Month: October 2026

Dear members and friends of FACC-NY,

This has been a quarter of momentum and reflection for FACC-NY. Our community continues to grow, and so does our ambition.

Over the past months, we have listened closely to our members, partners, speakers, and guests, and asked you: How can FACC-NY become increasingly valuable and relevant to the companies and people we serve? 

The message has been consistent; companies need practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and trusted platforms that help them grow across borders. This feedback is shaping our strategy, with retention and relevance at its core.

The timing matters. Companies are reassessing supply chains, energy, technology, and security, while transatlantic partnerships are gaining renewed significance. Finland’s relationship with the United States is entering a new chapter, shaped by strategic technology, economic security, and deeper cooperation. Google’s investment in Finnish data infrastructure is one example of Finland’s growing role in the global AI and digital economy.

For FACC-NY, the task is to translate this momentum into meaningful business opportunities. We want to connect Finnish innovation with American capital, customers, and strategic partners, while helping U.S. companies discover the opportunities Finland and the Nordic region offer. Our ambition is to support companies beyond the first introduction, helping them navigate the market, build relationships, and establish lasting growth.

Founded in 1948, FACC-NY has a long history of connecting our two economies. Today, we are building on that foundation through a more connected member community, a growing national network, and practical platforms for market entry, investment, and collaboration.

Our September Strategic Forum, sold out for the second year in a row, was an important reflection of this ambition. The conversations reinforced a lesson we hear repeatedly: succeeding in the United States takes more than a good product or idea. It takes the right relationships, local knowledge, a compelling story, and a long-term commitment.

We are also investing in the infrastructure that keeps our community connected throughout the year. Our new Member Hub is live, our Member Spotlight series shares practical lessons from experienced leaders, and initiatives such as our first AI Night and the Helsinki–New York Growth Corridor are opening new opportunities for collaboration on both sides of the Atlantic.

None of this happens alone. I am deeply grateful to our members, sponsors, partners, Board, Advisory Board, and team for the trust and commitment they bring to FACC-NY. We are especially thankful to the Consulate General of Finland in New York and the wider Team Finland network for their continued collaboration.

As we enter the final quarter of the year, our focus remains on building platforms that are both helpful and purposeful, strengthening our community today while preparing FACC-NY for the opportunities ahead.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. We look forward to continuing the work together.

Warm wishes,

Joanna Willott

President of FACC-NY

 

Finland and the Evolving Transatlantic Economy

The relationship between Finland and the United States is increasingly shaped by technology, economic security, industrial transformation, and investment. As companies reconsider where they manufacture, source materials, develop technology, and build partnerships, Finland’s strengths in engineering, advanced materials, clean energy, digital innovation, and trusted institutions offer a strong foundation for cooperation.

Google’s investment in Finnish data infrastructure illustrates the country’s growing importance in the global AI and digital economy. More broadly, opportunities are emerging across life sciences, quantum technology, industrial decarbonization, critical materials, and resilient infrastructure.

For Finnish companies, the U.S. market offers significant potential. Realizing it requires understanding local customers, adapting the market proposition, building trusted relationships, and committing to a lasting presence.

FACC-NY’s role is to help bridge that gap: connecting companies, investors, institutions, and expertise to turn shared interests into practical opportunities.

THE ROLE OF FACC-NY

From Connections to Lasting Value

FACC-NY is focused on more than building a business network. We are strengthening the infrastructure that helps Finnish companies succeed across the United States and helps American companies connect with Finland and the Nordics.

Our strategy rests on three commitments:

• Long-term value for members: Connecting companies of every size, sharing practical market knowledge, and helping reduce the barriers to U.S. expansion.
• A national platform: Building on our New York roots, with relationships that extend to Silicon Valley, the West Coast, and beyond.
• An institution built for the long term: Evolving with our members’ needs and strengthening the Finland–U.S. relationship for decades to come.

These commitments guide our membership development, programming, partnerships, and new initiatives. They also underpin our work on the Helsinki–New York Growth Corridor, our sector-focused platforms, and the Member Hub and Member Spotlight series.

Our Community at a Glance

This quarter, FACC-NY grew to 65 corporate members and 134 individual members, bringing together a diverse community spanning energy and industry, banking and investment, law and advisory, consumer brands, design, technology, life sciences, travel, universities, and economic development.

