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About Us

Helsinki Partners is a city marketing, investment and talent attraction company owned by the City of Helsinki. Our mission is to promote the city’s sustainable growth, to attract investments, businesses, talent and visitors, to conduct international sales and marketing, as well as to build Helsinki’s global brand and reputation.

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  • Sara Jäntti

    Senior Manager, PR & Communications


    +358 40 709 2913
    http://www.helsinkipartners.com

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    Being named the world's most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. The first place we have now achieved indicates that we are on the right path.
    Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki
    International studies show that travellers are increasingly looking for more sustainable services and destinations. There will no doubt be increasing demand for the world's most sustainable tourist destination in the future.
    Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director at the City of Helsinki
    Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is a fine Helsinki tradition that has been part of the Helsinki autumn landscape for almost 300 years. The Baltic Herring Market was originally intended for people to stock up on food for the winter, but nowadays the event attracts fans of maritime flavours and archipelago culinary culture to savour the autumn market atmosphere at the Market Square. This year, we’re celebrating Helsinki culinary culture and its talented creators, which naturally includes seafood and traditional fishers. For me, Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is one of the most anticipated experiences in the Feast Helsinki food year.
    Mayor of Helsinki, Juhana Vartiainen
    It’s exciting to design a playground for children, for whom play often means a computer game instead of a sandbox. The new playground offers something new for this generation. In the digital world, children are users, but in the playground, they are creators. I hope that Ruoholahti Playground will become an attractive place for children of many ages, where they can also learn about technology while playing.
    Linda Liukas, designer of the playground
    As recently outlined in our new architecture programme, we are committed to recognising the important role of architecture and landscape design in creating good urban life. Fostering child-friendly design is a key part of this work, and the Ruoholahti playground is a great example of what can be done.
    Hanna Harris, Chief Design Officer
    Our new Museum of Architecture and Design is be a landmark project that celebrates Finland's rich legacy in design and architecture. This competition is an important step in creating a space that honors our strong cultural heritage in design and architecture, which are treasured by our people and admired worldwide. The Finnish government is deeply committed to supporting this project, recognizing its significance inspiring future generations.
    Sari Multala, Finland’s Minister of Science and Culture
    The architecture competition for the new Museum of Architecture and Design will introduce a new landmark to the cityscape of Helsinki in a hugely significant site on the waterfront of the city’s South Harbour. This is a project that will strengthen the appeal and ambition of the city of Helsinki as a design and architecture destination, and we are overwhelmed by the quality of the responses to the competition.
    Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki
    The competition brief for Finland's new National Museum of Architecture and Design is an ambitious vision that embraces the museum's civic role in democratizing access to the tools of design. We seek an architecturally unique building that meets high sustainability goals while being a welcoming and inspiring space—an active hub of engagement and creativity for many, and a place of calm and reflection for others. The jury has been deeply impressed by the thoughtful and innovative interpretations from architects and creative teams on how the new museum can best serve our communities.
    Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Foundation and member of the jury
    The aim of transforming the Katajanokka shoreline area is to create a lively urban space. With this project, we will be able to open the shoreline to the people of Helsinki. A building made of wood, that is durable and has as low a carbon footprint as possible meets the city’s goals.
    Anni Sinnemäki, Deputy Mayor, City of Helsinki
    We believe that amidst all the global challenges, solutions lie within cities. Helsinki is a rapidly expanding metropolis in the heart of the Nordics, and it’s an ideal testing ground for shaping the future. We are committed to innovation and sustainability, and we’re proud to be the catalyst for pioneering solutions with global impact.
    Clarisse Berggårdh, CEO at Helsinki Partners
    Helsinki has a very diverse pool of talents, and the Finnish people have a very strong sense of commitment and dedication to their work. For us, it is very important that people are independent and complete their work tasks responsibly. Everyone's in this together and they understand the entrepreneur culture.
    Crystal Koh, Founder of Chanceupon, and Xanne Leo, COO of Chanceupon, participants of the Founders to Finland program
    Budgets are blossoming in terms of developing deep tech and deep science here in Helsinki. A lot of companies are making their way to the climate change space, and quantum computing. The Finnish tech landscape encompasses many cutting-edge areas that you can learn from, invest in, and implement into your own business and market.
    Rahul Ranjani, Partner at Manerama Capital and alumni of the Venture Nordics Spring 2024 program
    We believe that amidst all the global challenges, solutions lie within cities. Helsinki is a rapidly expanding metropolis in the heart of the Nordics, and it’s an ideal testing ground for shaping the future. We are committed to innovation and sustainability, and we’re proud to be the catalyst for pioneering solutions with global impact.
