Coworking space Vantaa Startup Runway launches after a successful opening event
Vantaa’s new coworking space Startup Runway had its grand opening on Thursday 8.8. The new coworking space is located at the heart of Aviapolis, right next to the Helsinki Airport. Vantaa has signed a partnership with Avia Real Estate to open a startup coworking space in Avia Pilot building’s 2nd floor.
Event participants networking at the grand opening of Vantaa's new coworking space Vantaa Startup Runway.
On Thursday last week, the second floor of Avia Pilot was buzzing with excitement and people attending the opening event of Vantaa’s new coworking space Startup Runway. The grand opening event was spent exploring the new facilities, networking and listening to the interesting opening speeches.
The event exceeded expectations with more people showing up to explore the new facilities than anticipated. Vantaa thanks everyone who participated in the opening of Vantaa Startup Runway!
Exciting opening speeches drew attention to development and internationality
The event was kicked off with multiple interesting speeches highlighting the possibilities that the new coworking space is creating and the value of the development. The name of the new coworking space, Vantaa Startup Runway, was revealed as well!
Olli-Pekka Mäkirintala, the Director of International Business Services brought attention to the history of the development of Vantaa’s startup ecosystem. He highlighted that just two years ago the development of startup ecosystem in Vantaa had been started from the ground up when Vantaa joined the capital region cooperation of attracting international startups. The new coworking space is a landmark for the development.
”Opening a new startup coworking space is a big step for Vantaa’s startup ecosystem”, Mäkirintala said.
The attendees also got to hear an exciting speech from the Director Economic Development of the City of Vantaa, Tommo Koivusalo, who called attention to the importance of the Aviapolis area and the significance the development of the area has for the future of both Vantaa and Finland. He highlighted the value of internationality and talked about the coming collaboration between Vantaa and international innovation operators.
Solja Sulkunen from the FAIR project spoke about the potential of AI technology and how through FAIR, everyone can access support services and expand and accelerate their deployment of AI. “The excellent location of the future startup hub enables enhanced international collaboration also in the field of AI”, Sulkunen noted.
Event participants listening to Olli-Pekka Mäkirintala, the Director of International Business Services, giving a speech.
First impressions of the new premises were overwhelmingly positive
We discussed with some event participants about their first reactions to the new coworking space and if they are potentially looking to locate their businesses in Vantaa Startup Runway:
Kevin Hou from NFBT Marketing that focuses on AI assisted marketing and Li Wei from LW Arkkitehdit that provides architectural design services, were at the opening event to check out the new coworking space. Hou and Wei were both interested in potentially locating their businesses in the new coworking space.
Wei described his first impressions of the new coworking space: “It is very cozy and relaxed, and also an efficient and motivating environment.”
Hou noted that the new coworking space reminded him of other coworking spaces where he had previously resided at. “The space feels warm, like home”, Hou commented.
Srikanth Yarlagadda came to check out the new coworking space with the intention of finding a workspace there. His company Finnapps has created a service platform Foozu that helps restaurants. Yarlagadada was positively impressed with the space.
Majid Abdul and Faisal Elmulla from Tessint Interactive that specialises in education technology, participated in the opening event with an interest in checking out the new space. Abdul said they are currently working from home but are potentially looking to rent a space for their business. “The first impression of the space is very good”, Abdul and Elmulla said.
Are you interested in a new workspace?
It is now possible to rent workspaces at our new facilities at Vantaa Startup Runway! The coworking space is ideal for growth companies. The flexible renting options range from single desks or larger working spaces at affordable prices. Our partnership package includes access to the workstation, office infra, events, networking and advisory support. Proximity to the airport offers a unique international environment for growth and innovation. Affordable pricing, superior location and access to services make it an excellent location to grow your business.
Our collaborative environment fosters connections, sparks innovation, and accelerates your path to success. We want you to prosper - Let’s build a thriving community together!
If you are interested in renting a workspace, contact:
Miikka Neuvonen miikka.neuvonen@vantaa.fi, or Hanna Temmes hanna.temmes@aviarealestate.fi
You can follow Invest in Vantaa on LinkedIn or you can connect with us on Slack!
- Text: Iida Ågren
- Photos: Milja Veini
