Scaling Opportunity: Nordics & The World
SCALING OPPORTUNITY: NORDICS & THE WORLD
Co-hosted event by Epicenter Helsinki and Lähde Impact
15 September 2026
Epicenter Helsinki, Mikonkatu 9
One day bringing together founders, investors, business leaders and international market experts to explore where Nordic companies can grow next.
New markets. New capital. New relationships.
Up to 200 people. One programme. The right room.
WHAT IS SCALING OPPORTUNITY?
Going international is not only about understanding a market.
It is about knowing the right people in it.
The customer. The investor. The local partner. The operator who has done it before. The person who can make the introduction.
Scaling Opportunity brings them into the same room.
One focused day of international market perspectives, company stories, investment conversations and networking - built around a simple question:
Where is the next opportunity, and who can help you reach it?
WE’VE BUILT THESE ROOMS BEFORE
Scaling Opportunity builds on a community developed through Lähde Impact events across the Nordics and Baltics.
8 business mixers across Helsinki and Tallinn.
AI Shorehouse: 110 people with more than €5B AUM represented in the room. 6 June 2026.
Lähde Impact x Stripe GTM Night: 28 August 2026.
Different formats. Same principle:
Bring the right people together and make it easy for something useful to happen.
Scaling Opportunity takes that experience into a larger international forum.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Laurent Tran-Nguyen, Founder & CEO, AiBEN:
“Great to have important decision-makers in one space to transform innovations into real impact.”
Sami Miettinen, Head of AI, Finland, Translink Corporate Finance:
“These have been superb events and this looks even better! I really appreciate your drive and these concepts. 🚀”
Yang Liu, Founding Partner, Novae DXXII:
“Glad to see many enthusiastic real humans in relevant frontiers. Keep going!”
Peter Gréen, Founder, ThisCussion:
“This is great! Love the vibe and Nordic/Global approach you have! Will be there and cover the event for the Nordic Startup News 👌”
WHO IS IN THE ROOM?
FOUNDERS & CEOs
Nordic companies looking for their next international market - and international companies looking toward Finland and the Nordics.
INVESTORS
VCs, angels, family offices and other investors looking for companies, opportunities and international deal flow.
BUSINESS & MARKET LEADERS
People working across sales, partnerships, market entry, purchasing, international growth and business development.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS
Chambers of commerce, trade organisations, embassies, international organisations and ecosystem leaders with networks across key markets.
CORPORATE DECISION MAKERS
Companies looking for technologies, suppliers, partners, investment opportunities and new ideas.
ALREADY IN THE ROOM
Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce
Enterprise Europe Network, market intelligence and international connections.
Elinvoimakeskus / Team Finland
Advice and funding pathways for growth, export and internationalisation.
VIILEE SOLUTIONS
Supporting European companies entering and scaling in the US.
BSV Ventures & Gorilla Capital
Investor perspectives on growth, venture building and scaling.
Aalto University
Startup, innovation and international ecosystem connections.
And many more joining from Finland and abroad.
THE PROGRAMME
08:00
Doors open · Registration · Morning coffee
08:30
Scaling Opportunity begins
The day moves through focused conversations about international growth, capital and sectors where Nordic expertise can compete globally.
Topics include:
International market entry into the world's largest markets
Investment, capital and growth through M&A
The organisations and ecosystems that open markets
Energy transition
Critical minerals and the new industrial race
Deep tech and health
Gaming, creative industries and global brands
Trusted networks and partnerships for scale
Sessions are deliberately focused.
Less time watching. More time meeting.
The programme will continue to develop as international participants and speakers are confirmed.
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
The first speakers and panelists include business leaders, founders, investors and international market experts from Finland and abroad.
Programme & Panelists
Additional speakers and panelists will be announced.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Please note: All session times are approximate and subject to change.
08:00
Doors open · Registration · Morning coffee
08:35 – 08:45
Opening: Nordics, It’s Time to Go Global
• Mikko Leppilampi
08:45 – 09:00
Wake Up Nordics!
