F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Tampere, Finland #326

City Scores

City Total Score

0.79

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.08

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.09

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.62

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

66

Startup Ecosystem in Tampere 🌟

TL;DR

Tampere is currently ranked as the 326th city in the Global F/MS β€œBest Cities for Startups” Index. Known for its strong industrial heritage and innovative spirit, Tampere is emerging as a vibrant hub for startups, especially in technology and creative sectors.


Startup-Friendly Stuff πŸ“ˆ

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: The registration process is streamlined with options available for online submission.
  • Startup Incentives: Local initiatives promote tech startups and include helpful resources for newcomers.

2. Employment Law 🏒

  • Labor Regulations: Transparent laws that protect employee rights, though they can be complex for new businesses.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Opportunities available, and processes are generally straightforward, but work permits are mandatory.

3. Taxation πŸ’°

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Corporate tax is set at 20%, with various deductions available for startups.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT rates, especially with exemptions for startups in certain industries.

4. Quality of Life πŸŒ†

  • Living Standards: High quality of life with affordable housing and a strong community atmosphere.
  • Culture and Leisure: A rich cultural scene, ample green spaces, and recreational activities for a balanced lifestyle.

5. Bureaucracy πŸ—‚οΈ

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally user-friendly, though some sectors may involve intricate regulations.
  • Government Support: Activating numerous resources and programs to assist startups in their growth journeys.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Finland offers streamlined visa options for entrepreneurs and tech talent.
  • Residency Options: Several pathways for long-term residency for qualifying business founders.

Startup Community 🀝

7. Networking Events

  • Regularly organized pitch events, tech meetups, and entrepreneurial workshops.
  • Annual startup festivals draw national and international attention and investment.

8. Subsidies and Funding πŸ’΅

  • Favourable conditions for tech startups with various grants and governmental funding opportunities.
  • Local incubators provide financing and infrastructure support.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: A growing VC landscape focusing on technology sectors.
  • Major Firms: Presence of both local and international investors looking for emerging opportunities.

10. Incubators & Accelerators πŸš€

  • A variety of incubators catering to startups in fields like ICT, health tech, and tourism.
  • Programs that offer mentorship, resources, and access to potential funding.

Technology & Industry Priorities πŸ”§

  • Focus Areas: Information Technology, Clean Tech, Robotics, and Health Innovations.
  • Government Initiatives: Strong focus on promoting technological innovation and sustainability practices.

Business Culture πŸ™οΈ

  • Language: Finnish and Swedish are primary languages, but English is widely used in business settings.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and innovative, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

General Pros and Cons βš–οΈ

Pros:

  • Supportive startup ecosystem with strong educational institutions.
  • Rich in technological innovation with government backing.
  • Warm community vibe with a growing expat network.

Cons:

  • Limited access to extensive venture capital compared to larger cities.
  • Weather conditions can be challenging, especially in winter months.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

  • Active support through networking groups and funding aimed explicitly at women-led startups.
  • Increasing visibility and encouragement for female entrepreneurs in the tech space.

Tampere represents an enticing option for entrepreneurs seeking a supportive and innovative environment in which to grow their businesses. πŸš€

MeanCEO Index for Tampere 🌟

Tampere is steadily establishing itself as a startup ecosystem with a strong focus on technology and creativity. So, how does it score for female entrepreneurs in the MeanCEO Index? Let’s evaluate the ten critical factors that define the comfort and supportiveness of cities for women in business.


1. Weather β˜€οΈ

  • Score: 4/10
    • While Tampere experiences distinct seasons, its long, cold winters can be a downside. However, it does enjoy some sunny days in summer, which adds to the score slightly.

2. Location 🏞️

  • Score: 5/10
    • Tampere is centrally located in Finland, surrounded by lakes, but is not directly on the coast. While it offers great natural beauty, direct beach access is limited.

3. Women Friendly πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

  • Score: 8/10
    • Finland has made significant strides in gender equality. Tampere fosters a supportive atmosphere for women, promoting initiatives geared toward female entrepreneurs.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 7/10
    • The local community is generally welcoming to foreigners, especially women. There are growing networks for expatriates, enhancing the sense of belonging.

5. English as a Business Language πŸ“š

  • Score: 9/10
    • English is widely spoken in business settings, making it relatively easy for international entrepreneurs to communicate and thrive.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍽️

  • Score: 3/10
    • Finnish cuisine tends to be simpler and not particularly known for sophistication. Onions are common, and there’s minimal local wine production, leading to a lower score.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family πŸ’

  • Score: 5/10
    • The dating scene is quite relaxed, and Finnish men are known for their attractiveness and fitness. However, the work-life balance can sometimes hinder personal relationships.

8. Medicine πŸ₯

  • Score: 7/10
    • Finland offers a robust healthcare system, allowing quick access to healthcare services, though wait times can exist for some specialties.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Public transportation is decent within the city, but international connections may be limited compared to larger cities. However, it remains pretty accessible.

10. Startup Mindset πŸ’‘

  • Score: 8/10
    • The entrepreneurial culture is supportive of innovation and learning from failure, creating an environment where startups can flourish.

MeanCEO Index Score: 66/100 πŸŽ‰

Tampere stands out as a competent option for female entrepreneurs within Finland. With a well-established support system for women in business, a collaborative community, and a growing startup scene, it provides excellent opportunities to innovate and thrive. Challenges such as the climate and limited culinary delights may exist, but the overall environment remains conducive to entrepreneurial spirit.

Happy entrepreneurship in Tampere! πŸš€