Finland's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

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Finland's tech scene is on fire right now, and it's the perfect time to get in on the action if you're into startups and all things innovative. According to StartupBlink's Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Finland ranks 14th worldwide, boasting a thriving startup community with over 4,000 startups and 11 unicorns already making waves.

This surge is fueled by a talent pool of skilled techies, world-class education, and solid government support.

If you're a young techie looking for a career that's equal parts exciting and impactful, Finnish startups are where it's at.

These companies value fresh ideas, collaboration, and the chance to work on game-changing technologies. Many of us are drawn to the fast-paced, growth-oriented environments that startups offer.

Plus, companies like Agileday, Aircohol, and Carbonaide are tackling real-world challenges with their innovative solutions, giving you the chance to make a tangible difference.

This list highlights some of the most promising startups in Finland, ones that embody the country's entrepreneurial spirit and have the potential to disrupt their industries.

We looked at factors like:

• Disruptive solutions: Cutting-edge, tech-driven approaches
• Rapid growth and traction: Impressive user and revenue increases
• Solid leadership and team: Experienced founders and key team members
• Significant funding and investor backing: Strong financial support from investors
• Global market potential: High scalability and international reach

These startups are making major waves, and their success stories showcase why Finland's tech scene is one to watch out for in the years ahead.

And don't forget to check out Nucamp's guide on landing a tech job in Finland in 2024 – it's a goldmine for anyone looking to break into this dynamic industry.

Alright, let's talk about Wolt, the food delivery service that's been making waves since it was founded in Helsinki back in 2014.

This startup started small with just a handful of restaurants onboard, but fast-forward to today, and they're operating in 27 countries and over 900 cities worldwide.

That's some serious growth.

What sets Wolt apart is their tech game. They've got this super slick app and website that's been praised by users, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars across app stores.

But it's not just a pretty interface – they've also developed algorithms that optimize delivery routes, so your food arrives hot and fresh, no matter how far the restaurant is.

And the investors backing Wolt are big names like ICONIQ Capital, Highland Europe, and EQT Ventures, who have collectively poured over $856 million into the startup.

That kind of funding is a game-changer, allowing Wolt to expand into new markets and innovate new features that keep them ahead of the competition.

But Wolt isn't just about food delivery – they're influencing the entire tech industry.

Their partnership with Huawei, for example, has enabled in-car ordering and delivery tracking, which is pretty cool. And it's refreshing to see a tech company that cares about more than just profits, like their sustainability efforts, eco-friendly delivery options, and carbon offsetting initiatives.

With the global food delivery market expected to reach a whopping $342.03 billion by 2030, Wolt is definitely a startup to keep an eye on.

Their customer-centric approach, cutting-edge tech, and drive for innovation have already made them a major player in the industry. So, if you're into the tech scene, you'll want to stay tuned to see what Wolt does next.

In 2010, a bunch of talented devs got together in Helsinki and formed Supercell, a gaming company that's been successful in the mobile gaming scene ever since.

These devs have a knack for creating super addictive and engaging games that just suck you in. Their lineup is stacked with global hits like Clash of Clans, which has raked in over 500 million downloads and billions in revenue, and Clash Royale, another massive success with the same impressive numbers.

But they're not just one-hit wonders – Hay Day, a farming sim, and Brawl Stars, an action-packed multiplayer shooter, have also been successful with millions of downloads and top-grossing status.

What sets Supercell apart is their innovative approach to game development.

They focus on creating games with a simple core but deep gameplay, which has clearly resonated with gamers worldwide. The company's meteoric rise can be traced back to this laser-sharp focus on quality over quantity.

In 2022, Supercell reported a mind-blowing $2.9 billion in revenue, cementing their status as one of the most successful and profitable gaming companies out there.

According to the company, their dream is to "create games that are played by as many people as possible for years and years." And with their track record, it's clear that Supercell is well on its way to achieving that dream and continuing to redefine the mobile gaming landscape.

Alright, let's talk about Swappie, the coolest marketplace for refurbished smartphones around. These guys started back in 2016, and their whole mission is to make the tech world more eco-friendly by giving old phones a second life.

Instead of tossing your used iPhone, Swappie takes it, refurbishes it to look brand spankin' new, and sells it with a solid 12-month warranty. It's like recycling, but way more awesome.

Swappie is already operating in 26 countries across Europe, and they're eyeing North America next.

Last year, their sales of refurbished devices skyrocketed by a massive 40% compared to 2022. People are finally catching on to the idea of buying pre-owned tech that's just as good as new, and way more affordable.

Plus, it's a win for the environment, which is super important to the Swappie crew.

