Why founders pick Finland over other European startup Hubs? Look at the facts, the ecosystem, and the tradeoffs, and decide for yourself.
Is Finland right for my startup?
Finland offers international startup founders a straightforward, collaborative business environment for launching and scaling a company. Organisations, investors, universities, and public sector actors work closely together, giving founders direct access to partners, networks, and support.
The Finnish startup ecosystem is compact, so founders can engage directly with investors and industry experts without navigating complex hierarchies.
Finland also provides public services and funding opportunities to support innovation and international growth. On this page you can find useful information for deciding if Finland is the right place for your startup
Considering Finland
Finland's startup ecosystem combines world-class innovation, highly skilled talent, and a collaborative culture. Founders benefit from access to funding, research expertise, business support, and international networks that help startups grow and scale globally.
Learn more about what Finland has to offer from Invest in Finland website
Services offered by cities
Finnish cities offer soft-landing services for startup founders interested in relocating or establishing their company in Finland. These services are designed to support you in establishing a company in Finland, finding suitable funding instruments, helping with accommodation, and providing support to the spouses and families of founders.
You can find more information about these services offered by the capital region, Turku, Tampere, and Oulu from below.
Capital Region
The largest startup hub in Finland, spanning Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.
Case stories
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The Key Industries Driving Finland's Startup Ecosystem
Finland's innovative startups span a range of key industries, including gaming, bioeconomy, clean and smart technologies, health and wellbeing, ICT and digitalization, and travel and tourism. The country is renowned for its global success stories such as Nokia's mobile phone dominance, first heart rate monitor, blackbox at the planes, 5G, and Linux operating system.
Additionally, Finland ranks amongst the world's top 10 most innovative countries. Finland is also highly committed to achieving UN sustainable development goals, and has achieved SDGs #1.
Quantum
Quantum
Finland's quantum ecosystem connects researchers, startups, and industry leaders, creating opportunities to develop and commercialize next-generation technologies.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
A collaborative ecosystem where startups can combine strong technical talent, applied research, and industry partnerships to build AI-driven businesses.
HealthTech
HealthTech
Finland offers access to healthcare expertise, research networks, and innovation partners that help startups develop and validate new solutions.
Gaming
Gaming
One of Europe's most established gaming ecosystems, offering experienced talent, active investor networks, and a culture of knowledge sharing. Birth place of Rovio and Supercell.
XR & Immersive Tech
XR & Immersive Tech
Finland's strengths in gaming, hardware, and industrial technologies create opportunities to develop immersive solutions with real-world applications.
Defence
Defence
A growing ecosystem where startups can collaborate with industry, research organizations, and public sector actors to develop technologies with both civilian and security applications.
Advanced Materials
Advanced Materials
Finland's strengths in forestry, manufacturing, and sustainability create opportunities for startups developing innovative materials and circular economy solutions.
Space
Space
A rapidly growing space ecosystem with expertise in satellite technologies, earth observation, sensing, and commercial space applications.
What next?
Ready to move forward? Learn how to apply for the Finnish Startup Permit, or find out what to expect when arriving in Finland.