Helsinki: Where Nordic Ambition Meets Global Capital
The world's happiest country is also making a serious case for global investment. With record startup funding, a growing venture capital ecosystem, and a city built for innovation, Helsinki is showing why the Nordics deserve a closer look.
Every November, thousands of founders, investors, and tech leaders come to Helsinki for Slush. On November 18–19, 2026, they'll meet again at Messukeskus to make connections, find opportunities, and do business.
But there's plenty happening in Helsinki beyond Slush. The city has a strong track record of building global companies, attracting international investment, and helping businesses grow.
Small country with big ambitions
Finland has a habit of punching above its weight.
In 2026, Finland ranked as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year and topped the UN's Sustainable Development Goals Index. It also ranked second in Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index and seventh in WIPO's Global Innovation Index, including third place for infrastructure.
These rankings matter for business, too. Strong institutions, world-class research, and a high level of trust make Finland a reliable place to build and invest.
And investors have taken notice.
According to the Finnish Venture Capital Association, Finnish startups attracted a record €1.9 billion in investments in 2025. VC and growth funds invested €765 million, up 60% from 2024, while international investors accounted for approximately 75% of total startup funding. A record 113 companies also raised startup-stage funding rounds.
For LPs, the track record looks promising. Tesi's 2026 Survey of Investment Returns shows that mature Finnish VC funds from 2009–2015 have delivered 2.9x TVPI and an 18% IRR, with more than half ranking in the top quartile of their European peers. Newer funds from 2016–2021 have reached 1.3x TVPI and a 6.5% IRR.
Finland has also produced global success stories like Supercell, Wolt, Oura, and Rovio. Many of their founders and early employees now invest in and build the next generation of companies.
Why Helsinki?
Helsinki brings together leading universities, research institutions, deep-tech expertise, and international talent. English is widely spoken in business, and the city's position in the EU and eurozone makes it a convenient base for accessing European markets.
Then there's the quality of life. Short commutes, nature close by, and reliable public services make Helsinki a great place to build a company and a life.
As Marja-Leena Rinkineva, Director of Economic Development at the City of Helsinki, puts it:
"We want to make Helsinki the best place in the world for startups. Together with a strong startup ecosystem, with Slush and Maria 01 at its heart, Helsinki helps founders turn ideas into companies, connect with the right networks and prepare for growth and funding. Slush brings the global startup community to Helsinki and shows what is possible when a city and its ecosystem work together."
Noora Saksa, CEO at Slush, adds:
“Slush and the Finnish startup ecosystem have been growing together in Helsinki for the past 18 years. It’s an age where many think about what to do when they grow up. We’re proud to work with a partner like Helsinki, which has supported us through the ups and downs. It’s largely thanks to Helsinki that Slush still exists after we had to cancel the event in 2020 due to COVID. Now we’re supporting the new generation of founders more bullishly than ever before — from €4T in investor assets at Slush to building a startup quarter in Kamppi with Kasvutalo (the Growth House).”
From first startup to global expansion
Whether you're launching your first company, expanding into a new market, or exploring investment opportunities in the Nordics, Helsinki has people who can help. Business Helsinki and Helsinki Partners offer practical support, local connections, and access to the right networks at every stage.
Business Helsinki: For founders and early-stage investors
Business Helsinki helps international founders get started in Finland through one-to-one guidance and practical support. International House Helsinki helps with permits, company setup, and settling in, while Sisu Factory connects new entrepreneurs with the right services.
For startups looking to grow and raise funding, Health Incubator Helsinki and Helsinki Education Hub offer specialized support, while startup advisory services help early-stage founders prepare for growth.
Business Helsinki also connects business angels and early-stage investors with promising startups through deal flow services, matchmaking, and communities like Maria 01.
Helsinki Partners: For international companies, VCs, and LPs
Looking to expand or invest in Helsinki? Helsinki Partners helps international companies enter the market, find talent and local partners, and navigate company setup. It also organizes ecosystem visits and introductions to Finnish businesses, investors, and research institutions.
For VCs and LPs, the team offers market insights, introductions to local funds and investors, fund setup support, and exclusive networking opportunities.
As Panu Maulaheimo, Lead of Venture Capital at Helsinki Partners, explains:
"Helsinki's door is open to every investor looking at the Nordics. Whether you're exploring your first Finnish deal or considering a commitment to a local fund, we know the founders, the funds and the numbers, and we're here to help you find your way in. Come and say hello at Slush or reach out any time."
For those looking to explore further, Venture Nordics connects international investors with the Nordic venture ecosystem, while 90 Hours Helsinki introduces Helsinki Partners' existing international customers to the city's business scene and quality of life.
See you in Helsinki
Slush brings the world to Helsinki every November. But the opportunities to build, invest, and grow here go well beyond two days.
The capital is here. The talent is here. And the door is open.
Learn more about Helsinki Partners and Business Helsinki's startup services, or come meet the teams at Slush 2026.