During the 90 Day Finn programme, there were plenty of opportunities for participants to network with interesting organisations and companies. In addition, the participants were able to experience both Finnish sauna culture and the national park atmosphere. A workspace and a suitable apartment for the duration of the programme were arranged for those selected for it. The cost of living is borne by the participants themselves.
“It is great to see that the 90 Day Finn programme attracts international business influencers to seize the opportunity and expand their operations through Finland to Europe. This year, one of the participants is already starting a company in Helsinki,” says Clarisse Berggårdh, CEO of Helsinki Partners.
13 participants were selected for this year's implementation. Participants come from Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Canada, France, Singapore, and the United States.
90 Day Finn as a stimulus for launching European operations
Shwetank Verma, one of the founders of Leo Capital, a Singaporean private equity firm, participated in the 90 Day Finn programme in 2022. Participation in the programme had a significant impact on the recent decision of the venture capital company established in 2018 to establish its European headquarters in Helsinki. At the same time, Leo Capital announced its new Nordic-focused EUR 25 million fund.
“Such success stories show that Helsinki is a fertile ground for international growth stories. We must continue to ensure that the opportunities offered by Helsinki are known around the world and that our capital city is seen as an attractive destination for foreign companies, entrepreneurs, investors and employees,” Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki.
Leo Capital is the biggest single success story of the 90 Day Finn programme. In addition, participants in the programme have established companies in Helsinki and made investments in Finnish startups.
Helsinki attracts international operators to Finland
The City of Helsinki wants to create opportunities for foreign business influencers and help them settle in the city. The purpose of the 90 Day Finn programme is to make Helsinki known globally and to bring business influencers, companies and investors to the city, who could use their own expertise to bring more growth to the Finnish business field.
This year's programme was created in collaboration with Business Helsinki as part of the Digital Creative Industries and Beyond (DCIB) project, which aims to promote the preconditions for the creative digital industries.
The 90 Day Finn programme is run by Helsinki Partners, a company owned by the City of Helsinki that focuses on urban marketing and attracting investments and talent.
