Saturday, August 26, 2017

5 reasons why Finland is the best place to become an entrepreneur


After having worked in the startup scene in Helsinki for a couple of years now, I thought it would be time, to sum up, why this is such an amazing surrounding to work in and the best place if you consider setting up your own company.

Here are five reasons why you should have Finland and especially its capital Helsinki on the top of your list if you are excited to make your dream a reality and live the life of an entrepreneur.

 

1 Someone's always there to help

 


For years Nokia was the economic engine of Finland. At some point, it made up for 5 percent of the country's GDP. No wonder that, after the downfall of the company, it did not look quite so great for the Finnish economy. Since Finland is not particularly blessed with natural resources (at least not the ones that make a lot of money), Finns had to rely on what they have a lot of: excellent education, know-how, and Sisu, which is pretty much the secret sauce of Finnishness (You cannot translate it but it pretty much incorporates bravery, determination, and resilience).

The state started investing heavily into an effective startup infrastructure. The aim was to give creative minds the support they need to turn their good ideas into successful businesses.

For setting up your business, developing a business plan and learning about the dos and don'ts as an entrepreneur Enterprise Finland as well as NewCo here in Helsinki are always available to help and give advice.

To make sure you have some bread on the table during your first hard months with your new business TE Toimisto can help you out with a personal startup grant. Later on, if you have things figured out and a solid business case, get in touch with the guys at Tekes or Finnvera for a more substantial grant, a loan or even investments.

And the system seems to work pretty well. Rovio and Supercell are just two examples that show that you can conquer the world from up here in the North.

 

2 You never work alone

 


What good is a brilliant idea if you have to set up the whole business on your own? But how to find potential co-founders that are as excited about the startup life as you are? And how do you find sparring partners to share your ideas with to see if they are any good? Surely not by working from your kitchen table at home. But fear not, Finland has you covered. The capital region provides several excellent co-working spaces where you can work, meet new people and discuss new ideas and business concepts. Many of them are even free of charge such as Microsoft Flux, Startup Sauna, and Helsinki Think Company. And also in other cities around Finland co-working spaces sprout like mushrooms.

 

3 In each other we trust

 


"But what if someone steals my idea? I'd rather keep it all to myself.", is what you might think after reading the last section. That is not the way things go here in Finland, though. The business culture, especially among startups, is built upon trust. Whereas in other countries you first have to build trust, here in Finland you have it from the beginning and only face the risk of destroying it.

Sharing is caring. And helping each other out has proven to work quite well among Finnish startups so far. Especially since the country is after all quite small with only 5.5 million people, entrepreneurs and startups live by the motto "together we are stronger".


4 Expanding your network is easy

 


Even after living here for six years, it still amazes me every time, how easy it is to get in touch with people. The circles are pretty small after all. Once you have made a few first connections, you pretty much know everyone through someone. Finding the right people to meet and talk to gets pretty easy after a very short time. And even if you happen to not have a common connection, just give the person you want to reach a call. You most likely will find their mobile phone number from their company website. No matter if you are trying to reach the marketing trainee or the CEO. Secretaries that schedule a call two weeks from now are not a thing in Finland.

Oh, and since there is so much happening in the startup scene, there are constantly events around the city. My theory is that you could go to some startup or business event pretty much every day if you just had the time. And there is some awesome stuff happening. Most important of course Slush in the end of November, the biggest startup conference in the Nordics. I'd call it the highlight of every Finnish entrepreneur's year.

 

5 No Finnish? No problem.

 


Many people see the Finnish language as a big obstacle to live or work here. I say that's nonsense. Sure, it is one of the harder languages to learn. And I myself am still struggling with it. But the good news is, that pretty much anyone speaks English here. Almost anything startup related is in English anyway. And even for all the administration work that comes along with moving here and setting up your business, you will always get service and support in English.

Nevertheless, I would always encourage you to make an effort to learn Finnish. You might not need it to survive but it is always nicer to be able to communicate with people in their native language. And if you plan to stay, it's totally worth it. Actually, you can even get support for language courses. Get it touch with the helpful people at TE Toimisto. I attended one of those courses targeted towards entrepreneurs myself and have it say it's totally worth it.

All in all, Finland is the place to be if you have always been dreaming about your own company or have some kick-ass idea for founding the next Facebook or Google. But don't take my word for it and find out why Helsinki even beats San Francisco and Berlin.

Those are my 5 reasons for starting your own company up North. Do you have comments or other questions about becoming an entrepreneur in Finland? Or do you have a business here yourself? Then share your thoughts and experiences and let me know what you would add to the list below in the comments.



This post has been supported by a cooperating with the Labour Mobility in Europe ESF-project. More info here. Thank you!


