Regional Angel of the Year

Innovation does not live only in capital cities. The Regional Angel of the Year award honours an angel who strengthens both regional and national startup ecosystems.

Jari Puranen received the award for his active role in the Lahti region, where he supports and spars with startups, organizes events, and builds connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and the FiBAN network. He has also supported the FiBAN team with grant proposal work and contributed to the development of new ecosystem concepts, including Startup and Industry Connect — building bridges where others might see distance.