Application Overview – Europe Startup Venture

Application Overview!

An opportunity to build your Startup in Europe.

We help foreign founders relocate to Europe. We provide you with access to funding, investors and transformative business opportunities.

Europe Startup Venture is a life-changing 8-week accelerator program designed for early-stage startups outside of Europe, looking to break into the European market. Based in Helsinki, Finland, we provide founders with a fast track to success by offering residence permit application guidance, relocation support, company incorporation, and access to a fully equipped workspace in Finland. During the program, We help foreign founders relocate to Europe, provide them with access to funding, investors and transformative business opportunities.

With top-tier mentorship, cultural integration workshops, and life-long alumni support, Europe Startup Venture ensures you’re not only building a company in Europe but thriving in the heart of its startup ecosystem. If you’ve got a product with traction, this is your opportunity to scale big and break into Europe!

Program Details & Timeline

Program Duration:

8 weeks starting January 2025 in Helsinki, Finland

Cohort Timeline:

✅ September 2024: Applications open
✅ October 2024: Selection & Eligibility
✅ November-December 2024: Residence Permit Process
✅ January-March 2025: Physical program in Helsinki, Finland

Program Cost:

2000 Euro + VAT (with installment options) + 1% equity.

What we Offer Founders:

Residence Permit & Relocation to Finland: Your Passport to Opportunity!

Navigating the bureaucratic maze of visa applications can feel like preparing for a marathon with no map in sight—good thing we’ve got you covered! 🎉

We’ll walk you through the entire residence permit application process, from filling out forms to crossing your fingers (just kidding, no luck needed with us on your side!). Through workshops, materials, and hands-on support, we make sure your application is spot-on and ready for approval. Once that golden ticket is in your hand, it’s time to pack those bags!

And don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging at the airport. We’ll greet you in Helsinki with a smile and a ride, because no one deserves to figure out European public transport after a long-haul flight. ✈️ You’ll have all the info you need—whether it’s finding your new home, navigating Finland’s charming quirks, or simply discovering how to order coffee without offending anyone (yes, it’s a thing here).

By the time you’re settled, Finland will feel like home. Well, except for the part where your home might be in a sauna—just kidding, but seriously, get ready for the sauna culture!

Fully Covered Accommodation & Co-working Space During the Program: All Essentials Included!

For the first two months of your adventure in Finland, we’ve got you covered—literally. 🛏️ You’ll enjoy a fully furnished apartment with all the essentials: electricity, water, high-speed internet, and even a kitchen where you can try (and probably fail) to recreate Finnish cuisine. Plus, our cozy apartments are set up with everything you need to live comfortably while you focus on your startup journey.

During the program, you’ll also have unlimited access to a co-working space designed for productivity and collaboration. Need high-speed internet for those investor calls? Check. Comfortable workspaces? Check. Free coffee to fuel your hustle? Absolutely. And here’s the best part: while the free accommodation is for two months, your access to this awesome co-working space doesn’t expire—it stays free even after the program ends!

Now, after the program wraps up and it’s time to make way for the next batch of ambitious founders, you’ll need to move out of the fully covered accommodation. But don’t panic—we’re not sending you into the Finnish wilderness! 🏔️ We’ll help you find budget-friendly apartments either to share with your fellow founders (trust us, it’s more fun that way) or live solo, if you’re craving some quiet time. We’ll guide you through the process, so no need to worry about crazy rent or finding a place that’s way out of your budget.

Company Incorporation, European Banking & Cultural Integration: Building Your Future in Finland

Starting a business in a new country can be tricky, but don’t worry—we’ve made it our mission to simplify it for you. 🌍 First up, we’ll guide you through company incorporation in Finland, step by step. From legal forms to navigating the Finnish Trade and Patent Registry, we’ve got you covered with all the necessary information, materials, and support. Just a heads-up: there’s a small ≈ €300 fee for registering your company with the Finnish authorities (but this one’s on you, not us).

Next, we’ll help you set up your European bank accounts—both personal and corporate. It’s essential for handling payments, investments, and of course, that sweet, sweet funding! 💶 With our guidance, you’ll breeze through the process and avoid the usual paperwork headaches.

But building a business isn’t just about banking and bureaucracy—it’s also about understanding the culture. That’s why we’ll host cultural seminars, workshops, and meetups to make sure you’re not just launching a startup in Europe, but also thriving as part of the community. Whether it’s learning Finnish customs, making new friends, or figuring out the local way to have a proper coffee break (trust us, it’s a thing), we’ll help you blend in like a local—without losing what makes you, you.

By the end of it, you won’t just have a company in Finland; you’ll feel like part of the Finnish startup ecosystem!

