Max and Leevi Eklund named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026 in the Espoo region
Max and Leevi Eklund, founders of Rottapojat Oy, have been named the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year 2026 in the Espoo region. Rottapojat Oy provides rat control services, particularly for detached houses and housing companies, and has grown in just a few years into one of the best-known companies in its field in Finland.
Rottapojat Group’s revenue was approximately EUR 1.2 million in 2025. For 2026, the company expects revenue to grow to around EUR 2.6 million. The company currently employs seven people and works with approximately 40 freelance entrepreneurs.
Rottapojat Oy has developed a year-round service model called Rottaturva, which helps prevent rat problems through continuous monitoring and regular inspections. The company has introduced a preventive approach to a traditional industry, and the service has become particularly popular among detached-house owners and housing companies.
Alongside its growth, the company has invested in employing young people. A significant share of its employees are young people who are given opportunities to take on responsibility, develop their working-life skills and progress in their careers as the company grows.
The brothers’ long backgrounds in football and martial arts are also reflected in the company culture. Competitive sports have taught them perseverance, goal orientation and the importance of teamwork. These values have become part of the company’s everyday operations.
Around 20,000 customers have already used the company’s services. The next phase of growth will focus on international markets: the goal is to expand first to the Stockholm region and then to other Nordic countries.
Rapid growth and an innovative business model impressed the selection jury
The selection jury of Espoon Yrittäjät highlighted the company’s exceptionally rapid growth and its ability to bring new approaches to a traditional industry.
“Rottapojat was founded in 2023 and has very quickly become a significant player in its field in Finland. The company has built an efficient operating model that gives it strong potential to grow in international markets as well,” says Esa Kinnunen, CEO of Espoon Yrittäjät.
According to Kinnunen, the company has successfully combined an innovative sales and service process with high customer satisfaction in a way that sets it apart in its industry.
“We are extremely grateful for this recognition. The success of our company has been made possible by the trust of our customers, our committed team and our determination to develop a new, preventive operating model for the industry. We have invested in building a strong brand on social media and have been bold enough to create marketing that stands out from the crowd. This award encourages us to continue growing with determination and to take Rottapojat next to the Nordic countries and later more broadly across Europe,” say Max and Leevi Eklund.
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 award for the Espoo region was presented on 19 August 2026 at the Vattukarnevaalit event organised by Espoon Yrittäjät.
Further information
Max Eklund, Chief Operating Officer, Rottapojat Oy, tel. +358 45 6082536
Esa Kinnunen, CEO, Espoon Yrittäjät, tel. +358 40 5860928
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