50 comments:

  1. Indeed, Finland is one of the best places to visit, start something and also gamble. Finland is among the top countries where gambler can enjoy real money casino games and slots. You can find some online casino Finland sites here and start playing online authority casino games.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Do you invest in gold? Is this investment good?Do you often go to the gym? I walk 3 times a week.I have a problem, what do you recommend to buy a family car?Are you already doing shopping for Christmas? Gifts?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alors qu'une partie de l'équipe cycliste se bat pour sa survie et recherche des sponsors potentiels, la "Israel Start-Up Nation" de Krista Neiland perd du temps et est séduisante pour séduire le quadruple champion du Tour de France Chris Frumo et d'autres stars.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The latest entrant into this field, and which subsequently forms the center of our discussions, is the Ultimate UFC 253 Live online Fighting Championship. But just what is it? Where did it start? What does it entail? Are there any specialties or strong points about it? Please read our discussions hereunder as we embark on providing answers to these questions.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje is one of the next big fights that the UFC has lined up in the coming months. Ever since it became clear that the two will meet inside the Octagon, experts and fans have been weighing in on how the fight would plan out.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bears vs. Lions live stream: How to watch NFL Thanksgiving game online ... draft pick to the Raiders in the Khalil Mack trade -- and the banged-up Detroit Lions. Bears vs Lions 2020 Live When the Bears and Lions met earlier this season, the Bears got a 20–13 win at Soldier Field in Chicago. Detroit will host the Thanksgiving ..How to watch online, live stream info, game time, TV channel. By Scout Staff. Nov 28, 2019 at 12:00 pm ET 2 min read ...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Are you planning to watch this epic encounter you can do that through the official streaming channel which is the CBS or you do that through the internet? Ravens vs Browns Live Online Even if you stay in a place where you cannot access those channels online, you can still get them through the VPN Network.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is wrong at this time to write off anything. One thing is great and that is the match is one of the most expected Bengals vs Chargers 2020 Live Stream and that there is the likelihood that these teams are going to give a good account of themselves. Both teams are great in different departments of that game.

    ReplyDelete
  10. How to watch Colts vs. Jaguars: Live stream, TV channel, start time for Sunday's NFL game. By Scout Staff. Nov 17, 2019 at 12:30 pm ET 1 min read ... Jaguars vs Colts Live Stream Free
    Jacksonville Jaguars - Indianapolis Colts Live Score, video stream and H2H ... Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts previous results sorted by their H2H matches.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If you are the type that do not want to watch it through the cables then there is an option for you and that is the internet streaming option. There are lots of online streaming options that you can use today to watch that game.
    Dolphins vs Patriots Live Online The most popular of the streaming options are Sling television. Sling is great because they offer a lot of sports channels and one of the sports

    ReplyDelete
  12. Fans across the world that have access to the NBC network can watch it through that channel. If you cannot have access to NBC because of Le Tour de France Live Free
    geographical locations, you will still be able to watch it through the VPN service. There are lots of VPN providers that you can use to watch these sports and other global sports events that are not available in your country. More of these VPN providers in the course of this work.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The 43rd Ryder Cup Live
    Matches will be held on the Straits course at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The last event was attended by more than 250,000 fans across the world. It is also estimated the millions of people would watch that event from all parts of This forthcoming event is already nicknamed as the greatest spectacle in the Indy 500 Race 2020 Live Free history of racing. Moreover, it considered a component of the triple crown of motorsport. This is the most prestigious motorsports you can engage in the world today. Whenever it is organized, lots of people attend it.the world. It is to be watched through different channels. These channels are available in different parts of the world. You would not find it hard to become part of this game because there are lots of local and international channels that you can use to watch that game.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are already aware that the official broadcast television station for that game is the Fox television. They are going to televise that match to anybody who Eagles vs Redskins game Live Online Free is interested in watching it through the cables. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity for lots of fans who want to watch that match live

    ReplyDelete
  16. Falcons vs. Seahawks: How to watch, schedule, live stream info, game time, TV channel. By Scout Staff. Oct 27, 2019 at 7:10 am ET 1 min read .Seahawks at Falcons: Kickoff time, TV coverage, radio, live streaming, and more .. Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons Live stream Online . watch this Sunday's game, including broadcast information, live streaming .. The Seahawks and Falcons meet Sunday in Seattle in a matchup of one-loss teams. The Seahawks (3–1) are coming off a bye week and have .

    ReplyDelete
  17. Buffalo dropped to 10-6 -- still the team's best record since an 11-5 finish in 1999 -- after resting a majority of their starters following the first quarter. The Bills were already locked in as the AFC's fifth-seeded team. Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets Game Live Stream Online The only unknown was learning they'd be traveling to face the AFC South champion and fourth-seeded Texans in the wild-card playoff after Kansas City defeated the Los Angeles Chargers.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers Results. The following is a list of all regular season and postseason games played between the Las Vegas Raiders and Las Vegas Raiders vs Carolina Panthers 2020 Live Stream Free Carolina Panthers. The two teams have met each other 6 times, with the Las Vegas Raiders winning 3 games and the Carolina Panthers winning 3 games.