Government Grants, VC Intros, & Up to €1M in Funding: Fueling Your Startup's Growth

We’re not just here to help you start your business—we want to see it thrive! That’s why we’re making it our mission to get you access to some serious funding. 💰 First up, government grants: There’s up to €1 million in public funding available to eligible startups in Finland, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process to make sure you tap into as much of that as possible. Whether it’s identifying the grants you qualify for, filling out applications, or navigating the fine print, we’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.

But that’s just the start. We’ll also open the doors to private funding opportunities by introducing you to a network of Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists who are actively looking for high-potential startups like yours. 💡 Whether you’re seeking early-stage seed funding or something more substantial, these introductions could be the game-changer that propels your startup to new heights.

With our support, you’ll have access to both public and private funds, giving you the financial boost you need to turn your vision into reality. The goal? To ensure that when it comes to raising capital, you’ll have all the tools—and connections—you need to succeed!

8 Weeks of Intensive Mentorship & Training: Learn from the Best, Become the Best

Get ready for an intense, rewarding 8-week journey that will prepare you to not just survive, but thrive in Finland’s startup ecosystem. We’ve lined up a powerhouse group of top-tier mentors, including successful founders, investors, and business experts who’ve been exactly where you are—and come out on top.

During the program, you’ll dive deep into every aspect of building and scaling a startup:

Fundraising (because every startup needs fuel 💸)
Growth strategies (no more guessing how to scale)
Product-market fit (find your niche, own it)
Finances and accounting (it’s not glamorous, but it’s crucial!)
Pitching to investors (how to sell your vision like a pro)

And because you’ll be building your startup in Finland, we’ll make sure to equip you with all the insider tips you need to navigate the local landscape. From mastering the art of business in Finland to understanding what investors here really want, this program will give you everything you need to be fully prepared.

Yes, it’s going to be intense—but in the best way possible. By the end of these 8 weeks, you’ll be armed with the knowledge, network, and confidence to take on Europe. You’ll walk away ready to conquer! 💪

Life-Long Alumni Network: Support That Lasts Beyond the Program

The 8-week accelerator may come to an end, but our support doesn’t! 🎉 When you join Europe Startup Venture, you’re not just signing up for a program—you’re becoming part of an exclusive, life-long alumni network. This means that long after the workshops and pitch sessions are over, we’ll continue to have your back.

As an alumni, you’ll get access to:

Exclusive opportunities and updates on grants, partnerships, and funding
Invitations to meetups, events, and networking sessions to keep you connected with fellow founders and investors
Ongoing support and guidance as you continue to build and scale your startup

Think of it as having a family that’s always there to help you navigate the next big challenge or seize the next big opportunity. You’ll be part of a community that truly wants you to succeed—whether it’s next month, next year, or 10 years from now. We’re here for the long haul because when you succeed, we all do! 🚀

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the program?

Early stage startup with a minimum of 2 co-founders, a product and traction (ideally revenue, or other forms of validation).

What does the program cover?

✅ Residence Permit and relocation support to Finland ✈️
✅ Fully covered accommodation and coworking space with all the essentials (during the program) 🏡
✅ Company incorporation, European banking setup, and cultural integration 🏦
✅ Government grants, intros to Investors, and up to €1M funding opportunities 💰
✅ 8 weeks of intensive mentorship from top-tier mentors, Investors and Founders 📚
✅ A life-long alumni network to support your growth journey 🧑🏽‍🎓

😱As a bonus value, all selected founders will receive FREE tickets to the Startup Grind Global Conference happening in Silicon Valley from 29th to 30th April 2025

What happens after the program ends?

As an alumni, you’ll get access to:

Exclusive opportunities and updates on grants, partnerships, and funding
Invitations to meetups, events, and networking sessions to keep you connected with fellow founders and investors
Ongoing support and guidance as you continue to build and scale your startup

What is the overall cost breakdown?

✅ Application Fee: 2000 EURO + VAT and a 1% equity stake in your startup
✅ Cost of Company Incorporation: ≈ 300 EURO
✅ General Cost of Living (More info here)

What are some of the other benefits of joining the Program?

✅ You’ll receive a finnish residence permit which gives you passage and access to all Schengen countries. This will allow you to travel freely to most of the countries in Europe with no extra visa required for either leisure or work purposes.

✅ With your Residence Permit type, you can study in Finland for FREE. So if you are interested in doing your masters or PHD, you will not be required to pay tuition fees.

✅ ⁠If you are interested in exploring other markets like USA, UK, Canada etc, you have a better chance of securing visa to these destinations from Finland.

✅ ⁠We will provide you with a list of verified service providers like accountants, lawyers, marketing agencies, software development agencies, Insurance companies etc. This will enable you to carry out business in finland and europe with no worries about compliances and legalities.

✅ ⁠We provide you with FREE tickets to the best Startup conferences in the world like Startup Grind Global conference that happens in Silicon Valley