Finland's startup ecosystem is rapidly developing, with Helsinki being the primary hub for innovation. As of 2023, Finland is home to around 2,500 startups. The Finnish government supports entrepreneurship through initiatives like Business Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, which provide funding, resources, and mentorship for startups.
Size of the Market
In 2022, Finnish startups raised approximately €1.5 billion in venture capital. This substantial investment highlights the growing confidence in Finland's startup ecosystem and its potential for significant returns. The market size is expanding, driven by innovative startups and supportive government policies.
Key Strengths
Strengths of the Finnish market include a highly educated workforce, a strong focus on innovation, and a high quality of life. Helsinki is known for its strengths in healthtech, gaming, and cleantech, attracting significant investments and producing notable startups like Supercell and Rovio. The presence of world-class universities and research institutions fosters a collaborative environment for startups.
Major Hubs
Helsinki stands out as the primary hub for innovation in Finland. It is renowned for its vibrant tech scene, particularly in healthtech, gaming, and cleantech sectors. The city attracts substantial investments and is home to successful startups like Supercell and Rovio.
Emerging Hubs
Beyond Helsinki, other Finnish cities are emerging as significant hubs for startups. Tampere and Espoo, for example, are gaining recognition for their growing tech scenes and supportive environments for new businesses. These cities are becoming increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs and investors alike.
Support Systems
The Finnish startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. Initiatives like Slush and Maria 01 have significantly boosted the ecosystem by offering mentorship, resources, and international exposure. These support systems play a crucial role in nurturing startups and fostering innovation.
Challenges
Despite its strengths, the Finnish startup ecosystem faces challenges, including high living costs and a relatively small domestic market. These factors can limit growth potential and make it challenging for startups to scale domestically. However, many Finnish startups successfully overcome these obstacles by targeting international markets.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
Finland is making significant strides in innovation and entrepreneurship, with substantial growth opportunities driven by continuous investment and technological advancement. The country's strong emphasis on sustainability and green technology is driving innovation in sectors such as renewable energy and environmental technologies.
Resilience and Adaptability
Finland's startup ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The government's proactive support, combined with the country's advanced infrastructure and highly skilled workforce, ensures that Finland remains a competitive and attractive location for startups and investors. As Finland continues to invest in its startup ecosystem, it is poised for further growth and development, contributing significantly to the European and global markets.
How to connect with Angel Investors in Finland?
Overview
Finland has emerged as a dynamic hub for startups, thanks to its robust support systems, highly educated workforce, and a strong emphasis on innovation. The Finnish startup ecosystem is bolstered by top angel investors and leading venture capital firms that provide substantial funding, mentorship, and resources to promising new ventures.
Top Angel Investors
Notable angel investors in Finland include Risto Siilasmaa, the chairman of Nokia, and Timo Ahopelto, co-founder of Lifeline Ventures. These investors play a crucial role in the early stages of startup development, offering not just financial support but also invaluable industry experience and strategic guidance.
Leading Venture Capital Firms
Finland's leading venture capital firms include Lifeline Ventures, Inventure, and Icebreaker.vc. These firms have been instrumental in nurturing startups across various sectors. For instance, Lifeline Ventures has invested in successful startups like Wolt and Supercell, while Inventure has backed companies such as Blueprint Genetics and Swappie.
Investment Size and Scope
The investment size and scope in Finland's startup ecosystem are substantial. In 2022 alone, Finnish startups raised approximately €1.5 billion in venture capital. These investments span across diverse industries, including healthtech, gaming, fintech, and cleantech, reflecting the broad scope and potential of the Finnish startup market.
Number of Investments
Finland's venture capital firms and angel investors are actively engaged in the market, with numerous investments made annually. Leading firms like Lifeline Ventures and Inventure have portfolios containing dozens of companies, indicating a vibrant and active investment scene. This high number of investments showcases the confidence investors have in the Finnish startup ecosystem.
Future Outlook of the Investment Market
The future outlook for the investment market in Finland is promising. With continuous advancements in technology and a supportive regulatory environment, Finland is poised to attract even more venture capital and angel investments. Sectors like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital health are expected to drive future growth and innovation.
