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

2. 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

3. 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?

4. 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