Explore the exhilarating world of startups in Helsinki! Become a VC startup scout, unlock insider knowledge and exclusive networking opportunities as you help shape the next big things in innovation.
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.
Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.
Explore →Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.
Explore →Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.
Explore →As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.
Explore →By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.
Explore →Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.
Explore →Connect with the vibrant startup scene in Helsinki and receive new dealflow opportunities directly from individual entrepreneurs, startups and innovations. Invest in the future of Helsinki and join the journey today.
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