Vigo is a new type of acceleration program designed to complement the internationally acclaimed Finnish innovation ecosystem. The programme bridges the gap between early stage technology firms and international venture funding.

The backbone of the programme is formed by the Vigo Accelerators, carefully selected independent companies run by internationally proven entrepreneurs and executives. These Accelerators help the best and the brightest start-ups to grow faster, smarter, and safer into the global market. The Accelerators are not consultants -- they are co-entrepreneurs who invest in the companies they work with to guarantee common goals and passionate development effort.

The Finnish Ministry of Employment and Economy launched the Vigo Programme in 2009. PROFict Partners Oy manages the execution of the program.

• Give incentives to the best business developers in order to help the most promising start-ups grow into successful companies
• Ensure early stage funding for startups, increase their shareholder value, and make the startups attractive targets for venture investors
• Continue to raise significant venture capital investments after the acceleration stage to support expansion of the target companies.
• Invigorate the Finnish venture capital market and bring more international acceleration and venture capital players into Finland

Steering Group 

The members of the steering group feature a wide expertise of funding, international business, and growth entrepreneurship. They actively oversee and guide the execution of the programme.

Ministry for Employment and Economy 

Ministry for Employment and Economy (MEE) is responsible for creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation in Finland. They also oversee the employment market and regional development in a global operating environment. The ministry was formed in 2008 by merging the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the Ministry of Employment and the regional development functions of the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry is responsible for innovation and technology policy, international development, technical safety, market functionality, as well as competition and consumer affairs. 
www.tem.fi

Tekes - Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation 

Tekes is the main public funding organisation for research, development and innovation in Finland. 
Vigo target companies can utilize all standard Tekes funding instruments with the same criteria as other companies. Additionally, an approved Vigo accelerated company can be accepted into the Tekes Young Innovative Company (YIC) at an earlier stage than non-Vigo companies 
www.tekes.fi

Finnvera 

Finnvera is a specialised financing company owned by the State of Finland. It provides its clients with loans, guarantees, venture capital investments and export credit guarantees. Finnvera is the official Export Credit Agency (ECA) of Finland. 
www.finnvera.fi

PROFict Partners Oy 

PROFict Partners is a professional service company that helps technology companies grow and go international. PROFict principals have long and varied experience from international business and growth management.

PROFict Partners has been contracted to manage the Vigo Programme by Tekes. 
www.profict.fi

Funding and equity investment                                                       

        

Events

        

Other

Science and research organization