TEK took part in startup fever at Slush

Never before has it been such a good time to be a European entrepreneur. This was the leading idea for Niklas Zennström, one of the founders of Skype. He spoke at Slush immediately after the official opening and the speech of Prime Minister Juha Sipilä.

According to Zennström, establishing a startup company is quite inexpensive.

– In a startup, it is a good idea to involve, both as business partners and as investors, people who have the same understanding of the company’s vision and strategy as you do. Think big and aim high. There is no reason not to!

However, Zennström pointed out that even though it is relatively easy to establish a startup company, growing and scaling up is challenging. In his opinion, companies should have their aim outside Finland and in large markets. Particularly the Chinese and Japanese markets should be taken into account.

– When compared to, for example, the United States with its large home market, the small size gives Finland a competitive edge. In Finland, business operations must be targeted at the global market right from the start.

According to Zennström, companies still face challenges in finding a sufficient amount of new, talented — and also experienced — workforce. Nevertheless, he is delighted about the fact that nowadays it is an increasingly appropriate career choice to become a startup entrepreneur; interest for this career path has increased among university students, for example.

Approximately 8 % of TEK members are entrepreneurs

It is easy to find support for Zennström’s observation when looking at Slush, spreading over 28,000 square metres in Messukeskus, Expo and Convention Centre Helsinki. Becoming a startup entrepreneur appears to be a desirable career option.

This year’s Slush took place 11–12 November and the sold-out event attracted 15,000 visitors from 100 countries. This included 4,000 entrepreneurs from approximately 1,700 startup companies and 750 investors from 250 capital investment funds. In addition, there were 700 journalists present.

TEK took part in Slush, too.

– Entrepreneurship is an increasingly likely alternative for TEK members, too, says TEK representative Martti Kivioja.

Approximately eight per cent of TEK members have entrepreneurship as primary or secondary occupation. Furthermore, at least one in four members has considered entrepreneurship or at least showed interest in it.

– The share is growing. Among students, a clearly larger group is ready to start a company — or has at least thought about it, Kivioja comments.

Traditionally, trade unions are not considered to be advocating the best interests of entrepreneurs. The majority of their members are in the employee position, but the significance of entrepreneurship is increasing. 

– We should get rid of unnecessary juxtaposition and build the future together. The promotion of entrepreneurship benefits the entire society, Kivioja says.

TEK offers diverse services for its entrepreneur members. One of these is the TEK Entrepreneurs’ Club, the connection hub for members who are entrepreneurs or interested in entrepreneurship. The chairman of the Club, entrepreneur Mika Uusi-Pietilä considers Slush important for TEK, too.

– One of the reasons why TEK took part in Slush was to learn what and which kind of things future TEK members expect of their union and its lobbying activities, he says.

• Learn more about TEK’s services for entrepreneurs 
• TEK Entrepreneurs’ Club