Helsinki attracts investors and founders with two new programs  

Venture Nordics – opening Nordic investment potential to international funds 

Imagine a program designed to give you a fast pass into the heart of Europe’s thriving venture scene. Venture Nordics is exactly that. This immersive 9-day experience gives international fund managers and limited partners inside access to the heart of the vibrant Nordic startup ecosystem – a region known as Europe’s unicorn factory.  

Through a blend of networking events, industry insights, and cultural experiences, Venture Nordics seeks to explain the reasons behind the Nordic region’s emergence as a breeding ground for European unicorns – the next generation of disruptive tech companies. But Venture Nordics goes beyond just deal flow. This program fosters lasting connections that pave the way for investment opportunities globally. 

Founders to Finland – scale up in Europe  

For ambitious scale-up founders with a global vision, Founders to Finland is the ultimate springboard. This intensive 2-week program enables international founders to seamlessly establish and scale up their businesses in Helsinki, leveraging its collaborative tight-knit ecosystem. Founders receive not just tailored business support, but also market expertise and personalised relocation guidance, ensuring a smooth and successful launchpad for European expansion.  

“Helsinki is perfect for innovation and family life,” says Sitian Lu from China, a program participant. “It’s ideal to grow my business here.” 

Innovation meets opportunity in Helsinki   

These programs offer participants the opportunity to experience the unique blend of innovation and quality of life Helsinki provides.  

A thriving business environment exists alongside exceptionally high life-work (in that order) balance. This unique combination is one reason Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world seven years running. This fosters a dynamic ecosystem where creativity flourishes and collaboration thrive. 

“The people and innovation in Finland inspire me,” adds Founders to Finland participant Jacob Puthenparambil. 

Matching people with possibilities 

The launch of both Venture Nordics and Founders to Finland facilitates an opportunity for collaboration and growth in Helsinki. This exchange of ideas, capital, and entrepreneurial spirit strengthens both programs, fostering a thriving hub for innovation and propelling businesses towards groundbreaking success stories. 

“We were thrilled by the overwhelming number and high quality of the applications from international investors eager to explore and expand into the Nordic region. As a growing market in the global venture landscape, the Nordics are attracting increasing attention from international investors. Our goal is to make expanding to Helsinki easier than ever,” says Venture Nordics Program Manager, Tian Yu.  

Through these programs, Helsinki Partners aims to create a dynamic environment where international founders and investors can connect, collaborate, and contribute to Helsinki’s economy, while simultaneously propelling their businesses towards European and global success.  

Participants will be in Helsinki May 28 – June 7, 2024.

Curious? Register your interested for the next program round

If you are an international scale-up founder looking to expand your business to Europe and are interested in exploring Helsinki for your business apply to the next edition of Founders to Finland, scheduled to take place in Autumn 2024.

If you are an international investor with a mandate to invest in Europe apply to join the Venture Nordics Program, scheduled to take place in Autumn 2024.