Riku Asikainen has been elected as the new Chair of the Board at the association’s annual meeting. As a long-time entrepreneur and investor, he brings experience, vision, and ambition to develop the entire private equity and venture capital industry—both domestically and internationally.
Riku Asikainen is a long-time entrepreneur and investor whose career started in high school when he founded one of Finland’s first online bookstores. The company was born out of a concrete need – students needed books, and Riku set out to solve that problem. The business was so successful that he sold it to Sanoma Group in the early 2000s.
The next step took Riku into the world of angel investing, and in 15 years he has invested in over 50 companies. He gained a wide range of experience – some investments failed, some succeeded – but each one taught something. Seven years ago, he set up his own growth fund with Evli. To date, the fund has invested in 14 companies in 11 countries across a wide range of sectors. At the time of investment, the target company employs around 100 people and has a turnover of around €15 million.
In addition to investing, Riku has been forging his own path over the long term—a path he has been free to shape on his own terms. It was this mindset that led him to apply for the position of Chair of the FVCA. Riku believes that his experience and vision can benefit the industry as a whole. And this is not the first time he has acted as a rallying force for the industry—Riku also co-founded and chaired the board of FiBAN, a network of business angels.
Two big goals for the presidency
When you ask Riku about his goals for the upcoming season, he highlights two big themes: raising the awareness of the Finnish private equity and venture capital market internationally, and initiating new private equity and venture capital legislation.
“Finland needs the most modern and competitive fund legislation in the world to support the growth of private equity and venture capital and attract international players. This work is ongoing and will not be completed during my term, but we need to start now,” says Riku.
For Riku, private equity and venture capital is not just about investment and returns – it’s a way to create jobs, foster innovation and build the future. He wants to highlight the importance of the sector for Finland’s prosperity.
“Private equity and venture capital investment bring expertise, capital and companies to Finland, but it also creates good, secure and well-paid jobs in the sector. Professional ownership brings together top professionals who work together to create growth.”
He hopes that in the future Finland’s goal will be to reach the same level as existing private equity and venture capital centres such as Luxembourg, Switzerland or Singapore – not just to serve domestic investors, but to be a global player.
People-oriented and analytical thinker
Riku describes himself as a person who is passionate about working with both people and numbers – and private equity and venture capital offers the perfect combination of the two worlds. He is constantly thinking about how to do things better, more efficiently and smarter.
Riku takes over the presidency with enthusiasm and gratitude. He thanks his predecessor Juhana Kallio for his excellent work and promises to continue the efforts with ambition – and always with a little more momentum.
“I am really grateful for the trust that has been placed in me. This is a great opportunity to make a difference – and I want to use it well.”
And what does Riku do in his spare time?” I don’t think about it like that,” Riku laughs. “Well – I try to live in the moment, to be present and grateful for what I have. When I get to do exactly what I like, I don’t need time to relax. Life is a complete work of art. ”
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Additional information:
Riku Asikainen
The Finnish Venture Capital Association, Chair of the Board
riku.asikainen@evli.fi
+358 50 2880