A Warm Welcome to Our New Members:

BNP Paribas S.A. · PrivacyDesigner Oy · AHWACO Inc. · Picote Solutions Oy Ltd · CHAOS Architects Oy · Elstor Oy · CollectiveCrunch Oy · Sand Hill Marketing Ltd. · Failup Ventures · Nordic Now LLC · Savox Communications Oyj · The Long Drink Company · Aval Ltd · Oy Paulig Finland Ab · 2M Ventures Oy · Carboreal Plc · Oy Karl Fazer Ab · Kvanted Oy

Thank you for choosing to be part of our community. We look forward to connecting you with fellow members and helping you make the most of the FACC-NY network.

Interested in Joining Us? Visit facc-ny.com/memberships.

Introducing the FACC-NY Member Hub

One of our priorities is to make membership more useful in practice. Our new Member Hub is now live, an exclusive platform for our corporate members providing a dedicated space to discover fellow members, access resources, and request introductions through our Member Concierge.

Getting Started:

1. Look for an email from FACC-NY titled “Login Details.”
2. Follow the link to create your password.
3. Sign in at facc-ny.com/member-login.

If you cannot find the email or need assistance, select “Forgot password” on the sign-in page or reach out to us: contact@facc-ny.com.

We welcome your feedback as we continue developing the platform around our members’ needs.

LEADERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS

Strengthening Our Partnerships

This quarter, we said farewell to Jarmo Sareva, Consul General of Finland in New York, and thanked him for his outstanding support of Finnish business in the United States and his close partnership with FACC-NY.

His advice to Finnish companies remains relevant: tell a good story, match the American clock speed, and play the long game.

We warmly welcome Ambassador and Consul General Miia Rantanen, who joined us on the Strategic Forum stage in September. We look forward to continuing our work with her and the Consulate General of Finland in New York, alongside the wider Team Finland network.

FY 2026 Board of Directors

Our Board provides strategic guidance and supports the Chamber’s continued development.

NAME	ORGANIZATION
Alexander Ehrnrooth, Chairman	Fiskars Oyj Abp
Joonas Aho, Secretary	Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Alexiina Ahonkivi	KPMG Finland
Neal Beaton	Holland & Knight LLP
Jan-Elof Cavander	Virala Oy Ab
Travis Dahlke	Ahlstrom Oyj
Lassi Hämäläinen	Fredericks Michael & Co
Mika Karikoski	DNB Bank ASA
Juha Koponen	Borenius Attorneys Ltd.
Janna Salokangas	Mia AI
Michael Student	Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Outi Vaarala	Orion Oyj
Kari Vyhtinen	Endomines Finland Oyj

We thank our Board, Advisory Board, and wider network for their continued commitment to FACC-NY’s mission.

LOOKING BACK: A QUARTER OF IDEAS, CONNECTIONS AND MOMENTUM

Strategic Forum 2026: Turning Finnish Strengths into Global Growth & Finland Week

We kicked off Finland Week with a special speaker dinner at the Consul General’s residence, bringing together Strategic Forum speakers and VIP guests for an evening of reconnection, conversation, and anticipation for the discussions ahead.

The program continued with a Young Professionals Leadership Event at SEB, where our Young Professionals Lead, Nicole Ehrnrooth, moderated an engaging fireside chat with Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr. The conversation explored leadership, decision-making, risk-taking, and navigating change in an increasingly AI-driven world.

At the heart of the week was Strategic Forum 2026: Turning Finnish Strengths into Global Growth. The day brought together leaders, innovators, investors, and partners to explore how Finland’s strengths can translate into international opportunities, business growth, and lasting transatlantic partnerships. The surrounding events extended these conversations beyond the main stage, creating space to build relationships and turn ideas into action.

Hanken hosted a program ahead of the Forum, and we welcomed Hanken alumni to a lunch at Scandinavia House. The conversations continued with an evening reception hosted by KPMG at the impressive Harvard Club, a side event at DNB’s offices, and a breakfast networking reception at DNB the following morning.

On September 10, we gathered at Scandinavia House for our Strategic Forum, sold out for the second year in a row. The central question was one that matters to Finnish companies and their American partners alike: How do we turn Finnish strengths into global growth and lasting partnerships?

The day brought together perspectives from diplomacy, government, industry, investment, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Finland’s Strengths in a Changing World

Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola and Ambassador and Consul General Miia Rantanen highlighted Finland’s contributions to the United States across maritime technology, the bioeconomy, digital connectivity, space, critical minerals, defense, and nuclear solutions.

Admiral James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld Jr., former Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered a wider perspective on geopolitical cycles, alliances, and national security. His message to leaders was that planning matters as much as the plan itself. He also reflected on Finland’s geography, resilient economy, and durable rule of law.

