For Founders

Starting a business is often seen as an exciting adventure filled with bold ideas and hard work. But behind all the groundbreaking concepts and tireless efforts, there’s a crucial question that can make or break a new venture: how will we pay for it? For ages, the story of entrepreneurship has mostly focused on two main ways: either we’ll save up all our money ourselves and work hard to make a profit, or we’ll ask for money from venture capitalists, which can be exciting but also mean losing a bit of our ownership stake. Bootstrapping, the backbone of independence, gives founders the freedom to stay true to their vision, keep their equity safe, and make decisions without interference. It’s a show of resourcefulness that requires creativity in making the most of every penny and turning early customers into loyal fans. But this path often means growing slowly and steadily, with growth happening naturally as revenue comes in. On the flip side, venture capital funding can give you a real b...

Have you heard about the buzz around artificial intelligence? It’s not just a distant concept anymore; it’s the driving force behind incredible changes across all sorts of industries. From making things run smoother to revealing hidden gems of insights, AI’s impact is undeniable. But this massive shift isn’t just about fancy algorithms and data. It’s fundamentally reshaping the job market, and we need a new generation of experts to make it happen. Forget the idea that AI careers are all about data scientists in dimly lit labs. The future of AI work is a vibrant mix of roles, some that have been around for a while, others that are popping up fast, and a few that are absolutely essential for any organisation that wants to use AI’s power wisely and effectively. The AI industry is going through a major shift, moving beyond the classic roles of AI developers, data scientists, and architects. We’re seeing a huge explosion of new and fast-growing roles, all thanks to the increasing sophistica...

Businesses of all sizes are always on the hunt for the best ways to generate leads, but it’s especially important for founders who are trying to grow and scale their businesses. You know, it’s not just about having a few clever tactics up your sleeve; it’s about building a solid foundation that will keep your business thriving in the long run. HubSpot, a well-known company that provides CRM solutions, recently teamed up with someone else and came up with a really cool idea about how to work together to reach potential customers. This is a great example of how strategic partnerships can really make a difference, and it’s something that founders and marketing professionals can learn from. HubSpot made a smart move by teaming up with a well-known startup incubator. They weren’t just reaching out randomly; they were aiming to connect with a specific group of people who are super valuable: early-stage founders and key decision-makers. These folks are the bosses of new businesses, shaping th...

Have you ever stopped to think about the amazing journey of a pioneering tech company? Especially one that’s tackling a big global challenge with innovative solutions. Let’s dive into the story of Resistomap, a company that’s all about developing and using a cutting-edge biosecurity intelligence platform. They’ve got a really cool history, with lots of milestones along the way. It’s a fascinating story of growth, innovation, and smart planning. They’ve managed to secure the resources they need to bring their powerful vision to life in a world that’s always changing. From Vision to Validation: The Foundational Years (2018-2022) Let me tell you about Resistomap’s exciting journey. It all started in 2018 when they were founded with a clear mission to tackle the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. They made a big splash by partnering with Nordic Laboratories, which gave them valuable early validation and access to the healthcare and diagnostics sectors. The following year, 2...

Get ready for an exciting ride because the Finnish AI scene is on fire! 2024 has been a game-changer, and it looks like 2025 is going to be even better. Finland is totally committed to AI and is determined to become a global leader in the field. They’ve got a comprehensive overview of all the latest developments, and it’s a real eye-opener. Finland is doubling down on its ambitious AI strategy, and it’s creating a fertile ground for groundbreaking advancements and widespread adoption. Buckle up, because Finland’s AI future is shaping up to be something truly special! Spearheading Ethical AI Research with the Prestigious ELLIS Network Finland is making some serious moves to strengthen its AI research, and it’s really impressive! They’ve set up a new Finnish unit within the ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems) network, which is a big win for Finnish scientists. This is the second Finnish node in this awesome European AI hub, so it shows how serious Finland is ...

Have you ever felt like the constant rush of technological change, especially when it comes to something as big as Artificial Intelligence (AI), is like running a never-ending marathon for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? It can be tough to keep up with all these cutting-edge tools and stay competitive, especially when you don’t have the resources or expertise to do it all on your own. But guess what? Across Europe, and especially in Finland, there are some really cool and well-thought-out initiatives that are helping these vital businesses not just keep up, but actually zoom ahead in the digital revolution! You simply must check out the incredible European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) network! This super ambitious and well-funded network is designed to give SMEs like yours a speedy and smooth way into the world of digitalization. It’ll help you easily adopt cutting-edge tech and become a major player on the global economic stage. Trust me, it’s worth a look! Imagine the EDI...

Have you ever stopped to think about the complex thoughts, dreams, and strategic plans that go through the minds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when faced with the exciting and potentially life-changing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Recent research from a dedicated AI consultancy that worked directly with Finnish SMEs offers a fascinating and detailed look into their changing priorities, their deep understanding of the technology, and the specific types of help they are actively seeking to use this amazing innovation to make their businesses even better. Finnish SMEs are not just curious about AI; they’re strategizing its integration with a keen eye for long-term growth. They’re seeing AI as a powerful tool to drive sustainable success. Through their direct interactions with business leaders and tech experts, these agile and resource-constrained businesses have identified three key areas where they’re focusing their efforts: strategic planning, knowledge and skil...

Have you ever had that brilliant idea, that innovative concept that you’re convinced could make a real difference, but then get stuck thinking about how to actually make it happen? Or maybe you’re already in the exciting but often complex and fast-changing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive Extended Reality (XR), or the powerful capabilities of High-Performance Computing (HPC), and you’re looking for expert guidance and resources to really unlock their potential for your projects? Well, our colleagues and collaborators at the Finnish AI Region | EDIH (FAIR) have put together a fantastic and comprehensive ecosystem of services specifically designed to help you innovate at every stage of your journey, from that initial spark of inspiration to real-world impact. Take a closer look at their carefully designed service map, and you’ll see a clear and strategic understanding of the innovation lifecycle. It’s like having a super organised and easy-to-find toolkit, filled with jus...