• Erik Åkesson: Founder, Erik Ventures
09:00 – 09:20
Welcome to the Nordics
• Peter Vesterbacka: Entrepreneur & Co-Initiator, Finest Bay Area Development
• Kustaa Valtonen: Founding Partner, Finest Bay Area Development
• Pia Pakarinen: CEO, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce
09:25 – 09:45
Cracking America: What Does It Take to Win in the U.S.?
• Jarmo Sareva: Former Consul General & Ambassador, Consulate General of Finland in New York; Current Ambassador for Creative Industries, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
• Michael Klyszeiko: Founder, Launchpad USA, AmCham Finland
• John Black: Project Business Manager, USA, Lunawood
09:50 – 10:15
From the Nordics to the World: Who Helps You Get There?
• Samuli Savo: Chief Ventures Officer, Reaktor
• Seppo Ihalainen: Founder, ecogrid.energy
• Kalle Saarikannas: Senior GTM Lead, AI Business Solutions, Microsoft
• Moderator: Rudi Frickenschmidt
10:15 – 10:35
Coffee & Networking
10:35 – 10:55
Why Britain? Winning in the UK Market
• Salla Hänninen: VP of Business Development, London & Partners
11:00 – 11:30
Asia: One Region, Four Very Different Markets
• Yang Liu: Founding Partner, Novae DXXII
• Mikael Malmivaara: Co-Founder, Northlink Partners
• Kimmo Siira: Board Member, Hydrogen Valley Finland | Former Counsellor, Trade and Investments, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, New Delhi
11:35 – 11:55
Born Global: What Can Every Company Learn from Nordic Gaming?
• Tatu Petersen-Jessen: CEO, Odd Latent
• JJ Häll: Former Chair, IGDA Finland; Operations Manager, Metaplay
• Moderator: Reidar Wasenius
11:55 – 12:55
Lunch & Networking
12:55 – 13:15
The Energy Transition: Where Is the Smart Money Going?
• Aaron Michelin: Founder, Corporatum
• Matti Kylämarkula: Chairman, Board Member & Executive Advisor, Picus Advisors
13:20 – 13:40
Europe Is Changing: Where Are the Opportunities Now?
• Taneli Tikka: Board Member, SpaceTime
• Maria Sipilä: European Commission, Jury Member, EIC STEP Investment Jury
• Kärt Siilats: Chairman, SmartCap & General Partner, Mojo.Capital
13:45 – 14:15
Going Global: Scaling Nordic Champions to the World
• Lauri Määttänen: Project Lead, Sisu Factory, Business Helsinki
• Harri Konola: Head of GTM, Strongest Group
• Moderator: Angeliki Papagiannopoulou
14:15 – 14:35
Coffee & Networking
14:35 – 15:00
The New Middle East: Where Capital Meets Opportunity
• Nabil Mohamed: Senior Trade Advisor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, MENA
• Anita Kalergis: Founder & CEO, Ipsum Consulting MEA
• Moderator: Ozan Sonmez
15:05 – 15:25
Buy, Build or Partner? The Fastest Route to Global Scale
• Minna Korpi: Director, Nasdaq Helsinki
• Hannaliisa Johnson: Primus Motor of Team Finland, Economic Development Centre of Uusimaa
• Fabien Fédy: CEO & Co-founder, VAELLA (KONE Venture)
15:30 – 15:50
The New Industrial Race: Minerals & Heavy Industry
• Ville Salomaa: Management Team Member, Head of Strategy and M&A, Sandvik Digitec
• Xiaona Holmberg: Project Manager, Global Logistics Excellence, Metso & President, International Women’s Club of Helsinki
• Alisa Mick: Founder, MiXi Center
• Moderator: Juho Järvelä, CEO, Magna Capital
15:55 – 16:15
Can a Nordic Brand Become a Global Brand?
• Janne Waltonen: Global Marketer, ex-Supercell & ex-WPP
• Aino Kauranen: Strategic Business Partner, Meta
• Moderator: Mikko Leppilampi
16:20 – 16:40
Can We Stop Disease Before It Starts?
