Funding options for growth companies are becoming increasingly diverse. The City of Turku is now involved in several funds that support businesses from the early stages of development all the way to international growth. Alongside cities, pension insurance companies, banking groups and other institutional investors are actively seeking new growth companies as investment opportunities.
Companies’ financing needs vary at different stages of growth. This is why a diverse range of financiers is needed to support businesses from initial ideas to international expansion. Growth companies now have access to more funding options than ever before, while investors are increasingly looking for businesses with a credible growth plan, a capable team and international potential.
At the same time, public sector actors have taken a more active role in broadening the range of financing options available. Cities, among others, are exploring new ways to strengthen growth opportunities for businesses in their regions. In recent years, the City of Turku has increased its involvement in investment companies and venture capital funds that support companies at different stages of growth.
Monttu Ventures invests in early-stage startups, Redstone Blue focuses on growth companies in the blue economy and maritime innovation sectors, and SP Growth Credit provides debt financing for growth companies in situations where traditional bank financing alone is not sufficient.
– From the city’s perspective, the goal of these fund investments is to ensure that companies and innovations emerging in the Turku region have better opportunities to grow and internationalise. That is why we have chosen to invest in funds, says Vesa Palander, Director of Vitality at the City of Turku.
From traditional funds to supporting ambitious growth
Pension insurance companies and other large institutional investors have traditionally participated in the startup and growth company ecosystem mainly through investment funds. However, new financing models are now emerging in the market. One example is the €300 million growth financing programme launched by OP Pohjola and Ilmarinen, which aims to accelerate investments and growth among Finnish growth companies.
– Finland’s economy needs growth, and growth is created by companies. Through growth financing, we want to help build solutions that enable growth-oriented Finnish companies to access funding more smoothly and at the right time. With growth financing, companies now have the means to grow, said Timo Ritakallio, President and Group CEO of OP Pohjola, in a statement issued on 4 June 2026.
According to Arto Branders, Key Account Manager for Funding Services at Business Turku, the growing activity of institutional investors reflects a significant shift in attitudes.
– We are now seeing more direct investments into companies than before, even though this approach involves greater risk. The more diverse the financing ecosystem is, the better the opportunities growth companies have to succeed, Branders says.
Diverse financing strengthens regional attractiveness
Meeting the needs of growing companies requires a broad range of financing options as well as cooperation between businesses, research organisations and financiers.
– A diverse financing ecosystem is also important for companies considering establishing operations in the Turku region or expanding their activities here. Growing companies bring investments, expertise and new jobs that benefit the vitality of the entire region, Palander notes.
Accelerating growth requires contributions from the entire ecosystem, from startups to large corporations, from research organisations to financiers and public sector actors. When expertise, funding and collaboration come together, they create new innovations, investments and sustainable growth for the Turku region.
What opportunities do funds currently offer growth companies?
Come and learn more and join the discussion at Business Turku’s Funding Info: Growth Through Bank Financing or Investor Funding on 5 October 2026!
Representatives from Monttu Ventures, Redstone Blue and SP Growth Credit, all funds supported by the City of Turku, will be taking the stage. The programme will also feature Sami Peura from OP Pohjola, who will discuss large-scale growth financing solutions available to Finnish companies.
