The Most Startup Friendly Company in Finland award has been given every year since 2018.

Why? In innovation activities, the best ideas are often born outside – and the most competitive companies know this! Startups offer opportunities for new radical or incremental innovations to improve productivity.

In 2018, the world looked bright. The Most Startup Friendly Company competition was then developed for a current need. How can a large company work successfully with startups and avoid the worst pitfalls?

How? There have always been many opportunities in the cooperation between large companies and startups, but also risks, which have become complaints from both directions. For example, startups have not appreciated the slow and difficult procurement process of large companies, the heavy contractual and other obligations, and the risk of being completely out of business.

From the perspective of large companies, startups can be unpredictable and even difficult partners. Often, the cooperation of a large company with startups could lead to disappointment, despite high expectations.

Differences in company sizes and resources make cooperation difficult, but with the right operating culture, learning from others, and understanding of the best practices, the probability of success can be significantly improved. The Most Startup Friendly wants to improve large companies’ understanding, know-how, and appreciation of startups.