• Emil Hewage: CEO & Founder, BIOS Health
• Hande Demir-Holopainen: Data Manager, Aiforia Technologies
• Moderator: Angeliki Papagiannopoulou
16:45 – 17:05
Beyond Technology: Can the Nordics Export Culture & Sports to the World?
• Kati Uusi-Rauva: Director, EIT Culture & Creativity North
• Valtteri Leitola: Founder, Intercontinental Sustainable Racing
• Anu Helin: CEO and Founder, Likel Growth
• Moderator: Mikko Leppilampi
17:05 – 17:15
Closing Words
• Speaker to be confirmed
17:00-19:00
After Hours Drinks at Inner Yard, Mikonkatu 5
Additional speakers will be announced as the programme develops.
FROM THE STAGE TO THE ROOM
The panels start the conversation.
The room is where it continues.
Meet a founder entering your market.
Find a company you could invest in.
Talk to someone who has already expanded into the country you're considering.
Meet a potential customer, partner or buyer.
Find the person who can make the introduction you need.
You don't need 100 new contacts. You need the right few.
ONE LOCATION. ONE DAY.
Scaling Opportunity takes place at Epicenter Helsinki, Mikonkatu 9, in the centre of Helsinki.
THE LOUNGE
The home of the main programme.
One stage and one shared programme keep speakers, partners and participants together throughout the day.
THE INNER YARD
Later in the day, we move into Epicenter's Inner Yard as the programme transitions into afterwork.
No transfers. No second venue.
The conversation simply continues.
AFTERWORK
Good conversations rarely end with the final panel.
Speakers, partners and participants are invited to stay for the official Scaling Opportunity Afterwork at Epicenter.
A more relaxed setting to continue conversations, make introductions and meet the people you missed during the day.
Afterwork details will be announced closer to the event.
TICKETS
GENERAL ADMISSION
€119 + VAT
Limited availability.
Full access to the Forum programme, networking and official afterwork.
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES
A limited number of passes are reserved for international business delegations, trade organisations and invited ecosystem partners.
Contact us if you are bringing a delegation to Helsinki.
MEDIA
A limited number of complimentary media accreditations are available.
Applications are subject to approval.
WHY COME?
Come if you are looking for your next market.
Come if you are looking for Nordic companies.
Come if you are raising or deploying capital.
Come if international sales or partnerships are your responsibility.
Come if you can open a market, make an introduction or create an opportunity for someone else.
And especially come if the person who could change what happens next isn't in your network yet.
200 PEOPLE. NOT 2000.
We are deliberately keeping the founding edition focused.
Maximum 200 participants.
Large enough to bring different markets, industries and opportunities together.
Small enough to actually meet.
Find the person you heard on stage.
Continue the conversation over coffee.
Make an introduction.
Leave with relationships you did not have when you arrived.
The quality of the room matters more than the size of the crowd.
EVENT DETAILS
Scaling Opportunity: Nordics & The World
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Epicenter Helsinki
Mikonkatu 9
00100 Helsinki
Doors open at 08:00.
Main programme begins at 08:30.
Afterwork follows the main programme.
The detailed programme, speakers and participant information will be updated continuously before the event.
PARTNERS
Scaling Opportunity is built with companies and organisations that want to help Nordic businesses grow internationally - and connect international opportunities with the Nordic market.
Interested in joining as a partner?
Official Event Partner:
Community Sponsor:
Colibri
Global Tech Innovation & Branding Strategy - Supporting Governments and Innovators scale globally
SEE YOU IN HELSINKI
One day.
One room.
Up to 200 people.
Founders. Investors. Buyers. Business leaders. Market experts. International networks.
All focused on one thing:
Where is the next opportunity - and who can help make it happen?
Scaling Opportunity: Nordics & The World
15 September 2026
Epicenter Helsinki
Find your next market. Meet the people who can open it.
Organised by Lähde Impact Oy and EP Center Finland Oy
Linkedin: -lahde/