About us
Startup Foundation was founded to support and enable entrepreneurship and the creation, growth, and internationalization of startups in the Nordics. The foundation was established in 2012 and has since grown to be one of the most fundamental supporters of the local ecosystem.
The foundation has ownership in the growth entrepreneurship event Slush, the hackathon community Junction, the private equity fund Wave Ventures, talent accelerator The Shortcut and the startup campus Maria01.
Community voices
Introducing Startup Foundation’s new CEO – “The ecosystem needs diversity”
As the societal importance of startups continues to grow, current challenges must be addressed. The Startup Foundation wants to foster the emergence of diverse startup communities with new talent, science-based startups, and Helsinki's growth into an international startup hub.
6 questions with Inka Mero, Managing Partner at Voima Ventures – “Deep tech companies will help Finland rise to the next level”
Voima Ventures is led by one of the most distinguished investors and public voices in Finland and in the Nordics, Inka Mero. As a serial entrepreneur, company builder, and investor, Inka has been part of it all. Now, she's leading the team at Voima Ventures to find and build world-changing deep tech companies – while trying to figure out ways to Finland to support their growth.
“There is room to grow” – Introducing our newest board member Emma Lehikoinen
We are excited to introduce the latest addition to the Foundation's board, Emma Lehikoinen. Emma has been an integral part of the local startup ecosystem, first through working as the President at Slush and now as the expansion lead at Swappie, one of the fastest-growing Finnish startups.