We’re keeping the momentum going with our She Shapes the Future series for International Women’s Day! ✨
Next in the series is Karita Reijonsaari, CEO of Linio Biotech Oy.
Karita leads Linio Biotech, building a company around Tience®, a regenerative technology that helps the body naturally repair soft tissue. The mission is to move beyond temporary fixes toward real functional regeneration for soft-tissue deficiencies and skin aging.
“I’ve always been deeply interested in science and I wanted to work close to innovative technologies that could truly change medicine. When I met the scientists behind the innovation, it was one of those rare moments where you immediately feel that you cannot sit this one out. I believe many great biotech companies are born in exactly this way — when the science is simply too cool to ignore,” Karita says.
Becoming a co-founder was the natural way to translate the discovery into a solution that could reach clinicians and patients globally. Karita has built a network of world-leading clinicians, scientists, and industry experts, proving that bold science and vision attract the right people, even in the early stages of a startup.
She also reflects on how the biotech environment offers constant learning and growth. “The journey has been demanding but incredibly rewarding. You are constantly solving new problems and learning alongside the company you’re building,” she explains.
Karita emphasizes that planning is critical in biotech. “Build a detailed long-range plan early, and validate it with experienced experts. Understanding what it will truly take to succeed helps you navigate challenges and gain credibility with investors and partners,” she says.
She believes that innovation is about pursuing meaningful problems and creating impact, not just launching a company. “You don’t need permission to start building something you believe in,” Karita says. “If the science is interesting and the vision is bold, people want to contribute.”
For founders entering demanding industries, Karita’s advice is simple: focus on the problem, stay curious, embrace learning, and start building what you believe in. Her story shows that purpose, conviction, and collaboration are what sustain founders through complex challenges.
More founder stories are coming soon!