Funding for a new company in Finland
A company at the starting line in Finland has more funding routes than most founders realise: an entry-level R&D grant from Business Finland, Finnvera guarantees and loans that unlock early bank financing, rural startup support outside the growth centres, and several forms of early investor money. The list below is drawn live from our funding database — every option we track that fits a new company, with typical amounts.
Grants
Deep Tech Acceleratorphased fundingFor research-based deep-tech startups under five years old, founded to commercialise recent scientific research.Rural startup support€2,500–7,500 fixed sumsFixed lump-sum startup grants for rural founders, paid through the Hyrrä system without cost receipts.Sprint grantup to €100,000Business Finland's entry-level R&D grant for small companies with an innovation aimed at international markets.Loans
Capital loan (pääomalaina)case-by-caseA subordinated capital loan under the Finnish Companies Act that strengthens the balance sheet: it counts as equity in the equity-ratio assessment, which…Convertible loantypically €100k–3MA loan that converts into shares at your next financing round, usually at a discount.Entrepreneur Loanfrom €20k (personal loan)A personal loan to a founder for buying or subscribing shares, often used in ownership changes.Micro-Enterprise Growth Loan€20k–50kA direct growth loan introduced in 2026 for micro-enterprises that cannot obtain bank financing.Guarantees
Start Guarantee€10k–80k per loanFinnvera guarantees up to 80% of a bank loan for a company under three years old, which is how most young firms secure their first bank financing.Equity
Angel investment€20k–500kOften the first external equity, with hands-on help from experienced entrepreneurs.Equity crowdfundingtypically €100k–2MRaises growth capital from the public while building a customer and fan base.SAFE-style notetypically €50k–1MA convertible without the debt: the investor pays now and receives shares at the next priced round, with no interest and no maturity date.How to choose
Check grants first. A grant is not repaid and does not dilute ownership, so it is usually the cheapest money available. If your product idea aims at international markets, Business Finland’s Sprint grant is the classic entry point; outside the growth centres, rural startup support plays a similar role.
Use guarantees to unlock the bank. Banks are cautious with young companies. Finnvera’s Start Guarantee exists exactly for this: it covers part of the bank’s risk so your first loan or credit limit gets approved.
Mind the de minimis quota. Most early-stage support is granted as de minimis aid, which accumulates against a company-specific ceiling over three years. It rarely stops a new company, but track it from day one — our glossary explains how it works.
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