The unique SPACE PITCH event in the Capital of space brings the growth-minded together in the entrepreneurship capital of Seinäjoki. The event offers a great party and useful networks for startups, new ideas and brilliant pitching.

Last year this event was fully booked, so be quick and register!

What's in store at this epic startup event? In addition to an inspiring atmosphere, there will be useful networks and new ideas for growth-oriented entrepreneurs, as well as great pitches in the startup competition.

The event brings together about a hundred participants from both South Ostrobothnia and all over Finland to network among their growth-minded peers. This year's event venue is Rytmikorjaamon Klubi.

This event will also host a Lions Den inspired competition between startups, where experienced lions/judges will be eager to hear the pitches from appr. 10 finalists. The lions guide and comment on business ideas and shed light on hidden development areas with their views. The tips also help the audience in thinking about development directions for their own businesses.

EDIT: Application period for Startup competition is over. Do you want to apply for the startup competition? Learn more and apply, 19.9.2024 latest:  SPACE PITCH startup competition

Feedback from previous years' Space Pitch events includes:

"Thank you to INTO and the inspiring pitchers for the inspiring pitch event. Flying high allows you to see further. See you in the Milky Way."

"Nicely organized event with a happy and encouraging atmosphere. Nice to network now live!"

"The organization was really great! A great opportunity for companies to showcase their work and for participants to learn from others' speeches."

"I expected the event to be well organized, but the overall experience exceeded my expectations. You could see that everything was carefully thought out: the environment, sounds, lights, host, and service as a whole."

Come and be inspired & surprised! 

PROGRAM

• 17.30 doors open to Rytmikorjaamo Klubi and registration starts
  • Investors, startups and growth companions network, bar is open
• 18.00 Official program begins, mostly in Finnish
  • Host Arttu Seppälä will conquer the stage
  • Short hello to participants from Into Seinäjoki ja South Ostrobotnian Growth Fund representatives
  • Keynote, Janek Balonski, Ringo.Eco
  • Pitching competition final, 10 companies. Vote for your favourite!
  • Delicious food and growth conversations among participants
  • Surprise performances and visual experiences
  • Pitching competition winner and other favourite's announcements
  • Networking afterparty at Klubi, bar open until 22.00
• Event ends at 22.00

We reserve rights to alter the program if need be.

NOTE: Event photographer will be taking photos all evening, the photos will be published in Into Seinäjoki channels. If you don't want your photos to be published, please contact the photographer at the event. 

KEYNOTE

JANEK BALONSKI, SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR & FOUNDER, RINGO.ECO

Janek Balonski is a serial eco-entrepreneur from Estonia. Since 2005 has participated in building up companies in 4 countries. Last 3 years Founder and CEO of Ringo.Eco. Running biggest washing centre for reusable primary packaging (all kind of cups and food take-away containers, ... ) in the region. Spoke-person against single use packaging and fighter for waste reduction. Proud father of 3 children. Fan of badminton.

STARTUP COMPETITION LIONS / JUDGES

VESA RIIHIMÄKI

Vesa Riihimäki is Head of Startup & Growth Finland Unit at Nordea. Nordea caters most of the startups in Finland by combining and tailoring traditional loan products so that they fit better for high growth situations. Cooperating closely with VC funds, business angels and accelerators.

SINI ÅGREN

Sini is the Head of Quality & Special Projects at Herizon, where she oversees projects and partnerships with various educational institutions and stakeholders. Herizon drives the growth of the Nordic tech ecosystem by helping international talent to get employed. In addition to her role at Herizon, she coaches entrepreneurs and researchers on their entrepreneurial journey to bring innovations to life through her own company Focuspocus. Her background includes various responsibilities and roles in startups and startup ecosystem enablers like Slush.

JANA SAASTAMOINEN

Jana Saastamoinen is the Head Organizer of sTARTUp Day 2025 – the most startup-minded business festival. The event brings together 3500+ participants annually to Tartu, nicknamed the sTARTUp City. Previously, she organized entrepreneurship programs for idea-stage startups in Estonia, Denmark, Ukraine and Moldova, and mentored dozens of early-stage teams in marketing. Jana is also an award-winning marketer, representing Estonia at the Cannes Lions festival in 2023. 

FREDRIK WIDENÄS

Fredrik Widenäs is an experienced business developer and growth strategist specializing in sales, customer relations and team leadership in Finland and in the Nordics. He has a vast experience from building strategic partnerships and expanding to new markets. In Fredrik's lead sales have taken up to 450 % growth spurts. He has had a key role in building culture, client focused solutions and as Master in Information Technology also in integratin digital tools in organisations.  Fredrik's passion is to take companies to a new level by focusing on human centric solutions and innovations. 

HOST OF THE EVENING

ARTTU SEPPÄLÄ

Arttu Seppälä – announcer, entrepreneur, DJ and multitalent will be hosting the event and creating an inspiring atmosphere. Arttu has great experience in hosting events, and has a professional and yet relaxed touch to mastering the seremonies.

We reserve the right to make program changes.