Finland, renowned for its vibrant northern lights and world-class education system, is rapidly becoming known for something more – its thriving startup ecosystem. With a dynamic business environment, robust support from the government, and a culture that encourages innovation, Finland has emerged as a hotspot for startups. What’s the secret sauce behind Finland’s burgeoning startup? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, a combination of high-quality education, technological advancements, and strong government support provides a fertile ground for startups to flourish. Let’s explore the top Finnish startups trending now.
You Can Also Read: 10 Best Swedish Startups To Follow In 2023
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Top 12 Finnish Startups
Supercell
Supercell is a Finnish mobile game development company best known for creating blockbuster hits such as Clash of Clans and Hay Day. The brains behind Supercell are Ilkka Paananen and Mikko Kodisoja. Their visionary approach and dedication have been instrumental in Supercell’s rise to global fame. Established in 2010, Supercell has revolutionized the gaming industry with its innovative games, exceptional graphics, and user-friendly interfaces. Its first few games did not achieve the expected success. However, the breakthrough came with the release of Clash of Clans, which garnered a massive fan following.
Wolt
Wolt was founded by Miki Kuusi, a Finnish entrepreneur who identified the gap in the market for an efficient food delivery service. Wolt started operations in Helsinki in 2014. Over the years, it has expanded to several countries worldwide, thanks to its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. Wolt, a Finland-based food delivery app, has made waves in the food industry with its intuitive platform and fast delivery services. It serves as a bridge between consumers and restaurants, making it easier for people to enjoy their favorite meals at their convenience.
Varjo
Varjo was founded by four Finnish entrepreneurs – Urho Konttori, Klaus Melakari, Niko Eiden, and Antti Sunnari. Their shared vision for enhanced VR experiences has driven the company’s success. Founded in 2016, Varjo has rapidly grown into a leading player in VR technology. Varjo, a Finnish tech company, is developing high-end virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) products for industrial use. Its unique offerings have put it on the map as a pioneer in the world of immersive technologies.
Sensible4
Sensible4 is a trailblazing Finnish startup in the autonomous driving industry. Sensible4 was founded by a team of experts with extensive experience in robotics, navigation, and software development. Since its founding in 2017, Sensible4 has developed GACHA – the first autonomous driving system that operates in all weather conditions. This has marked them as a pioneer in the autonomous driving sector. Their advanced software enables vehicles to operate in all weather conditions, making autonomous driving more reliable and safe.
ICEYE
ICEYE was founded by Rafal Modrzewski and Pekka Laurila in 2014. ICEYE is a Finnish startup specializing in synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology. They have made a significant impact in the field of Earth observation by providing reliable, timely, and accessible radar imaging. Today, it’s a leading global company providing advanced SAR satellite services to clients around the world.
Statzon
Statzon was founded by Kimmo Kuokkanen and Tero Koskinen in 2015. Statzon has created a unique marketplace for industry data. Their platform connects data producers with data users, making it easier for businesses to find the specific data they need. Statzon has grown into a trusted marketplace for industry data, serving clients from various industries around the world.
Smartly.io
Smartly.io is a leading Finnish ad tech startup known for its innovative digital advertising automation and optimization platform. Smartly.io was co-founded in 2013, by Kristo Ovaska and Tuomo Riekki. This platform allows advertisers to manage their advertising campaigns across multiple social media platforms in a simplified, streamlined manner. Smartly.io has grown rapidly, amassing a large customer base worldwide due to its user-friendly and effective solutions.
Swappie
Swappie is a Finnish startup that operates in the refurbished electronics market, specializing in iPhones. Swappie was was launched in 2016 and has grown exponentially since, expanding operations to several European countries. It was founded by Sami Marttinen and Jiri Heinonen, who saw a gap in the market for reliable smartphones. They offer high-quality refurbished phones, providing an affordable and sustainable alternative to buying new phones.
Aiven
Aiven is a cloud technology startup based in Finland founded in 2016. Aiven was founded by four Finnish tech enthusiasts – Oskari Saarenmaa, Hannu Valtonen, Heikki Nousiainen, and Tomi Leppänen. They offer managed services for open-source technologies, simplifying cloud operations for businesses of all sizes. Aiven has experienced swift growth, partnering with some of the biggest tech companies and expanding its services.
Zervant
Zervant was co-founded by Mattias Hansson and Tuukka Koskinen. Since its establishment in 2010, Zervant has expanded its user base to several countries. Zervant is a Finnish startup that provides intuitive invoicing software, primarily targeting freelancers and small businesses. Their aim is to simplify the invoicing process, making it quicker and more efficient. They tackled their challenges by ensuring their software meets local regulatory standards and by continuously improving their product based on user feedback.
Solar Foods
Solar Foods was founded in 2017, by Pasi Vainikka and Juha-Pekka Pitkänen, both of whom are passionate about creating sustainable food solutions. Solar Foods is a startup in Finland that has developed a revolutionary protein source – Solein. Produced using air and electricity, Solein is a sustainable food solution for the future. It has made significant strides in its short existence, earning recognition as a pioneer in the field of sustainable food production.
Singa
Singa was founded by Atte Hujanen and Heikki Wilen in 2013. They saw an opportunity to modernize the traditional karaoke experience using technology. Now, Singa has grown to become a favorite among karaoke enthusiasts, providing services in multiple countries. It provides users with access to thousands of karaoke songs, transforming how people experience karaoke.
In conclusion, From gaming to food delivery, VR to sustainable food production, Finland’s top startups are making their mark globally. With a favorable startup ecosystem and a culture of innovation, Finland is proving to be a fertile ground for startups. It’s exciting to think of what the future holds for these dynamic companies and the Finnish startup scene as a whole.
In conclusion, these startups stand out due to their innovative ideas, commitment to sustainability, customer-centric approach, and the support they receive from a nurturing startup ecosystem. The combination of these factors has made them leaders in their respective fields, not just in Finland but on the global stage.
FAQs
Why is Finland good for startups?
Finland boasts a strong tech ecosystem, a high-quality education system, and supportive government policies. The country also offers a thriving startup scene with ample funding opportunities and a collaborative community.
Which is the most startup-friendly company in Finland?
There are most of startups are friendly in Finland such as Zervant, Avien, Supercell, and others.
What are the advantages of doing business in Finland?
Businesses in Finland benefit from a transparent regulatory environment, advanced infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce. Plus, the country’s strong emphasis on innovation and R&D is a significant advantage.
