The University of Helsinki provides a breeding ground for innovations. The University supports the process of turning innovations into business through spinout companies. The goal is especially to support their early steps and accelerate their development.
All investments are made in compliance with
The University of Helsinki manages an endowment of 789 million Euros (end of 2024). The primary goal of the investments is to increase the University’s financial stability and independence.
Investment principles of the University of Helsinki are based on science, and hence most of its investments are globally diversified with low costs. The only notable exception from diversification is venture investments related to the University. The University seeks to leverage its financial capital through focused investments into companies powered by intellectual property and human resources associated with the University. Hence, the University seeks to support its mission by combining financial efficiency and societal impact in its investments.
Figures exclude 6 investments which are not related to University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki is a long-term partner supporting the creation and progression of the spinout and startup companies. Management of operations are left to the entrepreneurs and hence the University of Helsinki doesn’t take the operating freedom from the founders.
Investment team starts supporting cases and founding team at the very early stage, usually once they are closer to setting up a company. Once the company is formed, the University remains as an active sparring partner providing guidance and support regarding for instance legal work, governance, communications, and funding.
The University of Helsinki has done venture investments already from year 2000.
In addition to spinouts, The University of Helsinki organizes
Early-stage venture investments are highly risky, and it is very typical that the outcomes vary a lot with numerous variables affecting the potential success. The University of Helsinki was a large investor in
Marko has been at investment function of University of Helsinki since 2019. Before joining the University, he has done almost 10 years of investment banking and has a degree from finance. Marko views the cases based on the numbers but also shares a passion for being able to support entrepreneurship and establishing of new companies to Finland.
Marko Berg
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
+358 41 534 9893
Kimmo has been at investment function of University of Helsinki since 2017. Kimmo has degrees in both law and economics and has done over 15-year career in two international law firms doing e.g. M&A, financing rounds and company law. For university spinouts and startups Kimmo provides a broad legal view from the practicalities of early establishment to complex agreements of trade sale exit.
Kimmo Sundqvist
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
+358 40 739 1038