in the US market.
  • Stanford University: We will visit Stanford, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, and get a sense of the latest research trends.
  • Ingka Centers: We will see and experience what the meeting places of the future look and feel like and learn about the innovations behind them. Additionally, Miia Kautovaara (Meeting Place Manager, North America) will talk about opening new markets, as well as digitalization and sustainability in business on the US market.
  • Salesforce: The Salesforce Tower and its hidden secret garden are an experience in themselves. We will experience the innovative atmosphere of the international technology company Salesforce, located in the skyscraper, when we visit Salesforce’s headquarters in San Francisco. We will discuss the future of cloud services, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to improve customer management.
  • Dottir: Pietari Grohn (Startup and Venture Attorney, Dottir) and his team will share key practical lessons for starting and expanding a business in the United States, particularly on the West Coast.
  • Nordic Innovation House: We will visit the Palo Alto hub, which offers practical help and tips for expanding business to the United States. Hartti Suomela (Senior Adviser, Business Finland) and his colleagues will share their experiences and insights on the Silicon Valley market and how Nordic companies can succeed in the US market.
  • PwC: We will discuss market developments and future outlooks with experts. We will delve into the impact of geopolitics with local experts.

• Themed Roundtable Discussions.
• Dinners with Local Entrepreneurs in Small Groups: We will meet many inspiring local entrepreneurs, such as Risto Lähdesmäki, founder of Idean; Ari Tulla, founder of Elo Health; Kristian Ranta, founder of Meru Health; angel investor Kirsti Chou; and many, many more.
• Joint Seminars, Events, and Evening Gatherings with Local Entrepreneurs, Leaders, Organizations, and Other Stakeholders.
• Unique Meetings, Contacts, and Networking and Learning Opportunities.

Program Package and Participation Fee

The participation fee for the Silicon Valley Experience trip is €3500 (+ VAT).

The fee includes visits and the program in Silicon Valley, several dinners, lunches during the week, event tickets, and local transportation. Please note that each participant is responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

Travel and Accommodation Arrangements

Each participant is responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. We recommend suitable flights and hotels for those registered for the program. Participants can also make their own travel and accommodation reservations directly and participate in only part of the program, but will then also be responsible for their own local transportation to join the group program.

We recommend registering soon as limited amount of places!

Sign up here!

For more information about the trip, contact Taina Brandstack at taina.brandstack@boardman.fi or +358 44 019 9553