Time 2 Scale helps Finnish and Baltic companies grow
“Thanks to the programme, these companies have, for example, been able to hire more staff, acquire new customers, secure additional funding, and establish themselves in international markets such as Sweden and Germany,” says Project Coordinator Alexandra Malmström.
The project, a collaboration between Hanken School of Economics, Estonian Business School and Riga Technical University, aims to support more than 70 technology companies over three separate periods. Among the companies that have participated so far are businesses operating in fields ranging from tourism to construction. The first cohort will complete the programme in May.
“Our goal is that at least 30 companies will manage to scale up within a year after completing the programme,” Malmström says.
Tailored support
The companies are offered tailored support at both individual and company level, expert mentoring, pilot projects and market validation in new regions, continuous feedback, and workshops. They also have access to startup events such as Slush in Helsinki, TechChill in Riga and Latitude59 in Tallinn.
“In addition to receiving support from us, the companies support one another, for example by sharing what has gone well and what has not. We would also very much like to see more Hanken alumni get involved in the project as advisers,” says Malmström.
Furthermore, the project has developed a new pitching concept that has been well received by participants.
“The startups have the opportunity to meet investors and advisers in a relaxed and natural setting. We focus on enabling conversations and interaction. A pitch often involves standing on a stage, but we have chosen to create a new supporting concept. Not everyone working in startups is equally comfortable speaking on stage, so this format is fairer.”
New application round opens in May
The next application period opens at the beginning of May, and the programme starts in mid‑September. Malmström emphasises that companies need to be at the right stage for the programme to generate real value.
“The product must already be on the market, and there must be at least two full‑time employees as well as measurable key performance indicators to follow. The companies must have the capacity to continue growing after the project period. As Finland is a small market, both ambition and readiness to expand internationally are essential.”
Text: Jessica Gustafsson
Photos: Fredrik Nordström/Auno Media and Jessica Gustafsson
Time 2 Scale is a collaboration between Hanken School of Economics, Estonian Business School and Riga Technical University. The project is funded by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme. The total budget is EUR 1,688,000, of which Hanken’s share is EUR 738,000. Read more about the project and how to apply:
Time 2 Scale
LinkedIn – Time 2 Scale
Finnish companies participating in the first round:
Reveel, Aecmaster, Apila, NoCfo, Scale Company, Quulio, Pictue