Arrange for a Business Loan Over Lunch and Other Perks of a Thriving Startup Community
Securing a business loan can be an overwhelming prospect for any startup. With minimal revenue projected in the early stages and substantial product development costs looming, scheduling a formal meeting at a bank can be daunting, not to mention challenging to fit into a packed schedule. But what if you could start that conversation in a relaxed, familiar setting—perhaps over lunch with someone you’ve already crossed paths with at various campus events? Suddenly, the process becomes far less intimidating.
This is precisely what makes the Maria 01 community so unique. Within this dynamic ecosystem, startups have the unique advantage of engaging with various funding organisations— from banks to venture capital firms and investor networks—in a way that feels natural and accessible. These interactions often happen in informal settings, whether it’s over coffee, during a shared meal, or at one of the many networking events that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers. This proximity and casual environment can significantly lower the threshold to start important conversations about funding, making the process of securing a business loan, a Business Finland grant or an investment much less intimidating.
Take Nordea, for instance. Their dedicated Startup and Growth unit is specifically tailored to support early-stage companies – in addition to supporting late-stage and pre-IPO cases – and they’ve established an office right on campus. With a team of experts dedicated to helping startups transition into scaleups, they provide financial guidance without the formalities or pressure often found in traditional banking environments. This close proximity makes it easier for entrepreneurs to access the advice they need when they need it.
How to Secure a Startup Growth Loan
I sat down with Nordea’s Deal Flow Manager, Teija Nousiainen and Head of Startup & Growth Business, Nordea Finland, Vesa Riihimäki, long-time members of our community, to discuss the collaboration between startups and partners at Maria 01, as well as the opportunities the ecosystem offers.
Vesa Riihimäki emphasized the value of being on campus: “We’ve been here for nearly seven years, and in terms of networking, nothing beats being physically present. Events, casual meetings at the Starter Restaurant—it all makes a difference. If our office was elsewhere, networking would be non-existent. Another key advantage we offer startups is a dedicated contact person, which gets us great feedback. This way, we can support the startups efficiently and quickly – recently, we helped a Maria 01 startup secure a 250 000€ loan in just three days!”
Vesa explained that Nordea offers the highest chance of securing a startup growth loan, adding: “Few banks globally fund startups, but we do—plus, we have a global investment program.”
Teija Nousiainen, who holds a unique role at Nordea, helping clients across the Nordics connect with venture capitalists, emphasized the importance of startup experience: “We speak the same language as startups and have deep industry expertise—for instance in sectors like B2B software, energy, sustainability and gaming. We offer practical advice, often sparring with founders on their growth strategies.”
“And, we’re easily approachable,” she concluded. Vesa laughed: “At least in our opinion!“
Matchmaking with global investors
Nordea has also led the way with Investor Speed Dating events—exclusive one-on-one matchmaking sessions for Nordic startups and scaleups. As their website proudly states, these are “the most efficient 2.5 hours of an entrepreneur’s year.”
When asked about the history of the event series, Vesa explained that it all started right before COVID-19. “Together with the then-CEO of Maria 01, we wanted to attract international investors – we focused on big funds from London and brought in seven. The first Investor Speed Dating event was in person at the campus. When COVID hit, we moved online, expanded to the Nordics, and continued independently.”
Teija highlighted the efficiency of the events: “Startups get one-on-one meetings with investors who have already pre-selected them, making the meetings incredibly efficient. Startups from all over the Nordics, from different sectors, get one-on-one time with global investors. Feedback is consistently positive—an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. About 60% of participating companies secure follow-up meetings, and many have gone on to receive investment as a result.”
A Thriving Ecosystem for Startups
Beyond just ease of access to funding, startups at Maria 01 benefit from a wealth of deals, webinars and programs offered by partner organisations, such as HubSpot for Startups or Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. These partnerships provide startups with invaluable resources and support, significantly enhancing their prospects for success. The collaborative environment fosters a culture of mutual growth, where startups, investors, and service providers all thrive on the synergies created within this interconnected network.
Maria 01’s community also offers invaluable opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs. The ability to connect with other founders who are navigating similar challenges can be vitally important. These relationships often lead to shared insights, potential collaborations, and even friendships that can bolster a startup’s journey.
The structure of the Maria 01 community creates a powerful system of collaboration that drives growth for everyone involved. Startups can easily tap into the expertise and resources they need, while investors and service providers connect with innovative companies poised for rapid growth. This cohesive ecosystem doesn’t just simplify the process of securing a business loan—it creates a supportive environment where startups are empowered to thrive.
Would you be interested in joining our thriving community? You can read more about our memberships here. Or perhaps you’re interested in becoming a partner or joining our investor network.
You can also read more about the Investor Speed Dating events in our dedicated blog post – and don’t forget to check out the application dates for the next rounds.