Helsinki-based startup hub Maria 01 announced on LinkedIn that total funding raised by its member companies has now exceeded €1 billion.
This includes funding raised by alumni companies and those who secured funding before joining Maria 01.
In 2024, some of the largest funding rounds among Maria 01 member companies included DataCrunch, a Helsinki-based provider of AI computing infrastructure, which raised €13 million in seed funding, Flow Computing that raised a €4 million seed round and Taito.ai, which secured €2.7 million in seed funding.
“The €1 billion milestone is a significant achievement and a testament to our success in building a strong, influential, and attractive ecosystem that has firmly established its place among Europe’s leading startup hubs,” said Maria 01 CEO Sarita Runeberg.
“In the coming years, our goal is to grow into an even larger and more international community that brings together the top startups and investors.”
Maria 01 said its current and alumni members account for 40% of all early-stage VC investments raised by Finnish startups each year.
With approximately 2,600 startups in Finland, according to the Finnish Startup Community, Maria 01 is home to around 185 startup members — representing about 7% of Finnish startups.
“Maria 01 members statistically have a stronger edge in securing investments,” said the hub. “Whether it’s the collaborative environment, access to resources, or the inspiring network, Maria 01 continues to foster a community where startups thrive.
“Additionally, Maria 01 is receiving a record number of new membership applications this year, signalling that new, growth-driven startups continue to emerge in Finland despite challenging market conditions.”
Runeberg added: “The startup scene is currently under pressure, with corporate budget cuts significantly impacting sales for many startups.
“However, there is a clear positive trend, with new, high-quality, growth-driven companies being founded. Many of the founders are second-time entrepreneurs or experienced professionals.
“This trend is typical during economic downturns. However, the need for innovation remains strong, and there is particularly high demand for solutions related to the green transition and defence technology,.”