Good Morning, Innovators!

This newsletter is the map that helps you navigate the Finnish entrepreneurial scene. Our goal is to keep you informed and connected with the latest funding news, insights, and must-attend events, regardless of the industry you build in.

 🥇Funded!

Tilt Biotherapeutics | €22.6M Series B | CEO Akseli Hemminki | Helsinki-based biotech developing T-cell-activating oncolytic virus immunotherapies for advanced cancer trials. Backed by EIC Fund, Lifeline Ventures, TESI, and Stephen Industries.

Foodiq | €10M Equity | Founder Robert Savikko | Reinventing food manufacturing with their patented “Multi-Layer Cooker” – a modular, additive-free system for dairy, plant-based, and functional foods.

 AMD Silo AI | €15M Grant | CEO Peter Sarlin |Europe’s largest private AI lab receives Business Finland’s “Veturi” grant to drive industrial AI R&D and talent development through the "Compute to Impact" project.

💥Startups to Watch

Tilt Biotherapeutics | CEO Akseli Hemminki | Biotech | Closed a €22.6M Series B to advance its lead immunotherapy drug, now enrolling patients in the U.S. and Europe, with promising momentum in cancer immunology.

 Polar Night Energy | | CEO Tommi Eronen | Climate Tech | Scaling up its revolutionary “sand battery” system with a new pilot plant in Valkeakoski. The new unit will demonstrate full-cycle energy storage, aiming to change renewable energy storage forever.

Foodiq | Founder Robert Savikko | Food Tech | Raised €10M to globalize its patented production of plant-based foods. Big bets on Asia and North America are next.

📅Events You Can’t Miss

 Arctic15 Startup Conference | June 4–5, 2025 – Cable Factory, Helsinki | Matchmaking at its finest. 1,200+ attendees, 500+ startups, 400+ investors. Includes 1:1 meetings, pitching sessions, and a deeptech track.

Science Startup Day 2025 | June 12, 2025 – A Grid, Aalto University, Espoo | From lab to market. Hosted by Business Finland, this event helps researchers turn science into startups. Expect panels, VC talks, and pitches.

 Startups Mentorship Program | June 14, 2025 – Helsinki  | Real founders, real advice. A focused mentorship day connecting early-stage founders with experienced operators and investors.

📚Learning Hub

Coursera – Private Equity & Venture Capital | Offered by Bocconi University. Learn how funding works, what VCs look for, and how to position your startup for investment. 

Y Combinator – Startup School | A free 6-week online program from YC with startup advice from founders who’ve done it. Includes structured exercises and community.

Kiuas Co-Founder Platform | Looking for a co-founder? Browse open startup roles or find someone to build with. The go-to matchmaking tool in Finland’s early-stage scene.

📊Market Trends

 AI Sector Heats Up | As Silo AI secured a €15M grant from Business Finland for a 5-year “Compute to Impact” consortium, a new report highlights that 80+ AI startups are active in Finland.

 Foodtech & Sustainability | Government policy is shifting to support cleantech: new laws aim to simplify grid integration for renewables.

Talent & Hiring Trends | Youth interest in entrepreneurship is booming ( ~30% of students). Tech hiring remains steady, especially in AI and biotech, supported by visa programs and EU talent initiatives.

🔎Policy Updates

AI Act Implementation Begins | On May 8, Finland submitted its national AI Act bill to Parliament, thus kickstarting enforcement of the EU-wide law. AI startups will face new compliance rules around risk management and algorithm transparency.

Corporate Liability for Sanctions Breaches Increases | From May 20, Finnish firms face fines of up to 5% of turnover for violating international sanctions, replacing the old €850k cap. Consequently, startups in global trade must ensure robust compliance processes.

 Regional Business Services Revamp | Finland will restructure ELY Centres into 10 Economic Development Hubs starting 2026. These hubs aim to streamline startup support—permits, funding, immigration, and advisory.

🌟 Final Word: Never Change but Don’t Stay the Same

The life’s journey is a paradox. You need to stay true to your vision and values, but growth demands reinvention. So here’s your reminder: stay grounded, but never still. Double down on what matters, and let go of what no longer serves you.

Your next version might just be your best one yet.

🚀 Until Next Month!

Brought to you by Vlada Ermak

Special Thanks to the GC Club