Taking Flight
From a Barn in Finland, Kelluu is Transforming Our View of the Planet
At Kelluu, co-founder and head of sales Jiri Jormakka sees the company’s northern heritage not just as a backdrop but as a unique strength. “Our airships enhance existing technologies like drones, helicopters, and satellites, but they offer something truly distinctive: precise, continuous, and scalable coverage of vast landscapes. These are not mere floating vessels; they traverse the skies tirelessly, collecting the high-resolution data necessary for understanding our world. If we can operate in the harsh Arctic conditions, we can operate anywhere.”
The company’s clientele is diverse, ranging from municipalities and public entities to mining companies and power providers, all seeking the kind of detailed, ongoing insights about the Earth that Kelluu delivers. Notably, they are one of the select few participants in the NATO DIANA accelerator, positioning their technology for defense and security applications. Jormakka envisions a future where they can scan entire nations annually, creating a digital twin of the Earth—a resource that could fundamentally change our approach to combating climate change, managing resources, and ensuring security.
Leading with Empathy
Fadumo Ali, CEO of Hoiwa, is Automating Solutions While Nurturing a Legacy of Compassion
Fadumo Ali positions herself as a problem solver, one who isn’t afraid to take risks when she senses a worthy opportunity. “You can’t achieve greatness without stepping outside your comfort zone,” she asserts.
Originally launched as a staffing agency to address the shortage of healthcare professionals, Hoiwa pivoted in 2024 to focus on automating inefficiencies in organizations using AI-powered software. “While achieving milestones is gratifying, the true lessons lie in the journey,” Ali explains. “Transitioning from our initial business idea to plan B was tough, but with unwavering support from my family—especially my brothers—and close friends, we managed to not just survive, but thrive.”
With aspirations to build multiple companies, Ali seeks to leave a lasting legacy in the business world. “I want to be a role model for future generations, demonstrating that you can lead with empathy and carve your own path.”
Building Trust as a Strategy
Lalin Keyvan, Co-founder of SelfHack, Aims to Transform Cybersecurity into a Competitive Advantage
From an academic background in architecture to the rapidly evolving world of digital security, Lalin Keyvan’s journey has been driven by a fascination with invisible structures. “In May 2024, we launched SelfHack to address the significant problem of cyber attacks,” he shares.
SelfHack assists businesses in identifying their vulnerabilities before hackers get the chance. With regulations like GDPR necessitating regular penetration tests, the process can often become both costly and time-consuming. “We leverage AI to streamline this process, making it quicker, cheaper, and more effective,” Keyvan explains. “My role involves translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible products.”
Originally from Turkey, Keyvan moved to Finland, drawn by its commitment to happiness and equality. “Finland boasts strong gender equality and a burgeoning startup community that empowers individuals to pursue meaningful work, regardless of their origins.”
Keyvan’s vision is to reshape the narrative around cybersecurity. “It shouldn’t merely be a legal obligation; it should serve as a strategic layer of trust.”
The Power of Play
Ansu Lönnberg, Co-founder of Mainframe Industries, Celebrates the Confidence of Starting a Game Company in Finland
Founded in Finland in 2019, Mainframe Industries emerged when a trio of Icelandic gaming veterans—Reynir Harðarson, Thor Gunnarsson, and Kjartan Emilsson—sought experienced developers to bring their vision for a social sandbox MMO game to life. Lönnberg was introduced to lead the company, marking her fourth startup, but the first where she holds a co-founder title.
The early access version of Pax Dei launched in June 2024, inviting players into a stunning medieval fantasy landscape to gather resources, build, explore, and forge meaningful relationships. “The social aspect is paramount—players can leave a game but not their friends,” Lönnberg emphasizes.
Text: Laura Iisalo, ThisisFINLAND Magazine
Photography: Outi Törmälä