Ten years ago, Erdal Kilinc faced a significant decision when his wife received a job offer in Finland. Opting for adventure, the couple embraced the opportunity and made the leap from their native Turkey to Espoo, Southern Finland. Faced with challenges in finding meaningful work, Erdal, armed with a technical background and entrepreneurial spirit, decided to start his own data-focused event management company, now thriving with a global team.
“I wanted to start a company in Finland because…” I didn’t receive responses to my job applications. Taking matters into my own hands, I leveraged my entrepreneurial experience from Turkey.
The most challenging part was… registering the company, navigating applications in Finnish, and understanding legal requirements. Once registered with Vero and PRH, finding the first customers became the next hurdle.
The main difference in working life in Finland compared to other countries is… a better balance between job, personal life, and family, with a more flexible work life.
“The Finnish startup ecosystem is…” more stable in growth, resilient, and focused on solving real problems compared to Turkey. Key hubs like Maria 01 and A Grid in the Helsinki metropolitan area are pivotal for networking and growth.
Organizations helpful for my professional growth include… Aalto University. Doing my MBA there was instrumental, helping me adapt to the Finnish way of business.
“The best thing about being an entrepreneur is…” challenging yourself every day and every minute. Advice for anyone considering starting a company in Finland is… ensure you have your core team beforehand. Starting a business requires dedication, and a committed and cooperative team is crucial.
What I enjoy most about living in Espoo is… the unhurried pace of life and the city’s welcoming atmosphere for foreigners. Diverse backgrounds of around 20% of residents foster social connections.
Hobbies I’ve enjoyed practicing in Finland include… forest walks, berry and mushroom picking, camping, beekeeping, and gardening. Embracing nature-related activities adds to the joy of living in Espoo.
“Thriving in Finland: Erdal Kilinc’s Entrepreneurial Journey” showcases Erdal’s resilience, the welcoming spirit of Espoo, and the unique aspects of Finland’s startup ecosystem.