For just under one year a group of about 100 ex-Nokia managers has been working as part of a community known as Kaato, a self-described “fast-track to Finland’s high tech and innovation assets.”
Some of the members of the networking group act as business advocates, who offer hints on the best investment opportunities to newcomers to the Finnish business scene.
Next in the pecking order are the advisors, who stand ready to provide more in-depth guidance to investors. The community also provides project leaders who help direct specific initiatives.
The group of business networkers provides extensive experience in several business areas gained from their Nokia careers. It includes specialists who have established and led research and development units.
The community also offers experts seasoned in sales, finance, and intellectual property rights and personnel management.
Networks and expertise on offer
Apart from professional know-how, the group is offering external investors a fast track to inner business circles.
“So we try to make it easier and faster to enter Finland,” explained Kaato partner Ebba Dåhli.
Dåhli said that the group has so far managed to attract a mobile market developer to set up operations in Finland.
Motivated by self-interest
The group’s energy and originality have made it show up on the radar of government bodies such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
“People who are trying to attract investment into Finland are themselves involved if they have a personal interest in creating jobs and in developing jobs for themselves. Then there is a greater chance of them expending greater effort,” said Mika Lautanala, executive director with the Ministry.
According to Lautanala, similar kinds of networks may also develop in other sectors undergoing structural change.
“And if they do, we would be happy to support them,” he declared.