Support and Mentorship
Support and mentorship are critical components of Finland's startup ecosystem. Organizations like Business Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra provide comprehensive support, including funding, resources, and mentorship. Additionally, initiatives like Slush and Maria 01 offer platforms for startups to connect with investors, mentors, and industry experts.
Additional Sections
Finland's startup ecosystem also benefits from a strong educational foundation, with world-class universities and research institutions fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Furthermore, Finland's strategic location in Northern Europe and its advanced digital infrastructure make it an attractive destination for global investors and entrepreneurs.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
As Finland continues to invest in its startup ecosystem, the country is poised for further growth and development. The emphasis on sustainability and green technology is driving innovation, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and environmental technologies. This focus aligns with global trends and positions Finland as a leader in sustainable innovation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Finland's top angel investors and leading venture capital firms play a pivotal role in the growth and success of its startup ecosystem. With substantial investments, robust support systems, and a future-oriented outlook, Finland is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a major hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe and beyond.
Case Studies: Successful Funding Rounds with Angel Investors on Angels Partners
Dr. Jyri Engestrom is a Co-Founder and serves as the General Partner at Yes VC. Dr. Engestrom served as Advisor at True Ventures. Engestrom is also a Co-Founder at Yes VC. He was a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Jaiku, which grew into the leading European mobile social network and pioneered the sharing of location information, status updates and activity streams on smartphones. Prior to Jaiku, Jyri worked at Nokia, and holds patents in remote content delivery, content prioritization and RF-tag-reading capabilities in mobile devices. A sociologist by training, Jyri coined the term "social object" to refer to photos, links and other shareable Web content. After Google acquired Jaiku in 2007, Jyri was responsible for mobile applications and Google's efforts to become a social destination on the Web and mobile. He left Google to found Ditto.me, a mobile local recommendations business, which was acquired by Groupon in 2012. At Groupon, Jyri served as the Director of Product Management responsible for Breadcrumb by Groupon, an iPad point-of-sale system that replaces traditional cash registers at restaurants and other local businesses. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Jyri graduated with a Master's degree in Social Science from the University of Helsinki in 2002 and pursued Ph.D. studies at Lancaster University Management School in the UK. He is the Co-Founder of Drone Games, a programming competition advancing the ethical use of autonomous flying drones, and Sesat School, a micro-school in San Francisco. He serves on the board of the Rare Cancer Research Foundation.
Daniel Waterhouse
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
London - New York City, U.K. - Germany - Sweden - Denmark
Previous Investments
• Grasp:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Sylvera:
$57000000 (Series B)
• Unaric:
$10000000 (Seed)
• Uncommon:
$24000000 (Series A)
• Attio:
$24000000 (Series A)
• Attio:
$8000000 (Seed)
• Delli:
$7000000 (Series Unknown)
• Simple Feast:
$45000000 (Series Unknown)
• Simple Feast:
$33000000 (Series B)
• Simple Feast:
$12000000 (Series A)
• LoveCrafts:
$22000000 (Series Unknown)
• LoveCrafts:
$33000000 (Series C)
• LoveCrafts:
$20000000 (Series B)
• LoveCrafts:
(Series A)
• vivenu:
$15000000 (Series A)
• Kama:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Kbox Global:
$16000000 (Series Unknown)
• Infarm:
$100000000 (Series B)
• Infarm:
$25000000 (Series A)
• Workable:
