The future of Finland’s economy will be built on companies that dare to grow, innovate, and look to the world. We are exceptionally well placed to become a leading country in growth entrepreneurship and industrial renewal: we have a strong education system, high-level research, technological expertise and an internationally active start-up ecosystem. However, reaching the top will not happen by itself – it requires determined policy, a willingness to invest, and the courage to reform the entire business landscape.
If we want to be a country that not only reacts to change but leads it, Finland has a crucial decade ahead of it. Economic growth and new success stories do not happen by chance; they require effective regulation, access to capital, and active ownership that supports the strategic development of companies.
But what should Finland look like in five years?
The vision is clear: by 2030, Finland will become Northern Europe’s most dynamic growth company ecosystem and one of Europe’s most competitive private equity markets.
What does this vision mean in practice?
Growth entrepreneurship is not just about startups – it is about investment, industrial renewal, and accelerating the growth of SMEs. For Finland to become a leading country, promising ideas must be taken from the laboratory to the market and the world. This requires a strong flow of companies and a financing system that supports both early-stage and later growth needs.
Europe is competing for capital, technology, and growth companies. In Finland, the average size of funds is still smaller than in other European countries, which directly affects companies’ opportunities to scale up. In order for Finnish growth companies to become global success stories, funds must grow. Without sufficient capital, companies will grow out of Finland.
When the private equity market opens up and attracts foreign investors, Finland gains access to networks, expertise, and the opportunity to build even greater success stories. International capital does not come to Finland to control companies, but to accelerate their growth. Attracting international capital requires legislators to be bold in developing both fund structures and taxation, and authorities to invest in fast processing times and clear and predictable interpretations of the law.
Finland can only be at the forefront of Europe if regulation supports investment and growth rather than hindering them. Predictability, clarity, and competitiveness are crucial. Capital moves quickly to where the conditions for growth are best.
Finland must take its place at the forefront of the growth competition
Europe is currently trying to catch up with the United States in terms of capital investment and growth entrepreneurship. Finland must not remain a spectator in this competition; we must be at the forefront.
If we want to achieve new prosperity, stronger exports, and more jobs, capital investment is one of Finland’s most important growth engines. It is not just about financing, but about comprehensive business development: strategic support, scaling technology and expertise, and the ability to build international success stories.
By 2030, Finland could become a country known for its bold reforms, huge growth potential, and companies that not only survive global competition but lead it.
The interview behind this blog was originally published in issue 2/2025 of Profiitti magazine, published by the Finnish Institute of Authorized Public Accountants, and was written by Marjukka Kähönen.
Photo: Suomen Tilintarkastajat
***
Further information:
Anne Horttanainen, CEO, Finnish Venture Capital Association
anne.horttanainen@paaomasijoittajat.fi
+358 40 510 4907