    Clarisse Berggårdh, CEO at Helsinki Partners
    Helsinki has a very diverse pool of talents, and the Finnish people have a very strong sense of commitment and dedication to their work. For us, it is very important that people are independent and complete their work tasks responsibly. Everyone's in this together and they understand the entrepreneur culture.
    Crystal Koh, Founder of Chanceupon and Xanne Leo, COO of Chanceupon, participants of the Founders to Finland program
    Budgets are blossoming in terms of developing deep tech and deep science here in Helsinki. A lot of companies are making their way to the climate change space, and quantum computing. The Finnish tech landscape encompasses many cutting-edge areas that you can learn from, invest in, and implement into your own business and market.
    Rahul Ranjani, Partner at Manerama Capital and alumnus of the Venture Nordics Spring 2024 program
    We are thrilled and honored to host the upcoming MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony next week. We can't wait to welcome everyone and showcase our excellent offerings and unique culinary scene to our quests. Helsinki undoubtedly deserves its spot on the gastronomic map
    Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director, City of Helsinki
    Gastronomy plays a vital role when people decide where to travel. It is important that Helsinki has culinary experiences to offer for the visitors year round
    Anu Syrmä, Brand, Marketing and Communications Director, Helsinki Partners
    Fashion in Helsinki is showcasing Finnish creativity, the talented designers and Finland’s unique craftmanship in fashion design. Helsinki has become a global hotspot of creativity. This new era of transformation can largely be attributed to growing scene of young adults working in the fields of music, fashion, media art and design. New types of clubs, events and exhibitions are bringing international audiences to Helsinki, and young local fashion designers are gaining recognition through collaborations and international fashion competitions.
    Miia Koski, CEO, Juni Communication
    Fashion in Helsinki really energizes the local talent pool. Helsinki’s creative scene is lively throughout the year but during this one week in May, Helsinki really is the place to be for everyone interested in fashion and creativity. Fashion in Helsinki is the perfect way to explore the Helsinki scene. In addition to the main events, there is a long list of showroom events and parties. The week really shows Helsinki as the amazing city it is: a true Nordic capital of creativity.
    Miia Koski, CEO, Juni Communications
    Finland has a rich and fascinating history of design that is deeply embedded in both our national identity and our living culture. That culture is expressed fully in Helsinki – a former World Design Capital, where public policy and private enterprise have worked together to build a knowledge economy based upon high-value, innovative activities that have design thinking at their heart.
    Kaarina Gould, CEO of The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design
    We want to democratise the tools of design. The new museum of architecture and design will engage the public in activities and experiences that broaden the understanding of design as a tool that empowers people to participate actively as citizen designers. Successful designs for the museum will need to embrace and advance the model of the museum as a site for active engagement with ideas and practice, as much as for the display and interpretation of artefacts.
    Kaarina Gould, CEO of The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design
    Helsinki has an international reputation for architecture and design that reflects the strong belief in good design as a means for living well that is present in all Nordic societies. We’re delighted to launch this international open competition to find an architect for the new museum of architecture and design. The open competition is a strong component of the tradition of architecture in Finland that opens the commission up to exciting concepts from designers at any stage in their career – from undiscovered talent to established names.
    Mikko Aho, Chair of the competition Jury and Vice Chair of Real Estate Company ADM
    This new museum will enhance Helsinki’s global profile as a capital of design by placing the subject at the heart of the urban renewal of the South Harbour, one of the city’s most significant waterfront sites. We’re delighted to bring this project forward to create social benefits, provide new employment, attract international visitors and generate commerce in Helsinki.
    Mikko Aho, Chair of the competition Jury and Vice Chair of Real Estate Company ADM
    The people of Helsinki trust the city to organise functional services and also low threshold access to experiences such as culture and nature. The new, internationally interesting Museum of Architecture and Design planned for Helsinki is just one concrete example of how we are investing in the future of our city and the wellbeing of our residents.
    Juhana Vartiainen, the Mayor of Helsinki
    The best thing about Helsinki is the freedom to be yourself and live your own life. I go swimming in the Baltic Sea all year round and enjoy the euphoria brought by the cold water. In addition to the sea, I love the asphalt in Helsinki and the freedom that skateboarding brings, as well as the warm community I find there.
    Lena Salmi, Helsinki Happiness Hacker
    Helsinki boasts an impressive cultural scene and plenty of urban green oases. According to a recent survey, Helsinki residents appreciate the quality of life in their city. Helsinkians value proximity to nature and the sea, arts and culture, a safe living environment, and efficient public transport in their hometown. Still, we feel strongly that the Helsinki Happiness Hacks can be experienced by anyone, even during a short visit.
