Europe’s biggest AI exit was in Helsinki
6 REASONS WHY
INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
CHOOSE HELSINKI
International investors like Antler and Leo Capital are making their way to this chilly corner of the world. Here's why:
1
Biggest AI exit of 2024 comes from a Helsinki-based company
The city is home to global success stories like Supercell, Nokia, and Wolt, demonstrating its ability to scale companies to international markets. We’ve now recently added another one: SiloAI secured an exit worth over 600 million euros in 2024, the largest AI exit in Europe.
Finland has a rich history in computer science and AI. The back propagation algorithm was first published by a University of Helsinki student, Seppo Linnainmaa, in 1970 and Finland is also the home country of Linus Torvalds, the father of Linux. Finland was among the first countries to launch a national AI program and it offers pretty great higher education and research opportunities.
Finland’s top universities fuel startups in AI, health tech, and gaming with world-class talent
Finland boasts one of the most highly educated populations globally, with a focus on STEM education, innovation, and multilingualism. That’s why VC funds like Leo Capital chose to set up its Nordic HQ right here in Helsinki.
Many startups in AI, health tech, and gaming sectors directly benefit from the skilled workforce that draws on the close collaboration with and research from Finland’s top educational institutions, like Aalto University and University of Helsinki.
2
3
Helsinki is the epicentre of the New Nordics*, the region with the highest unicorns per capita, after Silicon Valley
By investing in Helsinki, venture capitalists have gained access not only to a dynamic local ecosystem but also to the entire Nordic and European markets, enabling startups to scale globally.
*New Nordics includes the Nordic and Baltic countries, which have seen a huge growth in the past few years.
Offering standardized regulations and ease of cross-border operations. This, combined with Finland’s strong trade links to other Nordic countries and beyond, creates a robust business environment for investors.
Not to brag, but Finland leads the Nordics and US with 2.9 exits per capita
Finland’s business ecosystem has consistently outperformed the European average in venture capital fund returns and exits, even in challenging global economic conditions. Just take a look at the 2024 exit of SiloAI worth over €600 million. The country’s impressive track record of high ROI and successful exits makes Helsinki a leading destination for investors.
In fact, between 2022 and 2024, Finland recorded 2.9 exits per million capita, leading the Nordic region and surpassing countries like Denmark (2.54) and the USA (2.41).
4
5
Impact startups are born every day in Helsinki
Helsinki’s thriving clean tech sector and renewable energy innovations position it as a top choice for environmentally conscious investors. Since our startups are at the cutting edge of clean energy and sustainable tech, we offer high-growth opportunities for VCs who want to combine profit with purpose.
Slush is where 3 trillion USD in AUM gathers under one roof
Slush is the world’s most founder focused event and happens for two days in Helsinki, usually at the worst time of year. The event brings together 13,000 of the most relevant people in the startup ecosystem, with 5,500 being startup founders and operators.
20,000+ meetings take place during Slush and yours could be one of them.
Interested? Slush 2024 takes place Nov 20–21. Get your ticket here.
6
The Venture Nordics Program gives international investors like you exclusive access to a curated and relevant network within the New Nordics region in just seven days. The program also offers a deep dive into the unique opportunities available in this high-growth region, helping investors identify ventures that can significantly enhance their ROI.
Set up a business in Helsinki
MORE AT SLUSH 2024
Explore Helsinki Impact Lounge Side Events
The Nordic's next big unicorn factory
