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…and a lot of Blue at Arctic15, 2025
So, Deal Tank at Arctic15 – Where Startups and Deals Collide.
The Arctic15 startup conference, a Helsinki annual startups meet investors “chocolate shop” since 2011, has always been about connecting the right people to make things happen.
1st ever DealTank. Image (c) Arctic15 social media (screenshot)
But in June 2025, they tuned it up with the Deal Tank, a brand-new program that’s part Shark Tank, part startup matchmaking, and all action. Held at the iconic Cable Factory on June 4–5, 2025, this wasn’t just another pitch contest—it was a high-energy show where real deals got sparked.
The Spark
Jan Ameri, one of the main guys behind Arctic15, had seen enough pitch competitions to know they often ended with applause but no cash. Back in the early days, Arctic15 started as the “Top 15 Startups” pitch fest, showcasing Nordic and Baltic talent. It was cool, but Jan wanted more—actual deals, not just handshakes. Already on the early days Arctic15 introduced the Deal Room, a game-changer where startups and investors could book one-on-one meetings. And there were some solid stats on the deals, but Jan wasn’t done.
Fast forward to spring 2025, and Jan’s team was itching to shake things up again. Pitch contests felt stale, so they dreamed up Deal Tank: a tightly curated, themed showdown where startups pitch to hand-picked investors who are ready to commit—softly or seriously—right there. No fluff, just action. They sifted through nearly 100 startups to find the perfect fit, settling on four gems for the 2 day show.
Hosted by Tia De Bono
Hosting Day 2 was Tia De Bono, a former startup founder who’s been there and done that. She built Nordic Yarn, slinging premium cashmere from Italy to the U.S. market, and had hit up countless startup events like Slush and Arctic15. When Jan, who she’d met years back, pitched the Deal Tank idea, Tia was hooked: “Shark Tank vibes? I’m in!” Her job? Keep the energy high, the discussion sharp, and the startups shining. With her founder cred and knack for reading the room, she was the perfect MC.
So on day2 the selected three startups took the stage, each pitching active funding rounds to a panel of investors who weren’t just there to clap—they had the means and motive to invest. These weren’t random money folks; they were carefully matched to the startups’ industries, from deep tech to health. The twist? The audience could jump in, too, tossing in offers or joining deals. It was like a live startup marketplace, and the vibe was off the charts.
Tia kept the show rolling with her chill-but-sharp moderation, cracking jokes to lighten the mood but diving into tough questions when needed. The startups brought their A-game, wowing the investors with their readiness. “I didn’t expect this level of polish,” one investor whispered. Deals started brewing—soft commitments were made, one startup got a promise for private talks, and an audience member even threw in a smaller offer. The crowd was hyped, cheering like they were at a rock concert.
Deal Tank wasn’t just a pitch fest—it was a carefully crafted machine. Every startup, investor, and theme was chosen with precision, ensuring perfect matches. Unlike the old-school pitch contests, this was about action: live negotiations, real commitments, and a format that let the audience play a role. Deal Tank became the event’s crown jewel. taking it to a new level.
What’s Next in the DealTank?
There are rumours, and some open talks on the future, and it feels that the 2025 Deal Tank was just the beginning. Jan and his crew are already plotting the next Arctic15, with plans to make Deal Tank even bigger—more startups, bolder themes, and maybe even crazier live deals. It’s proof that when you put the right people in a room and give them a stage, magic happens. Wanna pitch your startup or join the action?
The 2026 Arctic15 is scheduled June 11-12, 2026, so be ready to apply for DealTanl, or grab a ticket once they are on sale again. Who knows—you might be the next one closing a deal under the Cable Factory blue lights!
