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Go West: Finnish Startups in the US
When: November 18, 2025
Location: Helsinki, Finland
People: Michael J. Student, Joonas P. Aho, Scott L. Kaufman and Michael S. Palmisciano

Scott Kaufman, partner and co-leader of Sullivan's Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Group in the firm's New York office, spoke on a panel discussion titled "Go West: Finnish Startups in the US" on November 18, 2025, held at Byro Legal in Helsinki, Finland. Michael Student, Michael Palmisciano and Joonas Aho were also on hand from Sullivan as the team visited Helsinki to meet with businesses and contacts, and in part to attend Slush 2025 the following two days. 

The dynamic 30-minute conversation addressed the reasons, practicalities, risks and cultural nuances of Finnish companies expanding into the US market, offering insights and inspiration for businesses whether already scaling in the US or just exploring the idea.

The panel included:

  • Markus Kauppinen, CEO and Co-Founder of Brella
  • Kai Langel, CEO of DEEP Measures
  • Scott Kaufman, Partner at Sullivan & Worcester
  • Moderated by Julius Matilainen, Partner at Byro Legal