Helsinki, 7 November 2025
Finland’s startup sector has achieved a historic milestone: companies in the sector have surpassed €10 billion in annual export revenues ahead of original target date by impressive five years. Growth companies have become a strong cornerstone of the economy alongside the more traditional forest and metal industries.
Finnish startups have succeeded in building significant international growth stories and in attracting record levels of foreign capital, talent, and partnerships. Now the startup community is raising its next shared ambition: €20 billion in export revenues by 2030.
“Startup companies are now a permanent part of the foundation of Finland’s economy. They create jobs, exports, and future competitiveness. Now is the time to ensure that growth continues and that Finland remains among the most attractive nations for startups ,” says Riikka Pakarinen, CEO of the Startup Community.
The Finnish Startup Community’s Six Immediate Policy Proposals to the Government
To secure the pace of growth and strengthen Finland’s international appeal, the startup community proposes the following concrete measures for immediate implementation:
- Automatic work permits and bank account opening for specialists and their families within two weeks of signing an employment contract.
- Commercialization support of €2 million per growth company at the early development stage, to be granted in tranches.
- A 200% tax deduction for R&D expenses of growth companies, with the same benefit extended to new research and development activities in established companies.
- A program analogous to the U.S. QSBS model, allowing investors to receive fund and direct investment returns tax-free if the proceeds are reinvested in domestic growth companies or funds.
- Allocating at least 5% of pension insurance companies’ investments to unlisted startups.
- Easing taxation for key personnel to ensure Finland remains competitive in attracting talent and leaders.
“With these actions we will ensure that Finland not only creates new innovations but also keeps them here. Startups are already a significant export engine, and they have the potential to double their impact over the next five years. That will require bold decisions,” Pakarinen states.
Further information:
Riikka Pakarinen
CEO, Finnish Startup Community
riikka@startupcommunity.fi
+358 40 5800 833
Youssef Zad
Chief Economist
youssef@startupyhteiso.com
+358 40 593 3316