From Bankruptcy to Building the Finnish Startup Ecosystem with Taneli Tikka, Serial Entrepreneur & Investor
In keeping with the theme of my material from Helsinki, Finland just as one of the biggest events in Finland happens: Slush, today’s episode is with my friend, Taneli Tikka, truly one of the OGs of the Finnish startup ecosystem, who also actually started the Foundation that owns Slush!
Key Takeaways
1/ Not everyone is a helpless case, even when the circumstances are against them.
As a half-Finnish individual raised by a single parent in Eastern Finland, Taneli challenges the socialist mindset with the fire instilled in him by his mother. He held on to a curious optimism about technology since youth and continue to thrive, despite the underprivileged conditions he grew up in.
2/ “I might financially ruin my life, but at least I won't die. Still better off doing it that way; I need to stick to my principles.”
Scene set: a twenty-something, first-time CEO versus big-name VC in a lawsuit. Taneli gritted his teeth and made the tough decision to declare bankruptcy.
3/ The champagne life versus real connection.
While FOMO effects and the need for validation are at the core of many successful social media platforms today, building a community without mechanisms that scrutinize users or provoke likes-hunting is rather the true purpose of having social media.
4/ Positive changes in business come from within.
A balanced life is the key to rising from failure; facing the strong-arm opposing force in the political world, health and well-being may be the most crucial things to keep you on your feet.
5/ Shifting culture towards community spirit and inclusivity.
The unspoken rules in the Finnish market advocate cooperation and encouragement, even if that means allowing the emergence of a competing force. The market culture creates more opportunities for the ambitious and the capable.
6/ “It's not going to be the environmental factors and the market factors that kill you. It's going to be you yourself.”
Regardless of the market situation, as a founder or entrepreneur, you always have to be able to adapt and overcome hardships. Taneli believes that it’s not the market that decides your downfall; it’s what you do and believe in.
About Slush, Helsinki
"The most founder-focus event on earth" - Slush is a startup and tech event held annually in Helsinki, Finland. Slush facilitates meetings between the founders of startups and investors such as venture capitalists, accomplished with events such as matchmaking and pitching competitions. Slush aims to build a worldwide startup community.
𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 is THE show for the audacious next-gen leaders.
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Tune in to learn from world's foremost funders and founders, and their unicorn journey in the dynamic world of venture and business.
From underestimated to iconic, YOU too, can make #billiondollarmoves — in venture, in business, in life.
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Taneli Tikka
Serial Entrepreneur
Taneli founded his first startup Taika Technologies at the tender age of 21. Before going bankrupt, Taika akin to Silicon Valley startup General Magic, had patented technology that helped companies like Nokia and Linux in their core development.
A serial entrepreneur and investor, Taneli has had more than 10 exits with several highlights in his career from schooling Mark Zuckerberg about social media when he was CEO of IRC-Galleria, then Finland’s largest youth social media platform; to serving as CEO of a State Development Company, which today is known as the Finnish Climate Fund with something like~3.5B Euros in assets.