Sisu Factory brought over 80 international startups to the capital region in three years
The first phase of a project that offers soft landing services for incoming companies in the Helsinki metropolitan area has ended. The new service Sisu Factory, powered by the cities of Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa, has helped a total of 22 international growth companies establish themselves in Espoo. the local innovation ecosystem. Sisu Factory will continue its operations with external funding during 2026–2028.
International growth companies bring new business, expertise, and networks, and strengthen the vitality and competitiveness of the Finnish capital region. In this operating environment, Espoo holds a strong position with one of Europe’s densest RDI (research, development, and innovation) hubs, top talent, and an active, internationally connected innovation ecosystem.
When these companies are given support during the early stages of settling into a new country, they are better positioned to root themselves, grow, and succeed in Finland. The project’s core mission was to bring together the fragmented service landscape related to international startup entrepreneurs into a clear, cohesive offering and provide a smooth pathway from relocation to business advisory services and ecosystem connections.
The soft-landing project has been a collaboration between the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, co-funded by the EU from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. Sisu Factory complements existing offerings for companies of different sizes, such as Business Espoo’s business advisory services, and was developed together with key ecosystem partners and customers.
Entry point to Finland’s capital region
Sisu Factory’s soft-landing model and flagship programs, Sisu Launchpad and Sauna Pitching, have strengthened the international visibility of the Helsinki metropolitan area as a startup destination.
The project exceeded its targets and helped more than 80 startups establish operations in Finland, bringing 240 entrepreneurs to the region. Of these startups, 22 established themselves in Espoo. Customer feedback highlights three key outcomes: a simplified service process, faster relocation, and increased confidence in the decision to locate in Finland. New connections were formed between startups, companies, investors, and public actors.
The project’s final report presents development phases, results, and lessons learned from the perspectives of the team, partners, and customers:
The publication can be downloaded here. (external link, opens in a new window)
Sisu Factory continues supporting international startups
Although the project ends, the work continues. Business Espoo provides business advisory services for international startups, and Sisu Factory will carry on its work. Efforts to attract international companies and support their establishment will continue in cooperation between the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, further accelerated by a new project launching in summer 2026. Additionally, the service expanded earlier this year to also serve local companies aiming for international markets (Sisu Factory Global Growth).
The broader goal of the soft-landing service is to continue building growth conditions in the capital region by leveraging lessons learned from previous years and developing new solutions. A key development focus is to create stronger links to the region’s growth industries and startup ecosystem, offering companies efficient pathways to markets, funding, and partnerships. The aim is to establish a permanent, joint service model across the three cities that will remain in place beyond the project’s conclusion at the end of 2028.
If you operate within the innovation ecosystem, for example, as a startup investor or a research or piloting partner, and would like to collaborate with international startups, we would be happy to hear from you!
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