Loading organizations...
Key people at Maria 01.
Maria 01 operates as a prominent European startup ecosystem, providing a dynamic campus for early-stage technology companies. It fosters innovation and collaboration by offering a physical space and supportive community, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and venture capitalists. This integrated hub is designed to accelerate the growth and development of ambitious tech ventures efficiently.
Founded in 2016 by the creators of the Slush event, Maria 01 emerged from the vision to transform an old Helsinki hospital campus, Marian Sairaala, into a vibrant startup center. Founding CEO Voitto Kangas personally curated the initial resident startups, establishing a highly selective and community-driven foundation for the ecosystem.
Maria 01 serves early-stage tech startups, alongside venture capital firms and various ecosystem partners. The campus aims to solidify its position as the Nordics' leading startup hub, aspiring to be a premier European destination for innovation. Its long-term vision centers on providing essential resources and fostering an environment where pioneering companies can achieve significant growth.
Key people at Maria 01.
Maria 01 is a leading European startup ecosystem and community hub based in Helsinki, Finland, that supports and accelerates the growth of early-stage startups by providing them with resources, connections, and a collaborative environment. It serves nearly 250 active startups annually, alongside investors, VCs, and large enterprises, helping startups scale globally and secure funding. Maria 01’s mission is to empower Europe’s most innovative startups to drive global change, with a strong focus on founder-first support, impact-driven innovation, and international ambitions. The community has collectively raised over €1 billion in funding since its founding in 2016, securing about 40% of all early-stage VC investments in Finnish startups, demonstrating significant growth momentum and influence in the Nordic and European startup ecosystems[1][2][4][6].
Maria 01 was founded in 2016 and is housed in the former Maria Hospital campus in Helsinki. It is owned by the Startup Foundation, the Helsinki Enterprise Agency, and the City of Helsinki. The idea emerged to create a vibrant, collaborative startup campus that combines a selective tech club, community house, and a tribe of innovators under one roof. Over the years, it has evolved into one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic startup communities, attracting world-class founders, investors, and partners. The leadership under CEO Sarita Runeberg has emphasized building a supportive environment that fosters resilience, adaptability, and sustainable development, positioning Maria 01 as a key platform for startups to thrive despite economic challenges[1][2][3][5].
Maria 01 rides the global trend of startup ecosystems becoming critical engines of innovation and economic growth, especially in deep tech, AI, health tech, and life sciences. The timing is favorable as Finland produces fewer but higher-quality startups with faster employment growth and more highly educated teams. Despite a challenging fundraising environment, Maria 01’s ecosystem benefits from strong international interest and investor attention, positioning it as a gateway for startups to access European and global markets. Its emphasis on community, impact, and founder wellbeing aligns with broader shifts toward sustainable and responsible innovation, enhancing its influence beyond Finland to the Nordic region and Europe[1][2][5][6].
Looking ahead, Maria 01 aims to double down on creating the best environment for founders, expanding its international community, and increasing its role as a launchpad for startups targeting global markets. Trends such as AI, health tech, and sustainability will shape its journey, with the hub expected to surpass new funding milestones and attract more international delegations and investors. Its influence is likely to grow as it continues to nurture startups that drive positive societal and economic change, reinforcing its position as a leading European startup ecosystem and a model for founder-first, impact-driven innovation[1][2][5][6].