    ReplyDelete
  19. If you want to watch Kentucky derby 2020 Live Stream online Free. Right place for guide how to Kentucky derby horses race live free.Virtual Kentucky Derby: Schedule & how to watch live stream online. Kevin Lynch. 2 May 2020. Sports fans have had it hard during these past weeks of ... Kentucky Derby Live Stream Online 2020 Derby: The Run for the Roses has moved from ... and will available to stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. ... Turfway Park is the only track still running live racing in Kentucky, albeit ...

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Minnesota Vikings on Thursday released their 2020 NFL schedule. The 60th campaign in franchise history will get underway at noon (CT) Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Packers vs Vikings Live Stream Online The rivals have met to open six previous seasons (1962, 1974, 1992, 1994, 2003 and 2008), but this will be the first time that Green Bay has visited Minnesota on Kickoff Weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Such sites are important because they provide a large dose of useful information ... kayak reviews

    ReplyDelete
  22. If the MCG can’t host this year’s AFL Grand Final Streaming Free, Lions coach Chris Fagan says a Gabba decider should be the next option

    ReplyDelete
  23. The NRL Grand Final 2020 Online Free is the premier Rugby League match held in Australia each year and pits the season’s best two teams against each other in the Premiership decider.

    ReplyDelete
  24. A four star hotel would have all the characteristics and offices of a three star hotel, yet its higher four star positioning would imply that the hotel has additional items, for example, longer gathering hours, 24 hour telephone access and a hall with seats. hotels or motels in centerville iowa

    ReplyDelete
  25. I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics , i will be always checking your blog thanks Best Buy in New York

    ReplyDelete
  26. Always so interesting to visit your site.What a great info, thank you for sharing. this will help me so much in my learning Best Buy in New York

    ReplyDelete
  27. A four star hotel would have all the characteristics and offices of a three star hotel, yet its higher four star positioning would imply that the hotel has additional items, for example, longer gathering hours, 24 hour telephone access and a hall with seatsmeditation wording

    ReplyDelete
  28. I admit, I have not been on this web page in a long time... however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues. cambodia prince chenzhi

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice article.
    Thanks for the info information, I will wait for posts like this and will read them with pleasure.
    Don't forget visit my website: NFR live reddit
    Sports Report News
    Joshua vs Usyk Live reddit
    Sports News

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice article.Thanks for sharing information,
    You can check : UFC 270 live stream:Watch Ngannou vs Gane Live is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 270 Live that will take place on January 22, 2022 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I feel very grateful that I read this. It is very helpful and very informative and I really learned a lot from it. Thanks for sharing information, You can check : High School Football 2022 Live

    ReplyDelete
  32. This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! Who is chen zhi

    ReplyDelete
  33. You can watch the Rugby World Cup online on NBC Sports which is the official broadcaster of the RWC 2019 in the US.

    ReplyDelete
  34. look at more info Dolabuy Dior this post Louis Vuitton replica Bags go to this site have a peek here

    ReplyDelete
  35. Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) newly Announce 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class School Syllabus 2023, Punjab Board will Organise the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Public Examinations in March 2023, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Exam will be based on the Syllabus Released by the PSEB for Current Academic Session 2023, Punjab 6th Class Syllabus 2023 Every Year A Huge Number of Students Appeared for 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Class Should Check the new Syllabus Details here.

    ReplyDelete
  36. click here for more zeal replica bags reviews Discover More replica bags paypal accepted other replica bags in bangkok

    ReplyDelete
  37. I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it: best hotels in europe

    ReplyDelete
  38. But even here are pitfalls, very often these viewsbots do not have sufficient authenticity for a real user and YouTube counts off these views. youtube subscribe bots

    ReplyDelete
  39. I was once a victim of scammed forex investment and it took me a while before I was able to overcome the depression High School Football Live

    ReplyDelete
  40. Graduating with a business degree provides you with great opportunities and the right skill set to become an entrepreneur in Finland.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I agree that when you start your business there, it's important to learn their language to communicate well with your customers. Vegreville Chevy

    ReplyDelete
  42. Enjoyed reading through this, very good stuff, thank you for share Don't forget visit my website You can check : High School Football 2023 Live Stream

    ReplyDelete
  43. Nice article.Thanks for sharing information, You can check : National Finals Rodeo Live

    ReplyDelete
  44. From local bakery to hotel franchise, these independent businesses serve the community. They also help build a distinct identity for the region and provide high-touch customer support. Small businesses are officially designated by revenue and the number of employees at all business locations (rather than each individual location). They play a vital role in the local economy and provide numerous benefits to the communities they operate in. By hitting this url https://bizop.org/ , anybody can learn about starting an online business.

    ReplyDelete
  45. In today's world, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, eco-friendly home cleaning services in Delhi NCR offer a fantastic opportunity to embrace a greener lifestyle. These services employ trained professionals who are well-versed in using environmentally safe cleaning techniques and products.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Boost male fertility with effective methods tailored to enhance reproductive potential. 100% Original and Natural Himalayan Pure Black Shilajit. Buy Himalayan Pure Black Shilajit today for improve your overall wellness.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Wow! This is good idea and i just love it and thanks for sharing! Usyk vs Fury 2 Live Stream

    ReplyDelete