Bird & Bird Attorneys Ltd. Mikael Nuotto Bird & Bird Attorneys Ltd. Innovation and Startups – a Nordic view

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM IN FINLAND Nordic countries - the land of the unicorns The Finnish startup scene In practice focused around academic institutions, universities (15), and universities of applied sciences (26) Many student-led startup institutions, incubators and societies: AaltoES, Startup Sauna, Slush, Arctic Startup etc. Other institutions Tekes, VTT, Academy of Finland, SITRA VC funds, and angel investors

Intellectual property – as startup's view Limited resources – what should one concentrate on? Map out IP Strategy – focus on what is important for the company's business Analyze potential risks and responses Ensure integrity of the company's IP portfolio Ensure that the company is something investors can invest in Focus on the business Execution and timing is extremely important Advisor's view – how run a business advising startups?

How to support startup communities as an institution? Finland has experienced a genuine grassroots movement - initiators and builders of the Finnish startup scene were often students wishing to become entrepreneurs However, startup societies were quickly provided with support and resources from established institutions, such as universities Question of cultural change and ambition that can be supported by providing resources – cannot be built by simply throwing resources at students Encourage a spirit of entrepreneurship first, tolerate failure, and provide help and resources when needed Provide support when needed – and help think global