Stan (Sitian) Lu from China sees Finland’s innovative spirit and open culture as the perfect launchpad for his venture-building ambitions in the tech and consumer sectors. A seasoned innovation practitioner and venture capitalist, Stan has led both the investment practice and the portfolio management as a Partner at Turing Capital, a spin-off of the globally renowned VC, KPCB China. His efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of numerous ventures, demonstrating a profound commitment to nurturing innovation.

Stan’s extensive research on corporate innovation, conducted alongside world-leading experts and researchers at Continuum, has deepened his conviction in Venture Building (“VB”) as a transformative approach to fostering innovation and growth. He views VB as a potent alternative to the traditional VC model, representing a new paradigm in the evolution of startups and innovation ecosystems. His frequent visits to Slush have not only cemented his respect for Finland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem but have also ignited interest among his network in China, showcasing the potential for European expansion with Finland as the starting point.

With the enthusiastic backing of his family, Stan is poised to dive into Helsinki’s dynamic business landscape. His wife, an artist, is attracted to the city’s rich cultural fabric, while their son looks forward to the high-quality Finnish education system. Together, they are ready to embark on a journey that promises professional fulfilment and personal growth, with Stan keen on exploring Venture Building opportunities in Finland’s supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Arvin Tang from Singapore views Helsinki’s innovative ecosystem as an ideal launchpad for his digital marketing agency, AKIN, with sights set on tapping into expansive growth opportunities in the EU (European Union) market. His enthusiastic participation in the Founders to Finland Program reflects his commitment to immersing himself in this environment, learning from fellow entrepreneurs, and fostering cross-regional connections to enrich his understanding of European markets.

Arvin’s journey to Helsinki is not just a business mission; it’s the fulfilment of a long-held fascination with the city’s mature, service-oriented landscape that thrives on nurturing startups, VCs, and SMEs. This environment, he believes, is ripe for learning the socio-cultural intricacies necessary for successful market penetration. Arvin’s expertise in digital marketing spans the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, equipping him with valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of go-to-market strategies in Asia. His objective in Helsinki extends beyond exploring growth avenues for AKIN; it is part of a broader mission to facilitate European companies’ entry into Asian markets and to fine-tune cross-geographic strategies that bridge Asia, the EU, and the UK.

In Helsinki, Arvin is not just expanding his business; he’s enriching the Helsinki ecosystem with his global perspective. By leveraging his familiarity with the intricacies of Asian markets, he positions himself as a vital bridge in the Founders to Finland community, aiming to foster cross-regional business collaborations. For Arvin, the program is an opportunity to weave valuable connections, contributing to and deriving value from the relationships he builds within this vibrant entrepreneurial network.

Shilpa Karkeraa from Singapore brings her extensive experience in leading digital transformation across 10+ countries to Finland, seeking to make a significant impact within its innovation ecosystem. Her decision to join the Founders to Finland program was driven by Finland’s unmatched innovation infrastructure, which perfectly aligns with her health-focused, purpose-driven business that aims to scale innovative products and solutions. Shilpa is prepared to collaborate with Helsinki’s innovation community to forge a brighter future together.

Shilpa describes herself as a “researcher at heart” and has established herself as a key figure in the fields of blockchain and AI, sharing her insights as a seasoned keynote speaker, community leader and published author. Her journey to Helsinki represents not just a move to expand her business but a commitment to contribute her deep industry knowledge and collaborative spirit to Finland’s vibrant tech scene.