According to their 2023 Impact Report, Swappie has already refurbished and resold over 1.5 million devices, keeping them out of landfills.

That's saved around 20,000 tons of CO2 emissions, which is insane. Their delivery process is entirely carbon-neutral across all their markets. Charles Martin, Swappie's CEO, hit the nail on the head when he said, "As tech professionals, it's our responsibility to drive innovation while minimizing our environmental footprint.

Refurbishing devices is a crucial step in creating a circular economy and promoting a more sustainable future."

Check this out - Varjo is an insane Finnish tech company that's been taking the virtual reality (VR) game to a whole new level since 2016.

These guys aren't messing around when it comes to developing mind-blowing VR hardware and software for major businesses. Their headsets, like the XR-4 Series, are packing some serious tech with dual 4K displays, real-time mixed reality cameras, and an eye-popping 120-degree field of view.

It's like stepping into another dimension, but with visuals so sharp, you'd think it's the real deal.

Over 25% of Fortune 100 companies are using Varjo's tech to train astronauts, design futuristic cars, and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Companies like Volvo, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin are all on board, using Varjo's mixed reality magic to save time and cut costs on their projects. It's like having a crystal ball for product design and development.

But Varjo isn't just about the hardware; they've got a whole ecosystem of software solutions that'll make your head spin.

Varjo Reality Cloud is their cloud platform that blends the real and virtual worlds seamlessly, while their Varjo Base software lets you build mind-melting VR experiences with tools you already know and love.

And if you're into the technical nitty-gritty, Varjo has racked up a whopping 69 patents for their groundbreaking VR and XR tech.

Smartly.io is absolutely killing it in the digital ad game! These guys were founded in 2013 by some straight-up hustlers - Kristo Ovaska and Tuomo Riekki.

They've grown so massive that an estimated 1 in 10 Facebook ads in Europe is made using their platform, according to their blog post.

Their all-in-one advertising platform is like a digital ad machine, automating the entire process from creative production to campaign optimization across channels like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and TikTok.

With AI and machine learning tech, they help brands maximize their return on ad spend and just crush their marketing goals.

But it's not just about the tech - Smartly.io is constantly innovating and expanding:

• Acquiring companies: They recently acquired companies like Viralspace.ai and Ad-Lib.io to level up their creative capabilities.
• New integration: Their Snapchat integration is now fully available, opening up a whole new world of opportunities for advertisers.

These guys are serious about making a positive impact too.

In 2021, they went carbon neutral by purchasing nearly 10,000 carbon credits to offset their emissions. It's respectable that a company is about more than just profits.

With major clients like Uber, eBay, and McDonald's already on board, and a recent valuation over $1 billion, Smartly.io is undoubtedly one of the startups to watch in 2024.

They're revolutionizing digital advertising, and proving that hard work and innovation can take you places.

Iceye is a Finnish tech startup that's been disrupting the satellite game since 2014. These guys are pioneers in synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology, which means they've built a network of compact satellites that can snap high-res images of Earth, 24/7, rain or shine.

As of 2024, Iceye has 34 satellites in orbit, giving them an insane amount of real-time data and imagery.

Their tech is a game-changer across industries:

• Emergency Response: Iceye's sats were clutch in assessing natural disaster zones, helping relief teams get resources where they're needed.
• Maritime Monitoring: With the ability to detect and track ships, Iceye's data is boosting maritime security and surveillance.
• Environmental Monitoring: By keeping tabs on deforestation, ice caps, and other environmental changes, Iceye is arming organizations with the intel to make smarter conservation calls.

The global satellite imaging market is expected to hit $6.92 billion by 2028, growing at a crazy 11.2% annually since 2021.

Iceye's innovative approach has completely shaken up this space, making satellite data way more accessible and affordable worldwide. As Iceye's CEO Rafal Modrzewski puts it:

"Our mission is to democratize access to satellite imaging and data, empowering industries and societies to make better-informed decisions."

Iceye is cementing its position as a sattech heavyweight.

RELEX Solutions is the real deal when it comes to supply chain optimization. These guys are the tech wizards of the industry, using cutting-edge AI and machine learning to make logistics and inventory management a breeze.

They've been constantly innovating since they hit the scene in 2005, and now they're a global force to be reckoned with.

At the heart of RELEX's game-changing solutions is their unified retail planning platform.

It's like having a super-intelligent virtual assistant that handles demand forecasting, replenishment, allocation, and even workforce management – all in one slick package.

