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In 2025, innovation is not optional – it’s a necessity.
For corporates, staying ahead means adopting cutting-edge startup technologies that solve real business problems – not just pilot anymore. For startups, it’s about turning their groundbreaking innovations into products and paying customers.
The Slush Startup Struggle Survey highlights the hurdles founders face: revenue growth and customer acquisition are tougher than ever. Startups don’t just need visibility — they need customers who see the value in their solutions. And corporates need solutions that bridge their innovation gaps. The speed at which innovations can be brought to market has shortened significantly. Staying ahead means deploying key (new) technologies quickly.
That’s where the Venture Client Track, hosted by 27pilots, comes in. Now in its fifth year at Slush, it bridges the gap between global corporates and startups. Not as mentors or investors, but as the driver of external innovation sources for corporates and the fast track for startups to get corporate customers.
“We’re excited to continue our long-standing partnership with 27pilots. The Venture Client Track offers both corporates and founders something truly unique: corporates have the opportunity to share their insights on Venture Clienting and startups get the chance to meet their future clients.” says Aino Bergius, CEOof Slush.
Corporates Don’t Just Need Innovation. They Need Results. Startups Don’t Need Mentors. They Need Customers.
For many corporates, engaging with startups can feel like navigating uncharted territory. And for many founders, selling into large enterprises feels like cracking a secret code. The Venture Client Track flips that dynamic.
Across two days of programming, innovation leaders from companies like Siemens, Equinor, Holcim, Helm, OTTO, Lufthansa, Rehau and many more will share how startups can gain them as their corporate Venture Client, including:
● What technologies they’re scouting
● How their Venture Client Units are structured and what their processes look like
● What startups need to bring to the table to get through the door — and get a contracts
Venture Clienting: Real Customers. Real Revenue.
The Venture Client Model, first operationalized at BMW and now adopted by hundreds of global companies, transforms the corporate-startup dynamic: Instead of investing in startups, corporates become their early customers — applying startup technologies directly to real-world business problems.
“The Venture Client Model is reshaping industries: the most innovative corporations are becoming Venture Clients because it delivers measurable impact — fast, efficient, and at scale.”, says Dr. Martin Fink, CEO of 27pilots
By removing traditional blockers — legal, procurement, IT, security — Venture Client Units enable corporates to adopt startup solutions fast, scalable, and repeatable.
New in 2025: The Venture Client Summit.
This year, 27pilots is launching the first-ever Venture Client Summit — a focused, invite-only side event on the day before Slush kicks off (Nov 18th, 2025).
It’s the only corporate-focused side event at Slush dedicated entirely to Venture Clienting. Operational leaders from the world’s most advanced Venture Client Units will come together with selected startups and VCs to discuss:
● How corporates can become better Venture Clients
● How emerging tech trends can solve industry problems
● How to move from pilot to adoption within complex organizations
Learn more about the Venture Client Summit and apply for participation here.
Contact: Antonia Biehler (27pilots) – antoniab@27pilots.com