Showing the daily report for 7 September 2025.
Report for 7 September 2025
The rise of professional board members in Finland coincides with a surge in deep tech funding and ecosystem maturity, suggesting a growing need for experienced governance to navigate complex scale-up challenges.
Why now: This trend is particularly relevant now given the influx of foreign capital into Finnish deep tech and the increasing pressure on startups to demonstrate global readiness and achieve successful exits.
Finland's deep tech sector is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by substantial funding, particularly from foreign investors. This growth is coupled with a maturing ecosystem characterized by experienced founders and spin-offs from established entities. However, the IPO market remains subdued, indicating a potential bottleneck for exits. The emergence of professional board members signifies a growing awareness of the need for strategic guidance and robust governance to navigate the challenges of scaling deep tech ventures and preparing for potential M&A or IPO.
Competitive Landscape:
While Finland's deep tech ecosystem benefits from experienced founders and a supportive funding environment, competition is intensifying globally. Korean Kia's entry into the European EV market with long-range vehicles highlights the competitive pressure on Finnish companies in the cleantech and mobility sectors.
Founder/Investor Profile:
Finnish deep tech founders are largely experienced, often with prior startup experience. Investors are increasingly prioritizing experienced teams, creating a competitive advantage for seasoned entrepreneurs. The rise of professional board members further strengthens this trend by bringing additional expertise and networks to these ventures.
Market Map:
Finland's deep tech sector spans various areas, including quantum computing, cleantech, and mobility. The influx of foreign investment is shaping the competitive landscape, creating opportunities for international collaboration and expansion.
How can Finnish deep tech companies leverage the expertise of professional board members to enhance their growth strategies and navigate international expansion?
Given the subdued IPO market, how can startups optimize their M&A strategies to secure successful exits?
How can Finnish companies differentiate themselves in the increasingly competitive global deep tech landscape?
What are the potential implications of the AI bubble burst on Finnish data centers and the broader tech ecosystem?
How will the reduction in gasoline and diesel taxation impact the adoption of electric vehicles and related technologies in Finland?
The increasing complexity of scaling deep tech ventures is driving demand for experienced board members and specialized advisors.
Implications: Startups need to prioritize strong governance and access to experienced mentors to navigate the challenges of growth and secure successful exits.
From Day Job to Sitting on 9 Boards - This is Life as a Professional Board Member
The global tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with emerging technologies and shifting market dynamics creating both opportunities and challenges.
Implications: Finnish companies need to stay agile and adapt to changing market conditions to maintain competitiveness and capitalize on emerging trends.
Bank Warns: AI Bubble Burst Could Collapse Data Centers
Listed Engineering Companies Transformed into Stable Money-Making Machines – Service Business Crucial for Many
Europe Started Manufacturing Korean Kia's Electric Cars – 630 km on a Single Charge
Taxation of Gasoline and Diesel Will Be Reduced
Foreign investors accounted for approximately 71% (€1 billion / €1.4 billion) of total startup funding in Finland in 2024.
Method: Calculated by dividing the total foreign investment (€1 billion) by the total startup funding (€1.4 billion).
Hypothesis:
M&A activity will remain the dominant exit route for Finnish deep tech companies in 2025, despite growing optimism for increased IPO activity.
From Day Job to Sitting on 9 Boards - This is Life as a Professional Board Member
Source: Tekniikka&Talous
Bank Warns: AI Bubble Burst Could Collapse Data Centers
Source: Tekniikka&Talous
Listed Engineering Companies Transformed into Stable Money-Making Machines – Service Business Crucial for Many
Source: Tekniikka&Talous
Taxation of Gasoline and Diesel Will Be Reduced
Source: Tekniikka&Talous
Europe Started Manufacturing Korean Kia's Electric Cars – 630 km on a Single Charge
Source: Tekniikka&Talous