With this bad boy by your side, you can make data-driven decisions that'll minimize excess stock, reduce waste, and maximize those profits. Here are some of the key features that make it a total powerhouse:

• Demand Forecasting: RELEX uses multiple data sources, from point-of-sale data to weather patterns and promotional plans, to give you forecasts that are on point.
• Replenishment Optimization: Automation at its finest. RELEX takes the headache out of replenishment by considering lead times, seasonal fluctuations, and inventory constraints, making sure you've always got the right goods at the right time.
• Supply Chain Visibility: With end-to-end visibility into your entire supply chain, you can stay ahead of the game and proactively tackle any challenges that come your way.

RELEX's client list reads like a who's who of retail giants – Albertsons, Kesko, Matas, you name it.

And the results speak for themselves. Take Kesko, for example, a major Finnish retailer that saw a whopping 30% reduction in stock levels and a 2-3% increase in sales after implementing RELEX's solutions.

As William Perez, Kesko's Supply Chain Development Manager, put it, "RELEX has helped us achieve a more efficient and accurate supply chain, resulting in significant cost savings and improved customer satisfaction."

With a strong presence in over 30 countries and recognition from heavy hitters like Gartner and RIS News, RELEX Solutions is a startup to keep your eyes on.

They're leading the charge in supply chain optimization, and it's clear they're not slowing down anytime soon.

Aiven is a Finnish tech startup that's been successful since 2016. They're all about making cloud data infrastructure way easier to manage, so businesses can focus on using their data to the max without stressing over the technical challenges.

Here's the deal:

• Managed Services: Aiven's got your back with fully-managed services for the hottest open-source data tech like PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, Kafka, and more. No need to worry about infrastructure management - they've got it covered.
• Cloud Flexibility: Their services are available across major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, and UpCloud. You can choose the cloud that works best for you, no strings attached.
• Automated Operations: From setup to backups, scaling, and updates, Aiven automates all the critical ops tasks. No more human errors slowing you down - just smooth sailing.

Aiven takes care of all the complicated cloud data infrastructure stuff, so you can focus on what really matters - using your data to crush it.

As their CEO Oskari Saarenmaa puts it, "Our goal is to make it insanely easy for companies of any size to take full advantage of open-source data tech in the cloud." With a rapidly growing customer base and a recent $60 million funding round, Aiven is definitely a startup to keep an eye on in Finland's tech scene.

Oura is a Finnish startup that's been making significant strides in the health tech sector since 2013. Founded by Petteri Lahtela, Kasper Väänänen, and Kari Kivelä, they introduced the Oura Ring - a wearable that goes beyond just tracking your steps.

This ring is a powerful sleep tracking machine, measuring your different sleep stages and providing you with comprehensive insights on how to improve your sleep quality.

A study in Nature and Science of Sleep showed the Oura Ring's sleep tracking was an impressive 97% accurate compared to medical sleep tests.

This device also tracks various other health metrics like heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels.

The app combines all this data, allowing you to identify patterns and set goals to boost your overall well-being. Users of the Oura Ring report experiencing boosted energy, sharper focus, and a general sense of balance.

Matthew Garcia noted that it transformed how he perceives his health.

In a competitive market of fitness gadgets, the Oura Ring stands out with its precise insights and user-friendly experience.

With the growing interest in personalized wellness, Oura is excelling and showcasing Finnish innovation at its finest.

Alright, check this out - HMD Global, the crew from Finland, is straight-up killing it in the mobile game! These dudes were founded in 2016 with one mission - to bring back the legendary Nokia brand in a major way.

And let me tell ya, they've been smashing it out of the park ever since they snagged that exclusive license to rock those iconic phones.

Just take a peek at the fire they've been spitting - sleek rides like the reimagined Nokia 3310, the killer Nokia 8 series, and more.

These bad boys are packing some serious punch with their rock-solid builds, pure Android vibes, and prices that won't break the bank. In 2024, HMD is unleashing a whole new lineup that's about to shake things up:

• The Nokia G60 5G - A mid-range beast rocking 5G, a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, triple camera setup, and a battery that just won't quit.
• The Nokia XR21 - A rugged monster designed for the outdoorsy crew, with military-grade toughness and water resistance that'll make you go "damn!"
• The Nokia 9.3 PureView - A flagship powerhouse, sporting the latest Snapdragon 888 chip, a mind-blowing penta-camera setup with ZEISS optics, and 8K video recording capabilities that'll blow your socks off.

According to the number-crunchers at Counterpoint Research, HMD Global is straight-up dominating, snagging a solid 3.1% share of the global smartphone market in Q1 2024.

These guys are crushing it with their streamlined Android experience, affordable pricing, and durability that'll make you go "whoa". In this ever-changing mobile landscape, HMD Global and their unwavering commitment to the Nokia brand make them a startup that every tech-savvy pro needs to keep an eye on.

Don't forget to check out these dope essential tech skills that Finnish employers are craving in 2024!