Startups
Helsinki University Funds
Helsinki University Funds is the University of Helsinki’s separate asset-holding and investment entity, legally Helsingin Yliopiston Rahastot. Within the university group it holds companies, properties and financial investments and supports research and education. Its venture activity backs spinouts and startups connected to university research, intellectual property and students, alongside a broader endowment invested primarily in diversified listed securities. It offers early pre-seed support and follow-on financing with other investors, and helps founding teams with governance, legal agreements and fundraising. Its governance is shared with the university: the university board also serves as the Funds board, supported by investment and commercialisation committees.
Team
Aku HouttuBoard Member |
Anders EkholmChief Investment Officer, University of Helsinki Group |
Anders StenbäckProperties Committee Member |
Anna HyrskeInvestment Committee Member |
Anne LepistöBoard Member · Audit Committee Member |
Antti VasaraBoard Chair · Incentive Committee Chair |
Ari KaaroInvestment Committee Chair |
Björn TeirProperties Committee Member |
Esa HämäläinenDirector of Administration, University of Helsinki Group |
Hanna KorsbergBoard Member · Audit Committee Member |
Heli PennanenProperties Committee Member |
Johanna BjörkrothProperties Committee Member |
Jouni HirvonenCommercialisation Advisory Board Chair |
Juha TuominenBoard Member · Audit Committee Member · Incentive Committee Member |
Jyri SuonpääInvestment Committee Member |
Kimmo SundqvistDeputy Chief Investment Officer, University of Helsinki Group |
Mari LehtonenAssistant to the Chief Financial Officer |
Mari PantsarDeputy Board Chair · Audit Committee Chair · Incentive Committee Member |
Marjo BerglundChief Financial Officer, University of Helsinki Group |
Marko BergDeputy Chief Investment Officer, University of Helsinki Group |
Meri HellerantaCommercialisation Advisory Board Member |
Mika VaihekoskiInvestment Committee Member |
Mikko NiemiInvestment Committee Member |
Milla KoistinahoCommercialisation Advisory Board Member |
Minna FrimodigBoard Secretary |
Minna PalmrothBoard Member |
Pasi SuutariProperties Committee Chair |
Pekka HildénCommercialisation Advisory Board Member |
 Pontus StråhlmanCommercialisation Advisory Board Member |
Reima LinnanvirtaCommercialisation Advisory Board Member |
Sanni LehtinenBoard Member · Incentive Committee Member |
Sari LindblomRector, University of Helsinki Group |
Teemu KovanenBoard Member · Audit Committee Member |
Thomas HackmanBoard Member |
Investments
| €800K2025-02-24 |  Solid IO | Nordic Science Investments, BSV Ventures, Helsinki University Funds |