On the trail of sustainable business at Slush

Slush 2015: Slush is the focal point for startups and tech talent to meet with top-tier international investors, executives and media.

Technology and startup conference Slush might still be perceived by many as a meeting place for game companies. In reality, the event draws all kinds of enterprises: for example, those seeking financing for businesses that promote sustainable development.

Sometimes the best thing about travelling is meeting the local people – moments where you suddenly blend into the crowd and become part of someone else’s life.

This is also something the founders of Duara Travels have experienced while travelling in developing countries. These experiences led to the idea of a web-based service through which travellers can find accommodation with a local family. The majority of the accommodation fee goes to the host family, and a portion goes to the community’s village bank and to Duara.

“We want travellers to see where their money goes and how their trip affects the life of the local community,” explains Johanna Vierros, one of Duara’s three founders.