Vesa Lehtinen, who was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Startup Lions in August, brings to our team more extensive and cross-industry expertise in business development, along with a broad network of various financing opportunities. He is an experienced angel investor, serial entrepreneur, and accomplished board professional with a deep passion for entrepreneurship.

Lehtinen emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship as a societal force. He is more intrigued by the fast pace and innovation of startups than by the operational models of large organizations.

Enthusiastic about hands-on development and coaching of startups, Lehtinen has followed Startup Lions for several years, and he is already familiar with the company's long-standing board members Jukka Huikari and Jari Puranen. When Huikari reached out to inquire about his interest, the decision to join Startup Lions was a natural next step for Lehtinen.

Lehtinen has been investing his own funds into companies since 2011 and has a solid background in strategic business growth and internationalization. “I can assist startups, particularly in improving financial readiness. It’s crucial to ensure that business growth is profitable from the perspective of financiers and investors. In addition to demand, a company needs a capable team and a well-functioning product. With my network, I help identify the right channels and resources.”

Startups often face challenges in securing funding, which is why it's important to be aware of various possibilities. Lehtinen has extensive connections with financiers and investors globally. He is a member of FIBAN, EBAN, Sophia Business Angels (SBA), and Flying Finn Angels (FFA), which focuses on the funding challenges of women entrepreneurs and female-led organizations.

In addition to financing, Lehtinen is eager to support early-stage companies more broadly. Success in pitching events, for example, can be critical for a startup’s future. Lehtinen has a strong track record of how the right kind of coaching can lead to success in pitches.

Startups often have to operate with limited resources, and this is a challenge Lehtinen is ready to tackle at Startup Lions. He can provide support in the following areas:

• Internationalization of business
• Strategic business development
• Improving financial readiness
• Identifying funding channels
• Pitch coaching

A warm welcome to Startup Lions!