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Helsinki startup ecosystem
Explore documented companies, programs, research institutions, and investors connected to Helsinki. Superscout does not promise local investment access.
About
Helsinki is known for its thriving startup ecosystem, holding a significant place in Europe's technology and innovation landscape. This Finnish city is home to several innovative startups and accelerators and has attracted investments from international venture capitalists.
One notable startup success story is Supercell, a mobile game developer based in Helsinki, founded by Ilkka Paananen and others. Supercell has created popular games such as Clash of Clans and Hay Day, with the company valued at over $10 billion after an investment from Tencent in 2016.
Another success story is Rovio Entertainment, the Helsinki-based company that created the multi-billion download game franchise, Angry Birds. Founded by Mikael Hed, Niklas Hed and Jarno Väkeväinen, Rovio has expanded its venture from games to movies and entertainment parks.
The city's startup scene is fueled by various initiatives and programs. For instance, Maria 01, a former hospital turned into a startup campus, provides coworking space for nascent tech companies. Aalto University's entrepreneurial society (Aaltoes) offers a thriving community for students interested in entrepreneurship.
Helsinki's strong suit lies in attracting venture capital (VC) investments. According to a 2019 report from Atomico, an international technology investment firm, Helsinki was ranked third in attracting the highest amount of VC funding per capita in Europe.
An example of a successful VC in Helsinki is Lifeline Ventures, which focuses on early-stage investments in companies operating in the sectors such as health, education, and games. Lifeline has invested in some of Finland's most prominent companies including Supercell and health start-ups such as Oura Health and Nightingale Health.
One important particularity in Helsinki's startup ecosystem is Slush, one of the leading startup and tech events globally. Slush, held annually in Helsinki, attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and startups from all around the world, providing excellent networking and collaboration opportunities.
Overall, Helsinki's combination of innovative startups, a rich network of support organizations, a strong entrepreneurial culture, and access to capital make it a key player in the European startup and VC ecosystem.
This month
On in Helsinki this month
35 startup events in the next 30 days, 6 this week, 34 free. The city as a calendar, with the hosts and venues that keep it full.
Tuesday, Nov 3
FiBAN Startup Clinic with Danske Bank
Office Hours · Magret JokelaFreeWednesday, Nov 4
AI, Human & Trust: Rethinking Decision-Making
The AI Collective · Design FactoryFreeHelsinki | Claude Code for Product & Eng
Henrik HeleniusFreeThursday, Nov 5
New Member Onboarding with Innovestor
Miikka Miettinen · Innovestor OyFreeNortfina – Exclusive Hackathon for Hivers + Hiring Opportunity
Hackathon · Hive Helsinki · Hive HelsinkiFreeRegular hostsMagret Jokela · 4Laura Dang · 2The AI Collective · 2KindsMixers · 4Pitch nights · 2Office Hourss · 2
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Helsinki ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Listed as | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking (GSER Top 100) | 2026 | Greater Helsinki | #8 | Up 7 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent |
 Global Cities Index | 2026 | Helsinki | #26 | No prior edition | B | Performance, Growth, Talent, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
| Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) | GSER 2024 | Greater Helsinki | =40 | Down 1 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent, Innovation |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | Helsinki | #43 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | Helsinki | #59 | Up 1 | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | Helsinki | #85 | No prior edition | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
157 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Helsinki
Investors 122
Investor
InvestorEmpowering Finnish businesses through tailored financing solutions.
InvestorConnecting startups with angel investors in Finland.
The 3 most prominent of 122. Browse all investors
Accelerators 17
AcceleratorEmpowering early-stage startups to succeed.
AcceleratorAccelerating EdTech startups for a transformative future.
AcceleratorEnhancing entrepreneurial skills through collaboration.
The 3 most prominent of 17. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 10
Venture studioBuilding and scaling new businesses through collaboration.
Venture studioBuilding ventures for a sustainable future.
Venture studioBuilding businesses from inception to success.
The 3 most prominent of 10. Browse all venture studios
Incubators 8
IncubatorSupporting health sector startups in Helsinki.
IncubatorSupporting game startups with expert guidance.
IncubatorEmpowering businesses through AI innovation.
The 3 most prominent of 8. Browse all incubators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Helsinki
UniversityListed in 3 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Helsinki
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Helsinki
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Helsinki
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Helsinki
The City describes local research strengths and startup resources.
Source: Kumpula innovation clusterThe City’s article reports expected attendance and Helsinki Partners’ investor meeting initiative.
Source: Slush to bring record number of startups and investors to HelsinkiSupercell’s profile confirms its current Helsinki base and listed games.
Source: About UsWolt’s history connects its Helsinki origin and first office with a Slush beta.
Source: Our storyThe University describes its usual and possible lower share.
Source: Commercialisation of researchThe University identifies HIS as its TTO and describes its commercialization support.
Source: Commercialisation of research
Questions about Helsinki
How does Helsinki rank as a startup ecosystem?
Helsinki is #43 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 6 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Helsinki?
122 investors based in Helsinki have a profile here, including Reaktor Ventures, Finnvera and Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN). The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Helsinki?
Yes. Helsinki has 17 accelerators, 8 incubators and 10 venture studios on record, including Kiuas, Health Incubator Helsinki and Coventures.
Which universities are in Helsinki?
One university has a profile: University of Helsinki.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Helsinki
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