Finland has earned its reputation as a small but mighty innovation powerhouse. In a country where natural resources may seem limited, the true wealth lies in people, skills, and a culture of trust and transparency. This foundation has shaped an economy that thrives on efficiency and collaboration, qualities that make it an ideal launchpad for startups and a magnet for international investors.

Cooperation at the core

The strength of Finland’s business environment begins with its interconnected network. Entrepreneurs, academia, public organizations, and financiers work together to create fertile ground for innovation.

As Aline Santa Izabel of Business Helsinki explains, “What we do as ecosystem orchestrators is to connect academia, public organizations, test beds, accelerators, incubators, financiers… It’s all about collaboration.” This spirit of co-creation ensures that ideas scale.

“It’s easy to get connected here,” says Annamari Soikkeli from Business Finland.

Complementing this approach is strong government support. Business Finland provides grants, loans, and advisory services that go beyond funding. Amir Bathaie, CEO of Ileria Health Technologies, calls this “smart money rather than cash,” noting that the consultation system accompanying early-stage funding can redirect business models and save costs.

For founders outside the EU, the Finnish Startup Permit offers a fast-track entry – often processed in weeks – making Finland one of the most agile markets for internationalization.

“Well prepared is half done,” says Annamari Soikkeli of Business Finland. Her advice to international founders is clear: start building connections before you arrive. Finland’s soft-landing services, regional development agencies, and city-level programs make integration seamless. “It’s easy to get connected here,” she adds. “Networks matter, whether sector-specific or peer-to-peer.”

Strengths that drive growth

Building on this foundation, Finland’s strong sectors reflect its technological depth: AI, health tech, gaming, and deep tech lead the way. The country boasts world-class digital infrastructure and research facilities, supported by universities and AI initiatives, like the AIStart program, and dedicated incubators that help companies experiment with generative AI and augmented reality.

“Finland has proved that when the country sets a goal, it reaches it,” points out Amir Bathaie.

Health tech is thriving, with Finnish hospitals embracing subscription and pay-per-use models that encourage innovation. As Bathaie points out, “Finland has proved that when the country sets a goal, it reaches it.” From becoming an electricity exporter to scaling pharmaceutical exports from €700 million to €2.4 billion in six years, Finland demonstrates resilience and results.

A robust investment landscape backs these sector strengths. In 2025 alone, Finnish startups raised a record €1.6 billion, with major rounds from Oura (€777 million) and IQM (€275 million). Finland now counts 21 unicorns, including global names like Wolt and Supercell, Europe’s first decacorn.

As Jonne Kuittinen of the Finnish Venture Capital Association notes, “Half of Finnish VC funds perform as well as the best 25% in Europe.” This performance, combined with a growing number of new VC teams and sector-specific funds, signals a dynamic market for investors.

Inclusive, global, and distinctively Finnish

Beyond technology and capital, Finland offers something equally valuable: quality of life. Nordic work-life balance, clean nature, and stability attract international talent seeking more than financial rewards. As Mari Luukkainen, builder and co-founder of Herizon.io, emphasizes, “We have resources equally as valuable as diamonds – clean nature, trust, and a balanced lifestyle that global talent truly appreciates.”

Programs like The Shortcut and Herizon champion diversity and inclusivity, creating pathways for underrepresented founders and women in tech. Initiatives such as coding schools for girls and AI workshops aim to dismantle mental barriers and inspire future innovators.

"We have resources equally as valuable as diamonds – clean nature, trust, and a balanced lifestyle," Mari Luukkanen emphasizes.

Beyond inclusivity and talent attraction, Finland’s culture adds a distinctive flavor to its startup scene. Where else can you pitch your idea while taking an icy plunge at Polar Bear Pitching or in the warmth of a sauna during Sisu Launchpad? These experiences reflect Finland’s unique blend of tradition and innovation – a country that embraces bold ideas in equally bold settings.

All these elements combine into a clear message: for international founders and investors, Finland offers more than opportunity:  it also offers partnership. From soft-landing services and city programs to global connectivity through Nordic and Baltic networks, the country is designed for growth. The key takeaway, according to Business Helsinki: “It’s market-driven, it’s collaborative – come co-create the future with us.”