$50000000 (Series C)
• Workable:
$27000000 (Series B)
• Thread:
$22000000 (Series B)
• Thread:
$6000000 (Series Unknown)
• Thread:
$7000000 (Series A)
• Mapfit:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Frontier Car Group:
$17000000 (Debt Financing)
• Frontier Car Group:
$41000000 (Series B)
• Frontier Car Group:
$22000000 (Series A)
• Instabridge:
$3000000 (Series Unknown)
• Instabridge:
$1000000 (Series Unknown)
• Instabridge:
$3000000 (Series A)
• TrademarkNow:
$4000000 (Series B)
• TrademarkNow:
$4000000 (Series A)
• Furhat Robotics:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Revolut:
$66000000 (Series B)
• Revolut:
(Series A)
• Revolut:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Revolut:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Turbine:
(Angel)
• ROLI:
$27000000 (Series B)
• ROLI:
$4000000 (Series A)
• ROLI:
$13000000 (Series A)
• Klarismo:
$250000 (Seed)
• Tictail:
$22000000 (Series B)
• Tictail:
$8000000 (Series A)
• Tictail:
$2000000 (Seed)
• YPlan:
$24000000 (Series B)
• YPlan:
$12000000 (Series A)
• YPlan:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Tech.eu:
$210000 (Seed)
• Top10:
$8000000 (Series B)
• Top10:
$900000 (Series A)
• SumAll:
$4000000 (Series A)
• SumAll:
$6000000 (Series A)
• SumAll:
$2000000 (Series Unknown)
• Wool and the Gang:
$3000000 (Seed)
• EyeEm:
$6000000 (Series A)
• EyeEm:
(Seed)
• FREE NOW:
$31000000 (Series B)
• FREE NOW:
$17000000 (Series A)
• FREE NOW:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Zopa:
(Series D)
• Bookatable:
$24000000 (Series Unknown)
• Bookatable:
$10000000 (Series Unknown)
• Bookatable:
$16000000 (Series Unknown)
• Qype:
$11000000 (Series A)
Daniel Waterhouse
London - New York City, U.K. - Germany - Sweden - Denmark
An experienced investor and strategic operator in technology companies having spent 6 years in Yahoo!s strategy and M&A team and working in the venture capial industry since the beginning of 2006. I've been privileged to be involved in investments in Top10, ROLI, TrademarkNow, Tictail, Lovecrafts, Thread, Spotify, YPlan, Hailo, Qype (sold to Yelp), Livebookings, Artfinder, Eyeem, BonusBox, Readmill (sold to Dropbox), HowDo, SumAll, Zopa and many more!
Specialties: venture capital (VC), private equity, corporate development (corp dev), mergers & acquisitions, private equity, strategy development, operational improvement, financial management, corporate finance, financial planning, financial modelling, financial control, due diligence, competitive analysis, market analysis
Tony Corbin
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
Menlo Park , San Fran..., U.S.A. - Israel - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icelan
Previous Investments
• Vayyar Imaging:
$109000000 (Later stage VC)
• VDOO:
$57000000 (Later stage VC)
• Cloudleaf:
$26000000 (Later stage VC)
• Fakespot:
(Series A)
• Fakespot:
$4000000 (Series A)
• Sumatra:
$2000000 (Seed)
• MRGN:
(Pre Seed)
• MRGN:
(Pre-Seed)
• Ash Wellness:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Ash Wellness:
(Seed+)
• AppliedXL:
$4000000 (Seed)
• AssetDash:
(Pre Seed)
• Tabula:
$3000000 (Pre Seed)
• Naya:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Thorium Data:
$100000 (Pre Seed)
• OpenAxis:
$2000000 (Pre Seed)
• CACTIVATE:
(Pre Seed)
• Grin Gaming:
(Seed)
• Grin Gaming:
(Seed)
• Docket:
(Seed)
• Ask Vera:
(Seed)
• UrsaLeo:
(Seed+)
• Cactivate:
(Pre-Seed)
• Clearforce:
(Seed)
• Paragon Intel:
(Seed+)
• Intrro:
(Seed)
• Bazze:
(Pre-Seed)
• Asset Dash:
(Pre-Seed)
• Finicast:
$13000000 (Seed)
• Very Good Ventures:
$3000000 (Series A)
• Very Good Ventures:
$3000000 (Series A)
• Prellis Biologics:
$35000000 (Series C)
• Prellis Biologics:
$15000000 (Series B)
• Biomason:
$65000000 (Series C)
• Home Delivery Service (HDS Global):
$5000000 (Series Unknown)
• Rizzle:
$17000000 (Convertible Note)
• EnTribe:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Atonarp:
$50000000 (Series D)
• Atonarp:
$2000000 (Series B)
• Atonarp:
$4000000 (Series A)
• Boom Supersonic:
$50000000 (Series C)
• Extend:
$16000000 (Series A)
• Quartic.ai:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Globality:
$27000000 (Series B)
