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 participants listening to a presentation at the Helsinki Partners office.
Founders to Finland participants listening to a presentation at the Helsinki Partners office.

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 New Nordics 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.

Tuomas Uusiheimo

Why apply to Founders to Finland?

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.

Founders to Finland 2024 – Slush Edition

*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

Tuomas Uusiheimo

“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

Tuomas Uusiheimo

Reasons to expand your business in Helsinki

#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

FAQ


“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

Tuomas Uusiheimo

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 Portrait

Vladimir Chepurnoy

Senior Advisor, Growth and Investments

Green Transition

vladimir.chepurnoy(at)helsinkipartners.com

+358 44 254 8482

Xin Wang Portrait

Xin Wang 王昕

Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives

Digital Transition

xin.wang(at)helsinkipartners.com

+358 40 139 2503

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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. 

Tuomas Uusiheimo