Why founders choose Finland

Finland has produced 17 unicorns, from Wolt, Aiven, and IQM to newer names like Sensofusion, Bluefors, and Verda. Three have reached decacorn status: Supercell, Oura, and ICEYE. International founders are building the next generation, with companies like ReOrbit and QuantrolOx showing what’s possible. In 2025, 70% of all funding raised by Finnish startups went to companies with at least one co-founder born outside Finland.

One in four startup employees in Finland has a foreign background, a share that doubled in under a decade. English is a common working language, and international founders are already part of the fabric. In an ecosystem that punches above its weight, founders can reach investors and industry experts directly, with few layers in between. Once a year, the world comes to Helsinki for Slush, bringing thousands of founders together with investors managing $4 trillion in assets.

Finnish startups raised a record €1.9 billion in 2025, with foreign venture capital investment nearly doubling. Local investors include specialists in deep tech and hardware, alongside an active angel community. Public funding helps you get further: the start-up grant can support your living costs as you get started, while Business Finland’s Sprint offers up to €100,000 for early R&D and validation. EU funding programs open further routes as your technology and company develop.

Build in Finland with a European market of 450 million consumers within reach. A base inside the EU puts you closer to customers, research partners, and cross-border opportunities, with the euro simplifying business across much of the continent. Eligible startup founders can receive a residence permit decision in two weeks through the fast-track service. Local soft-landing services help you navigate company setup and settling in, with support available for your partner’s career too.

A society that works is a competitive advantage built over generations. In Finland, a seven-year-old can walk to school alone. That everyday independence says something about the trust and safety surrounding you. Affordable daycare, public healthcare, and a culture that makes room for life outside work give founders and their teams a foundation for the long term. You can build an ambitious company and a life you want to stay for.

Finland industrialized by building hard things, and the builders never stopped. Nokia connected the world and now builds networks for the AI era. KONE moves two billion people a day. Wärtsilä powers ships and helps balance renewable energy grids. That experience in building complex technology for global markets lives in the people your startup can hire. Finns call themselves “insinöörikansa”, a nation of engineers. It’s only half a joke.