Founders to Finland Program
Business programme for select international founders and investors. Our unique initiative offers you the opportunity to establish your business in Helsinki, granting you access to the thriving Eu
Founders to Finland
Application are closed. Join the waitlist to learn when the applications re-open.
An immersive Helsinki experience for purpose-driven scale-up founders. Participants get a free ticket to Slush 2024, build their Nordic network, and explore the unique business culture of Helsinki, the capital of the happiest country in the world.
About the program
What is the Founders to Finland Program?
Founders to Finland is 7-day deep-dive into the Nordic business ecosystem. It’s designed for international scale-up founders to build a highly relevant network in the Nordics and gain fast access to the European market. The program is free of charge, participants only need to cover the cost of their expenses.
The next cohort of participants are arriving in Helsinki on 15 November. They’ll explore Slush 2024, the biggest startup event in Europe, and build their network in Helsinki.
Elevate your impact
Why apply to Founders to Finland?
Join Europe’s largest startup event
Program participants will get a free ticket to the largest startup event in Europe.
Exclusive side events
Step into elite gatherings and private events. Engage with industry leaders in intimate settings, perfect for making lasting connections.
Cultural immersion
Dive deep into the vibrant culture that created Slush. Experience firsthand the innovative spirit and collaborative energy that make it a global phenomenon.
Maximise your efficiency and impact
Optimise your time and efforts at Slush. Leverage curated sessions and personalised introductions to make every moment count.
Build a highly relevant network in just 7 days
Become part of an elite group of alumni. Build a powerful, supportive peer network that extends beyond the event, fostering long-term growth and collaboration.
Apply for Founders to Finland today!
The next application period will open in late 2024. If you applied for the 2024 Slush Edition, we’ll inform you about the process via email. Join the waitlist by submitting the form below, and you’ll be the first to know when applications re-open.
November 17–23
Founders to Finland 2024 – Slush Edition
Arrival to Helsinki
Day 0 | Nov 17
Get ready to embark on an adventure that sets the stage for an immersive program.
Welcome to Helsinki
Day 1 | Nov 18
This day begins with a warm welcome at our Helsinki office, followed by a seminar on Finnish business culture.
Accessing funding and the Finnish startup ecosystem
Day 2 | Nov 19
Seminars on accessing funding and the Finnish startup ecosystem and its benefits for international startups.
Slush
Day 3-4 | Nov 20–21
Dive into Slush 2024! We’ll help you cherry-pick the most fitting side events from a vibrant lineup of over 300 around the city. Forge connections, expand horizons, and see your industry in Finland first-hand.
Company visit
Day 5 | Nov 22
This day features a visit to one of the leading companies in Helsinki. More details to follow.
Farewell party
Day 6 | Nov 23
Enjoy a proper Finnish party. The program ends in style with good company and drinks.
*We reserve the right to adjust the program’s dates and content, always ensuring the core essence remains the same for an enriching experience.
“If your structures are in place, you’ll have ample funding opportunities here in Finland. If you have a good idea and the will to make it work, the country has the organisations and the networks that can help you to do so.”
Parneet Bajaj, CEO at mandatorytrainings.com, Founders to Finland Participant 2022
“It felt like a family with the warmth from the Helsinki Partners Team and everyone we met.”
Shilpa Karkeraa, CEO, Myraa Technologies, Founders to Finland participant summer 2024
Reasons to expand your business in Helsinki
#1
Top destination in Europe for expats
Expat Life Report 2023
#1
Commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Report, 2023
#2
Most innovative region in Europe
Regional Innovation Scoreboard, 2024
#1
Europe’s leader in digitalisation
Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI)
5/5
83% can fully recommend Helsinki Partners
Survey to Founders to Finland participants
A startup pass to Slush 2024.
Helsinki Partners will provide each participant with a free ticket to Slush 2024. This ticket will allow them to take full advantage of the ‘most founder-focused event on Earth’, including access to the venue, matchmaking tool, and exclusive events.
Assistance with travel documents.
Our dedicated team will guide you through the visa application process and assist with any travel documentation needed, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to Finland. You’ll also participant in a preparatory online program before coming to Helsinki.
Support in establishing operations in Helsinki.
Leverage our expert advisors’ services and resources for a customised approach to identifying growth opportunities and establishing your business in Finland, ensuring a smooth entry into the local market. Helsinki Partners will organise meetings tailored to each participant’s interests and needs. Join our exclusive group communication channels to stay connected with fellow participants and exchange valuable insights.
Public transport passes and local SIM data during the program.
Navigate Helsinki with ease using complimentary public transport passes, and stay connected with a local SIM card providing ample data, ensuring you’re always just a call or click away from what you need.
Travel costs
Participants are responsible for their travel to Finland, allowing them the flexibility to choose their preferred airline and travel itinerary. Although we assist with the visa process, any fees associated with visas or other travel documents are the responsibility of the participants.
Accommodation costs in Finland
While we facilitate a great stay, the cost of hotels or other accommodations during your time in Finland is not covered by the program.
Living expenses
Everyday expenses such as meals, recreational activities, and personal expenses in Finland will need to be managed by the participants themselves
There is no cost for the program.
The program is sponsored by the City of Helsinki. Participants cover their travel, living, and personal expenses.
After the program participants can continue to develop their case in Helsinki with their designated advisor, tightening their networks and solidifying their business plans. In addition participants are able to receive tailored support for deal flow, including assistance in finding suitable development and piloting opportunities to accelerate their business growth.
Helsinki is an affordable and well-connected city. The local bus, tram, train, and metro system cover the whole city and the centre is very walkable. You can easily manage your life without a car. However, for day trips you can easily rent a car or use a car-share service.
You can find more information about life in Helsinki below:
At Helsinki Partners, we match people with opportunities. We are more than happy to support you in expanding your business to Finland, even if you’re not selected for the program.
“I’m impressed by the whole ecosystem, from the incubators and Maria 01, all the way down to the support of Helsinki Partners”
Arvin Tang, General Manager, AKIN, Founders to Finland participant summer 2024
Contact info
If you have any questions about the program or about expanding to Helsinki or Founders to Finland – you can find the relevant contact details below. We’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
Vladimir Chepurnoy
Senior Advisor, Growth and Investments
Green Transition
vladimir.chepurnoy(at)helsinkipartners.com
+358 44 254 8482
Xin Wang 王昕
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives
Digital Transition
xin.wang(at)helsinkipartners.com
+358 40 139 2503
You might also be interested in
Founders to Finland Participants 2024
Learn more about the Founders to Finland participants and their ambitions to grow and connect in Helsinki, a leading innovation hub.
International interest in family-owned companies
Two 90 Day Finns bringing capital and technology aimed at Finnish family-owned companies and other SMEs.
Finland is for families
90 Day Finns, Sean and Ladi Carr and their son, Sebastian came to Helsinki to experience the livable city.
Apply for the Founders to Finland Program
This scale-up focused program offers purpose-driven founders an immersive experience in the Helsinki ecosystem. Participants connect with potential partners and explore the unique business culture of Helsinki, the capital of the happiest country in the world.
Our 7-day program is designed for international founders to deep-dive into the Nordic business ecosystem, get relevant connections, and offers a free ticket to Slush, Europe’s biggest gathering for startups and venture capitalists.