• Globality:
$10000000 (Series A)
• BangDB:
(Seed)
• Reaction:
$10000000 (Series A)
• Reaction:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Shipster:
(Seed)
• H2O.ai:
$9000000 (Series A)
• Trove:
$5000000 (Series A)
• FUTR Corp.:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Yellowsmith:
$850000 (Seed)
• Printi:
$1000000 (Series A)
• GoPro:
$88000000 (Series A)
Tony Corbin
Menlo Park - San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Israel - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icelan
Riverwood Capital is a globally-focused private equity firm that invests in high-growth businesses in the technology and services industries, across a variety of verticals and geographies. Riverwood has offices in Menlo Park, CA and New York, NY and currently has more than 20 investments in North America, Latin America and Asia. The firm's current fund has $780 million of committed capital. The final fund close was in April 2011. Riverwood invests in mid-market technology and technology enabled products and services. The firm defines mid-market as approximately $100-$500 million in revenue for product companies, and approximately $25-$150 million in revenue for software and services. Riverwood occasionally invests outside these ranges. Riverwood invests on a global basis, having already invested in the U.S., Israel, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The firm's normal investment size ranges from $25-75 million.
Backing ambitious Baltic founders from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, building global success stories.
Most Interested In
The best Baltic founders building global businesses.
Not Interested In
Any investments that don't have Baltic founders - sorry, but it is outside our investment scope.
Founders who don't have the "grit" (passion and perseverance) to build big, global, scalable businesses.
Marek Olszewski
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
San Francisco Bay Area, Germany - U.S.A. - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icela
Previous Investments
• CodeFights:
$2500000 (Seed Round)
• Capsule Wallets:
(Seed)
• Remox:
(Pre Seed)
• Numoen:
$1000000 (Seed)
• CyberBox:
$150000 (Seed)
• impactMarket:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Paychant:
$400000 (Pre Seed)
• Ari Swap:
$700000 (Pre Seed)
• Payourse:
$600000 (Pre Seed)
• Coinprofile:
$600000 (Pre Seed)
• Netra:
$500000 (Convertible Note)
• CodeSignal:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Accion Systems:
$2000000 (Seed)
Marek Olszewski
San Francisco Bay Area, Germany - U.S.A. - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icela
Dr. Marek Olszewski is a Co-Founder of Celo. He is a Co-Founder and served as the Chief Technology Officer at Locu. Prior to Locu, Marek was a senior PhD candidate at MIT CSAIL. He is a Facebook Fellow and the recipient of the J. Edgar McAllister Fellowship. He has prior work experience at a number of technology companies including Google, Microsoft (Research) and Sun (Labs). He is also an angel investor.
Media • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Entertainment (& Sports) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Future Of Work • Mobility
Joo Monteiro
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
Zurich , : Germany Fr..., U.S.A.
Previous Investments
• VonZu Tech:
(Angel Investment)
• Monese:
(Seed)
• EstateGuru:
(Angel)
• Bondora AS:
(Angel Round)
• Taxly.ch:
(Angel)
• Repositive:
(Angel)
• Hometouch:
(Seed)
• Eisbach Bio:
(Seed)
• TransactionLink:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Una Brands:
$30000000 (Series B)
• FINN:
$110000000 (Series B)
• FINN:
$24000000 (Series A)
Joo Monteiro
Zurich - : Germany France Italy Spain Poland Romania Netherlands Belgium Czech Republic Greece Portugal Sweden Hungary Austria Switzerland Denmark Finland Slovakia Norway Ireland Luxembourg M, U.S.A.
: Germany France Italy Spain Poland Romania Netherlands Belgium Czech Republic Greece Portugal Sweden Hungary Austria Switzerland Denmark Finland Slovakia Norway Ireland Luxembourg Malta Iceland Monaco, U.S.A.
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