Women in Startups: Founder Success Panel
Women in Startups: Founder Success Panel
Building something in a new country takes its own kind of courage, and sometimes you need to hear from people who are actually doing it.
Join us for this edition titled "Women in Startups: Founder Success Panel, Part 1" hosted by International Startup Founders Finland (ISFF) and Business Vantaa. Real stories. Honest journeys. Lessons from women building and scaling right here in Finland.
The discussion focuses on practical experiences, including growth, leadership, and navigating challenges in the Finnish startup ecosystem.
If you are a founder, thinking of becoming one, or just curious about the startup space, this is a room you want to be in.
What You’ll Gain
1. Practical lessons from founders building businesses in Finland
2. Insights on growth, leadership, and scaling companies
3. Perspectives from diverse entrepreneurial journeys across industries
4. Opportunities to connect with founders and the local startup community.
Speakers
• Jaana Komscha-Härkönen – CEO & Founder of Breaks (9-year corporate events startup). Delivers Happiness as a Service. Raised funds and scaled.
• Sanna Kantola – Co-founder & CEO at LUMI. Growing a lean, creative premium accessories brand for 25 years — even in a tough market.
• Marianne Lehikoinen – Founder & CEO at Smart Mentoring. Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 in Espoo. Scaled from solo to seven-figure revenue with 1,000%+ growth in year 3.
• Gloria Boateng – CEO & Founder of three growing businesses (Loyatii, Omo Omo & Planned by Kiki) at just the age of 25.
Moderator: Anna Antonenko — Strategic Marketing Consultant and Startup Advisor.
Agenda
17:00 – 17:15- Welcome and Introduction (ISFF and Business Vantaa)
17:15 – 17:30- Icebreaker
17:30 – 18:30- Panel Discussion and Q&A
18:30 – 19:00- Networking and Coffee
Event Details
Date: 30 March 2026
Time: 17:00–19:00
Location: Business Vantaa, Elannontie 3, 01510 Vantaa
Free on-site event. Registration is required.
Organised by
International Startup Founders Finland (ISFF) is a community supporting international founders building businesses in Finland by creating opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
The event is organised by Loan (Cindy) Tran, Founder of ISFF and Co-founder of Preloved Coffee Oy, together with the ISFF team:
Paul James Brennan — CTO as a Service | CEO, Tribe Networks Oy (talenthive.fi/agency) — building a social community connecting professionals and sports enthusiasts.
Anna Antonenko — Strategic Marketing Consultant and Startup Advisor supporting startups in growth and positioning.
Sherry Oso — Founder of Connectoria Community, connecting culture and generations.
Marina Berzina — Business Coach, ICF Coach, and Neurointegration Trainer working with founders and professionals on growth and performance.
The event is organised in collaboration with Business Vantaa.
Notes
The event will be held in English.
The venue has limited capacity, and registration will close once full.
Part of an ongoing ISFF event series.