Venture Nordics
A unique and effective opportunity for International Fund Managers and LPs interested in setting up their operations in the Nordics or investing in the Finnish VC funds.
Venture Nordics Program
Applications for the Venture Nordics Program 2024 program are closed. The next application round starts this autumn.
A unique and effective opportunity for International Fund Managers and LPs interested in exploring opportunities in the Nordics, one of the best-performing regions in the whole of Europe.
About the program
What is the Venture Nordics Program?
Venture Nordics is a 9-Day program in Helsinki for international fund managers and LPs interested in exploring opportunities in the New Nordics. The program offers a blend of professional networking, ecosystem insights, and the essence of Finnish culture.
Summer 2024
Meet the Venture Nordics participants
The participants for summer 2024 have managed a total AUM of around 12 billion euros. They will be in Helsinki May 30 – June 7th to explore opportunities in the New Nordic ecosystem.
Register your interest in the 2025 program
The application period for 2024 is now closed. We invite you to join the waitlist, to be among the first to know when applications reopen.
The Venture Nordics Program offers a select few the opportunity to get to know the region with the highest number of unicorns outside Silicon Valley per capita globally. Complete the form to stay in touch with us and be among the first to find out when the Venture Nordics 2025 applications reopen.
Venture Nordics Program 2024 Overview
May 30th – June 7th
We’ve crafted an engaging 9-day journey, designed to equip you with all the essentials for launching your VC and investing in Finland, while connecting you with a highly relevant network to ease your market entry.
Arrival to Helsinki
Day 0 | May 29
Get ready to embark on an adventure that sets the stage for an immersive program.
Welcome to Helsinki
Day 1 | May 30
This day begins with a warm welcome at our Helsinki office, followed by a meeting with the European Investment Fund and a tour of Maria 01, the Nordics’ premier startup campus.
LP and Finnish Unicorns
Day 2 | May 31
Get to know some of the notorious Finnish institutional LPs and meet some of the successful Finnish companies to learn about their growth story.
Experience the perks of Finnish lifestyle
Day 3 – 4 | June 1 – 2
Enjoy the ultimate Finnish experience, a weekend retreat to a cottage, complete with sauna, nature, and good company.
Technology and Research
Day 5 | June 3
The morning begins with a tour of a top Finnish university campus, followed by visits to research institutions pioneering future technologies.
Practical Insights for Sustainable Growth
Day 6 | June 4
This day features a masterclass on practicalities for setting up your VC and fund in Finland, led by experts, and concludes with an exclusive networking event.
LP Summit and Arctic15
Day 7 – 8 | June 5 – 6:
Enjoy complimentary access to Arctic 15, the leading matchmaking startup event in the Nordics and Baltics. Day one features the LP Summit, while day two immerses you in the vibrant startup and investor scene of Arctic 15.
Arctic15 and Farewell
Day 9 | June 7
The day kicks off with the finale of Arctic15, culminating in program reflections and celebratory cocktails.
*We reserve the right to adjust the program’s dates and content, always ensuring the core essence remains the same for an enriching experience.
5 reasons to Venture Nordics
22%
VC funds are outperforming the European comparison with a 22% annual return of a TVPI of 2.9x and a DPI of 1.3 funds (inception 2009–2015)
TESI, 2023
€48B
Helsinki startups are worth €48B, up 2.9x since 2018.
Dealroom, 2023
#1
Finland is the happiest country in the world for six years in a row.
World Happiness Report, 2023
#1
Best country for launching a startup
Business Money, 2023
#2
Finland is the second most gender-equal country in the world.
World Economic Forum, 2022
Watch the Venture Nordics Webinar
Learn more about the Venture Nordics Program and the Nordic startup ecosystem. In this webinar, we share valuable insights on the region, key trends, and answers to your burning questions about the program.
Success Story: Leo Capital
Founded in Singapore, venture capital investor Leo Capital took the leap in 2023 to expand to Europe. Helsinki won over co-founder Shwetank Verma and Europe-based Partner, Henry Goodwin. Read Leo Capital’s Helsinki success story and learn how they are helping Finnish startups go global.
Assistance with travel documents.
Our dedicated team will guide you through the visa application process and assist with any travel documentation needed, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to Finland.
Support in establishing operations or investing in Finnish funds.
Leverage our expert business advisors’ services and resources to set up your operations seamlessly in Finland or make informed investments in promising Finnish funds, benefiting from our deep local market knowledge.
A unique Finnish cottage getaway experience, including accommodation, food, drinks, and transport.
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Finland with a stay at a traditional cottage, complete with authentic Finnish cuisine, beverages, and convenient transportation arrangements for a holistic cultural experience.
Public transport passes and local SIM data during the program.
Navigate Helsinki with ease using complimentary public transport passes, and stay connected with a local SIM card providing ample data, ensuring you’re always just a call or click away from what you need.
Travel costs
Participants are responsible for their travel to Finland, allowing them the flexibility to choose their preferred airline and travel itinerary. Although we assist with the visa process, any fees associated with visas or other travel documents are the responsibility of the participants.
Accommodation costs in Finland
While we facilitate a great stay, the cost of hotels or other accommodations during your time in Finland is not covered by the program.
Living expenses
Everyday expenses such as meals, recreational activities, and personal expenses in Finland will need to be managed by the participants themselves
There is no cost for the program.
The program is sponsored by the City of Helsinki. Participants cover their travel, living, and personal expenses.
Helsinki is an affordable and well-connected city. The local bus, tram, train, and metro system cover the whole city and the centre is very walkable. You can easily manage your life without a car. However, for day trips you can easily rent a car or use a car-share service.
You can find more information about life in Helsinki below:
At Helsinki Partners, we match people with opportunities. We are more than happy to support you in expanding your VC operations to Finland or in investing in a Finnish fund, even if you’re not selected for the program.
We provide free-of-charge, customised services to international VCs aiming for long-term growth or fund operations in the Nordics, particularly those eyeing expansion and establishment in Finland. Additionally, we assist international LPs interested in investing in Finland by providing relevant data from Finland and connecting them with the local VCs. Read more about this on LP & Funds services page.
Contact info
If you have any questions about the program or about setting up or investing in a fund in the Nordics– you can find the relevant contact details below. We’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
Panu Maulaheimo
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives
Limited Partners and Funds
panu.maulaheimo(at)helsinkipartners.com
+358 40 669 3888
Tian Yu
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives
Venture Nordics Program Manager & Venture Capital
tian.yu(at)helsinkipartners.com
+358 45 225 8618