One cool thing about Epicenter is the constant drive to network. On this note, Kristian invited us to come back on Thursday for the after-work event focused on several different members and the innovative areas they are working within. We also were invited to come back and work there for the day, which we gladly accepted.

The after-work showcased AI-based motivational chat apps, to sustainability oriented capital funds, to an ex-chef implementing real-time tracking solutions on inventory and yields to enable better forecasting. Of course, even more networking and ideas flowed after the initial talks, and Juan and I found ourselves in discussion after discussion. Despite having spontaneously booked tickets to what would be both of our first ice hockey games (did you know Finland is best in the world for ice hockey?)… we couldn’t, and also didn’t want to, leave the event.

Eric McDermott

But as we know all goods things must eventually come to an end and being nearly the last ones there, we said goodbye to Kristian and thanked him for all the hospitality as we quickly jumped on our city bikes to see if we’d catch any of the game.

Fortune again smiled on us, as we arrived just in time for the 3rd and final 20-minute “period” of the game. The home team was down 1-2, but soon enough, they tied it at 2-2. The locals, seeing the only possible reason was our arrival, lifted us and shouted “LUCKY ONES! LUCKY ONES!... just kidding, that last part didn’t happen. But it could have! As the game went into overtime and the home team scored yet again to win 3-2. Neat.

Eric McDermott