Startup Summit Kuopio

For Investors

A practical afternoon for investors and partners who want to meet early-stage founders, see what is being built in Eastern Finland and understand the regional startup pipeline without unnecessary noise.

18 August 2026 Kuopio, Finland Startup pitches Investor lunch Matchmaking

Investor view

See the regional pipeline without the noise.

Startup Summit Kuopio is built for investors who want a direct view into early-stage teams, research-based business ideas and the people developing new companies in Eastern Finland.

The focus is on useful conversations: startup pitches, founder meetings, investor access, guided networking and a realistic view of where the teams are today.

This event is for

Relevant for investors, operators and partners looking for early-stage companies, research-based opportunities and regional ecosystem insight.

1

Angel investors

For investors looking for founder conversations, early-stage opportunities and visibility into the regional startup pipeline.

2

Early-stage investors

For funds and investment actors interested in startup teams from Eastern Finland and nearby ecosystems.

3

Corporate partners

For companies looking for innovation, pilot cases, emerging technologies or collaboration opportunities.

4

Operators and advisors

For experienced operators interested in advisory, board or mentoring roles with early-stage companies.

Join if you want

Better deal flow visibility

  • An overview of selected early-stage startups from Eastern Finland.
  • A closer look at research-based and technology-driven companies.
  • A realistic view of where teams are today and where they may go next.
  • Early signal before companies are visible in larger startup events.

Focused conversations

  • Direct access to founding teams in a focused setting.
  • Clearer discussion instead of over-polished startup theatre.
  • Opportunities to connect during pitch sessions, matchmaking and networking.
  • A better understanding of how the regional startup ecosystem is developing.

What you get

The programme gives investors a direct view of selected startups, founder thinking and regional ecosystem development.

Startup pitches

A curated set of startup pitches with a short and structured format. The goal is to make it easier to understand the team, the opportunity and the current stage of the company.

The pitch competition creates a practical reason to meet founders and continue relevant conversations after the event.

Investor access

  • Direct access to founding teams.
  • Time for questions, feedback and follow-up conversations.
  • Guided matchmaking and informal networking.
  • Coffee, tea, snacks and beverages during the event.

A focused afternoon

The day is structured to make participation easy: arrive, meet relevant people, watch selected startup pitches and continue conversations during networking.

11:00

Investor lunch

Invite-only lunch for selected investors, partners and ecosystem representatives before the main programme.

12:00

Doors open

Registration, coffee and informal arrivals at Savonia UAS Kampussydän.

14:00

Startup pitch competition

Selected startups pitch on stage in front of investors, partners, jury members and the startup community.

15:00

Coffee and guided networking

Facilitated networking and matchmaking with founders, investors, partners and other participants.

Attend as an investor or partner

Join the pitch sessions, take part in matchmaking and connect with relevant teams during the event or afterwards.

Best fit for investors

  • Attend the full programme or join the pitch and networking parts.
  • Meet selected startups and ask direct questions.
  • Use the event to identify teams worth following up with.
  • Build relationships with regional ecosystem actors.

Best fit for partners

  • Discover startups relevant to your organisation or industry.
  • Connect with founders, researchers and business developers.
  • Explore pilots, partnerships, advisory roles or customer relationships.
  • Understand what kind of startup activity is emerging in the region.

Want to attend as an investor?

Get your ticket to Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 or contact the organisers if you want to discuss investor participation, matchmaking or the invite-only investor lunch.

Partners

Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 is built together with partners who support innovation, entrepreneurship and growth.