    Anu Syrmä, Director, Brand, Marketing and Communications of Helsinki Partners
    Finnish happiness boils down to the simple things in life: connecting with nature, taking care of one’s mind and body, and appreciating design and art around us. Happiness can be found in moments of pure contentment you get when the setting is just right: on a bike ride in a forest with the perfect playlist on or enjoying a post-sauna sausage while cooling off on a beautiful summer evening. Most importantly, happiness hacks are skills that anyone can learn to boost their well-being.
    Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland
    This new museum is set to both enhance Helsinki's global profile and provide a new, meaningful incentive to visit Helsinki. The museum will provide a cultural heart for the rapidly developing South Harbour area and a new, inviting urban space in Helsinki’s prime maritime location. It also represents a sustainable investment that will create jobs, generate commerce, and attract tourists to Helsinki. The museum represents an investment in the future, it is exciting to see the plans now coming to fruition.
    Juhana Vartiainen, the Mayor of Helsinki
    Everyone is welcome in Oodi, and our most important values are equality and freedom of speech. Oodi has space for businesspeople and the homeless, pensioners and families with children. We strive to offer interesting things to do and services for absolutely everyone.
    Anna-Maria Soininvaara, Director of Oodi
    The vision of the Finnish Startup Community and our partners is a country where labour migration is wrapped up in two weeks and all services related to the immigration process are available from a single point, with minimal strain on the authorities, companies and the migrants.
    Riikka Pakarinen, CEO at Finnish Startup Community
    Functional concepts have already been developed under the Virtual Finland project and it would be a shame to see the work go to waste if further funding is not granted. Now is the time to accelerate the project’s development and create practical measures from the concepts.
    Youssef Zad, the Finnish Startup Community’s Chief Economist
    If you are a VC considering opening a new office, Finland and especially Helsinki should be at the top of your list. The country and the city offer exceptional regulatory stability, a business-friendly environment, a strong innovation culture coupled with low hierarchy, and widespread English proficiency. The country excels as a hub for cutting-edge advancements in digitalization and green transition, making it an ideal location for backing top-tier innovation. Even during an economic downturn, a strong foundation has been built for both early and late-stage ventures. Helsinki is ready when the economy starts thriving again.
    Tian Yu, Senior Advisor at Helsinki Partners
    Finland has a lot of early-stage funding available and maintained these levels during 2023. Over the recent decade, the Finnish startup ecosystem has matured – and after many successful exits and global growth stories, we now have a pool of highly experienced entrepreneurs both investing in and building the next wave of European tech companies. It’s no wonder that international VCs are interested in integrating into the Finnish ecosystem.
    Jonne Kuittinen, Deputy Chief Executive at FVCA
    Finland and Helsinki are truly at the forefront of global innovation. High entrepreneurial spirit, strong technological know-how, and a forward-thinking mindset create an environment where investment and startups can thrive. Helsinki is an attractive destination for global talent and in Antler’s residency program, 50% of applicants are expats. This is a sign that Helsinki is not just a place to invest: it's a place to shape the future.
    Jussi Kallasvuo, partner at Antler
    We have now been in the industry for almost 3 years, gradually learning the rhythm of fashion. In this time, we have created our own version of the typical rat race. Luckily, we live and work from Helsinki which is not a typical fashion capital, but a city with calmer phase where creativity can bloom freely. We also love the idea that we are a bit outsider, which I believe gives us a more objective perspective on the industry. The collection is heavily inspired by the journey of our brand, the synergy between work and leisure, and my thoughts on what work life is and what it should be. I've been told that I'm married to my work, but it is a happy marriage.
    Jimi Vain, Creative Director at VAIN
    Helsinki has become a global hotspot of both electronic music and fashion. This new era of transformation can largely be attributed to a small but growing scene of young adults from the fields of music, fashion, media art and design, working together. When designing clothes, I like to think about this creative crowd. The clothes in the VAIN AW24 collection are more than just wearable elements; they are the symbols of balance and inner strength. The idea of the collection is to encourage people to uncover meaning in every moment, whether it's a busy workday or a relaxing weekend.
    Jimi Vain, Creative Director at VAIN
    We are delighted to set for the very first time our annual Nordic Ceremony in the magnificent City of Helsinki. As the national culinary flagship of Finland, Helsinki will be an ideal location to bring together the crème de la crème of Nordic gastronomy. Together with the City of Helsinki, as well as the support of Business Finland/ Visit Finland, we will organize a Ceremony worthy of the talent of the chefs and the excellence of the restaurants that our inspectors have independently chosen to honor.
    Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides
    We are thrilled the MICHELIN Guide has chosen to organise one of the world’s most famous restaurant events in our city this year. It is an esteemed acknowledgement of Helsinki’s versatile food culture, which includes everything from high-quality fine dining and food industry innovations to berries and seafood from our local natural environment. We hope that as many residents of the city as possible will also have the opportunity enjoy the event’s atmosphere and flavours
    Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki
    Food is an essential part of every trip. For years now, its importance has increased while choosing a travel destination, as travellers seek out unforgettable culinary experiences with a distinct local flavour. There are great food tourism destinations in Finland, but the high quality of Finnish food and the one-of-a-kind gastronomic culture we have here are not yet very well known on the world stage. The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony in Helsinki will provide excellent support for our efforts to strengthen Finland's reputation as an attractive food tourism destination
    Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director of Visit Finland
    The unveiling of the new Nordic restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide is a great opportunity for local food industry representatives to showcase their expertise and specialties. Versatility, personality and uniqueness are Helsinki’s strengths when it comes to our food culture. We have the courage to combine new and old, eastern, western and northern, and come up with something completely off-the-beaten-path. Food is a key contributor to Helsinki’s overall vitality and appeal, and it is one of our main priority areas for the coming year
    Marja-Leena Rinkineva, Economic Development Director for the City of Helsinki
    Art is often and at its best an exploration, just like science. Both offer insights and discoveries to the openminded seeker, and you can never be sure what the expedition will uncover.
    Juha Rouhikoski, Artistic Director of Lux Helsinki
    The 2024 version of 90 Day Finn will kick off with a 30-day intensive immersion, recommended for all participants, and continue with an optional 60-day period.
    Sami Häikiö, Program Manager, 90 Day Finn at Helsinki Partners 
    Our goal is to create an experience, and our curatorial approach is an essential part of our events and music. In Helsinki, there isn’t anyone out there trying to put our work into a box. We are free to experiment and have our own approaches. It makes Helsinki definitely a very interesting place to be creative right now as there is space for anything really. There are no molds that we must try to fit in.
    Dante Correa, CEO of BELOW0
    As we navigate this relentless cycle of creation, we find ourselves constantly busy, adorned in the same clothes, despite being creators of fashion. The concept explores the paradox of months-long, intensive work culminating in a fleeting 15-minute runway show, only to swiftly transition to the next endeavour and keep running. I’ve always wanted to do my own thing – to be independent and resist the endless rat race. Ironically, I ended up creating my own. Luckily, Helsinki is a place that offers the counterbalance.
    Jimi Vain, Creative Director at VAIN
    Helsinki is culturally much more interesting than what it is made out to be. We aren’t Scandinavian, but we aren’t exactly Eastern European either. The city is beautiful in a classical Scandinavian sense, but somehow still grimy and rough around the edges. This juxtaposition of energies translates into our work as well and seems to resonate with a worldwide audience because it feels real and authentic.
    Jimi Vain, Creative Director at VAIN
    Slush is an important partner to the City of Helsinki in our efforts to attract new business, investments and experts to Helsinki. The event has played a major role in increasing awareness of Helsinki and the city’s vitality and attracting growth companies. Establishing new contacts and deepening existing ones is at the core of Slush cooperation, and we’re very proud of the fact that Slush has consolidated its position as a significant international event in Helsinki.
    Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki
    The City of Helsinki has the ambitious goal of becoming Europe’s leading platform for pilot projects, innovative business operations and impact investments. In order to meet this goal, we must also succeed in attracting international experts, and Slush, our partner, plays a major role in these efforts.
    Marja-Leena Rinkineva, Director of Economic Development, the City of Helsinki
    Helsinki gives early-stage startups a boost by providing them with coaching services and industry-specific incubator services in the fields of health technology, learning technology and innovative urban solutions. The City’s focus areas also include close cooperation with higher education institutions. Business incubators are meeting places for top Finnish researchers, entrepreneurs, students with entrepreneurial spirit and the entire innovation and business community of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, along with their international partners.
    Paula Miettinen, Director of Business Services, the City of Helsinki’s Economic Development Department
    At JUNKAN we want to combine this expertise with world-leading circular economy and sustainability expertise in Helsinki & Nordics, and while doing so, introduce a scalable circular textiles services platform – “a clothing as a service” for the European markets.
    Yoko Yasuda, Director at JUNKAN Oy
    As JUNKAN sets out on its journey to revolutionise textiles circular lifetime concept and offer choices for traditional ownership, it extends a warm invitation to new partners and innovators who share its vision for new circular textiles shared market ecosystem.
    Jarkko Jussila, President, Europe at JUNKAN Oy
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