Low-touch · Speaking

Talks, panels, interviews.

Keynotes and conversations on founders, storytelling, AI, and the human side of building — drawn from two decades inside startups and ecosystems.

What you get

✦A talk or panel shaped to your audience
✦Optional fireside-style format with a host
✦Written summary or follow-up piece if helpful

Topics I can cover

Founder narrative in an AI-driven world
What ecosystems actually need to grow
Leadership through performance and purpose
Lessons from Slush and the Helsinki ecosystem
The intimacy of hard conversations
Storycrafting as a founder skill

Featured case · Keynote

Slush Opening Speech

An illustrated narrative on storytelling, founders, and Europe's path forward — anchored by the Slush 2016 opening show, where Helsinki proved the impossible was possible.

Slush 2016 · Opening Show — the moment Helsinki proved the impossible was possible.

"The impossible is our business."

"If AI eats software, what remains as differentiation? Storytelling."

"The impossible is not fixed. It shifts based on conviction, clarity, and sustained effort."

Read the full story→

More discussions & presentations

Watch on YouTube — @afoundersfriend

A growing archive of talks, panels, interviews, and short reflections.

Visit the channel

Common questions

Related thinking

Let's talk.

The best way to find out if this fits is a short conversation.

Book a call nicolas@afoundersfriend.com

Talks, panels, interviews.

What you get

Topics I can cover

Slush Opening Speech

Watch on YouTube — @afoundersfriend

Common questions

What topics do you cover?

Do you charge a speaking fee?

Where can you travel?

How much lead time do you need?

Can the talk be recorded and shared?

Related thinking

Let's talk.