Finland eyes Qatari investment to fuel €250bn tech ecosystem

Finland's state-owned venture capital and private equity investor, Tesi, has unveiled a strategy aimed at connecting Qatari institutional capital with its thriving technology and industrial sectors. During a recent trade delegation in Doha, Samuel Wendelin, Tesi's director, outlined a multi-pronged co-investment approach designed to attract long-term capital from Qatar.

Currently managing €4bn across nearly 140 funds and indirectly in 1,500 companies, Tesi emphasizes its role as a minority investor, partnering with private entities on a return-driven basis. Wendelin highlighted three primary avenues for Qatari investment, including direct co-investments in growth-stage startups, participation via venture funds, and large-scale industrial projects.

He stressed that Tesi's long-term ownership perspective aligns well with that of Qatari capital. Finland, ranked as the seventh most innovative economy globally, boasts a burgeoning startup scene with 18 unicorns, primarily fueled by international investment. By 2035, Finnish startups aim to achieve a combined valuation of €250bn, covering sectors like quantum computing, health tech, space, clean energy, and defense.

Wendelin underscores that Tesi's role as the Finnish state investment partner perfectly complements Qatar's vision for diversified global investments.