FiBAN 2025 year in review: from 87 events to 14,000 jobs and €4 billion in impact

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on a year that has been both impactful and formative for FiBAN and the wider angel investing ecosystem.

Throughout the year, FiBAN has continued to grow not only in size, but in clarity, effectiveness, and reach. We have strengthened our role as a connector between angels, startups, and partners, while staying true to our mission of supporting sustainable startup growth through smart capital and active ownership.

The past year was marked by strong engagement and steady momentum across all areas of our work:

• 87 events organised across a wide range of themes and formats
• Event satisfaction score: 4.6 / 5
• 4,200 event registrations
• 600 members in the FiBAN community
• 65 partners, including companies, VCs, and ecosystem organisations
• 1,500 startup applications reviewed
• 40% of FiBAN’s new members are women, contributing to a more diverse investor base.
• Number of formed angel syndicates has increased drastically.

These numbers reflect the commitment of a highly active community and the growing relevance of FiBAN in the Finnish and Nordic startup landscape.

One of the year’s key milestones was gaining deeper, data-driven insight into the role of angel investing in Finland.

Results from FiBAN’s most recent study show that:

• One third of Finnish startup jobs are in angel-funded companies
• 14,000 jobs have been created by angel investors’ portfolio companies
• €4 billion in revenue generated by angel-funded companies
• Nearly €500 million invested by angel investors
  (2025 data is currently being collected)

These figures highlight the long-term economic impact of angel investors and reinforce their role as a cornerstone of the startup ecosystem.

Under the leadership of FiBAN CEO Tiina Laisi-Puheloinen, 2025 brought increased strategic clarity and focus. The organisation sharpened its priorities and strengthened its positioning both nationally and internationally.

A notable development this year was FiBAN’s growing role as a key funding gateway for defence and dual-use startups. By bringing together angels, VCs, and significant industry players from across the Baltic-Nordic region, FiBAN has helped build stronger investment pathways in a strategically important sector.

FiBAN’s deal flow reached an all-time high in 2025, continuing a strong multi-year growth trend. This development reflects both the increasing quality of startups engaging with FiBAN and the effectiveness of our investment processes.

Miikka Miettinen has played a central role in developing and scaling FiBAN’s deal flow operations. In addition, he established FiBAN Startup Clinics as a new open event format, offering founders accessible, early-stage feedback and strengthening FiBAN’s value proposition for startups. Find our next Startup Clinics here.

Clear communication and smooth internal processes have been a consistent focus area this year, and member feedback indicates meaningful progress.

• FiBAN achieved 42 media hits in 2025, increased its public visibility, and introduced new community-driven initiatives such as Creative Angels. The communication and marketing work has been led by COO Milja Mäkelä, who has also focused on improving internal processes and developing FiBAN’s community channels, like WhatsApp, to better support member engagement.
• Olga Kauvosaari has made a strong impact across event communications, social media, and FiBAN’s overall visual identity. Her work has further elevated FiBAN’s communications and brand presence in a clear and consistent way. In recognition of her contribution, Olga will move into a full-time Communications & Marketing Specialist role starting in February, strengthening FiBAN’s capacity for continued growth.
  

FiBAN’s partner network continued to expand in 2025, with partner satisfaction remaining at a high level.

This progress is driven by the work of Partnership & Development Manager Mari Kirjalainen, who has strengthened existing partnerships while bringing new corporate and investor partners into the FiBAN network. These collaborations play an essential role in supporting FiBAN’s events, deal flow, and ecosystem impact. To join as a partner, book a meeting with Mari.

FiBAN’s research activities took a significant step forward this year under the leadership of Data Scientist Ivan Helin.

In 2025, FiBAN published a YYS-supported study on the impact of angel investors on the Finnish startup ecosystem, produced in collaboration with the Finnish Startup Community. This work strengthens the data foundation for discussions around startup financing and marks a strong starting point for deeper future collaboration.

As FiBAN continues to grow, so does the need to further strengthen our operational capacity. As the year turns, we have begun recruitment for a part-time Deal Flow Coordinator, with interview rounds already underway. This role will support the continued growth and quality of FiBAN’s deal flow.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the FiBAN team: Tiina, Ivan, Mari, Milja, Miikka, and Olga, for their professionalism, commitment, and collaborative way of working throughout the year.

Our thanks also go to FiBAN’s partners, whose cooperation enables much of our work, and to our members, who actively shape the network through their investments, engagement, and shared expertise.

Finally, we thank the FiBAN Board 2025 for its guidance and support in helping FiBAN move towards clearer strategic focus and higher ambition, reinforcing FiBAN’s position as one of the most active angel investor networks in Europe.

Thank you for a productive and impactful 2025, and let’s make 2026 even more impactful!