Startup Financing
Innovation requires courage, growth needs a partner
Finnvera enables responsible growth by sharing risk and financing innovation. We are part of the Team Finland network and cooperate with banks, other debt financiers, and venture capital investors. Together we build financing solutions that support Finnish innovation and international competitiveness.
Our mission is clear: we enable financing for growth‑oriented companies in an impactful and responsible way. No good project should fail due to lack of financing.
What is a startup?
A startup is a company in its early stage aiming for rapid growth. It is typically characterized by an innovative product, service, or business model that offers the potential to scale and expand internationally. Startups are often R&D‑intensive, with research, development, and innovation at the core of their operations. They usually have significant financing needs even before generating revenue.
Startups are a key part of Finland’s innovation ecosystem, and Finnvera is their growth partner.
How can Finnvera finance startups?
Finnvera can finance a startup by providing loans and guarantees that complement bank financing and investor capital.
An equity financing round is also a good time to discuss with a loan financier. Finnvera has the possibility to finance innovative and scalable companies even when bank financing is not yet available, provided that other parties participate in the financing. Finnvera never finances a project alone; the risk is always shared among several financiers. Depending on the financing structure, the company’s own contribution is 20–50 percent of the project. This own contribution can be new equity or funds already available in the company’s cash reserves.
A startup can apply for Finnvera financing once business operations are underway, cash flow is emerging, and commercial breakthrough is near. Finnvera does not finance the idea stage alone, but companies that already have initial customers or a clear path to market.