Building on Industrial Heritage

Helen Mets of Ahlstrom, Massimo Reynaudo of UPM, and Susan Duinhoven of Fiskars Group, moderated by Kauko Storbacka of PwC Finland, explored how Finnish industrial heritage is creating new opportunities in specialty materials, energy, and bio-based businesses.

The lesson was clear: international growth requires people, local presence, and a willingness to evolve. We do not preserve the past by keeping it unchanged; we honor it by building on it.

The Helsinki–New York Growth Corridor

Consul General Miia Rantanen, Marja-Leena Rinkineva of Business Helsinki, Justin Kreamer of NYCEDC, and Alexander Ehrnrooth of Virala discussed how cities, companies, and innovation ecosystems can build a genuine two-way highway for talent, investment, and business growth.

Their conversation reinforced the value of coordinated partnerships that make it easier for companies to find the right connections on both sides of the Atlantic.

Landing, Learning, and Scaling in the U.S.

Tuomas Saikkonen of VILPE, Joni Lukkaroinen of Ductor, Katja Lindy-Wilkinson of Picote Solutions, and Sampo Parkkinen of Revieve, moderated by Matti Suokko, shared candid lessons from their U.S. expansion journeys.

Their advice: build your own brand, focus on a specific vertical, seek the right support early, and approach the American market as a long-term commitment rather than a short pilot.

The Nordic Quantum Edge

Sauli Sinisalo of Bluefors, Dr. Jan Goetz of IQM Quantum Computers, and Jussi-Pekka Penttinen of Vexlum, moderated by Robert Rowe of Citi, explored the opportunities emerging in quantum technology.

The conversation made a complex field engaging and accessible while highlighting the importance of collaboration. No single company builds a quantum ecosystem alone; it takes an orchestra.

Art, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of a Story

We also shared the story behind the documentary on the late Finnish artist Iria Leino, whose SoHo loft held nearly a thousand paintings. Her story reminded us that the connections between Finland and New York extend well beyond business, encompassing creativity, culture, and the courage to pursue an individual vision.

Thank you to Minister Joakim Strand and Casimir Lindholm of Meyer Turku for sharing their perspectives on Finland’s global competitiveness and how we tell our story.

Our sincere thanks to all our speakers, moderators, sponsors, partners, guests, the FACC-NY Board and Advisory Board, our team, and Scandinavia House for making the Forum fun, meaningful, and informative.

Save the date: September 9, 2027, for next year’s Strategic Forum and the launch of the first Finland Week in New York!

What We Heard from Our Community

The feedback was encouraging. Attendees highlighted the quality of the speakers, the organization, the people in the room, and the balance between thought leadership and networking. Returning guests also noted the growth of both the program and the network since 2025.

Looking ahead, members and guests expressed particular interest in U.S. market entry, funding and investment, and the legal, tax, and hiring considerations involved in expansion. They also shared practical suggestions for future Forums, including more opportunities for small-group discussions.

We will use this feedback to shape our next Forum and year-round programming. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts, and congratulations to Susan Duinhoven, winner of the two tickets.

FACC-NY in the Press: Kauppalehti

The Strategic Forum also reached a wider Finnish audience through two features in Kauppalehti.

One explored growing investor interest in Nordic quantum technology, featuring our discussion with Bluefors, IQM Quantum Computers, Vexlum, and Citi. The other covered Admiral Winnefeld’s perspective on U.S. national debt, alliance politics, geopolitical cycles, and the relationship between economic strength and national defense.

These conversations reflect the broader landscape in which Finnish-American business relationships operate, and the importance of connecting commercial opportunity with a deeper understanding of global developments.

From Conversations to Action: Climate Week NYC

Climate Week NYC offered another opportunity to explore how Nordic expertise and American scale can work together to address major economic and environmental challenges.

Many of our members work in sectors where energy, technology, and sustainability are important. Here are a few takeaways we found especially relevant for our community.

Sustainability and Profitability

At Deloitte’s HORIZONS, Paul Polman, Dave Regnery of Trane Technologies, Sowmyanarayan Sampath of Zayo Group, and Hilary Franz of American Forests explored why sustainability and profitability should not be treated as opposing goals. The discussion made a compelling case for acting before change becomes unavoidable.

Unlocking Urban Resilience

At Deloitte, Daniel J. Barker of Halcyon, Kat Esser of AWS, Brian Tippens of Cisco, and Anna Hammond of Matriark Foods considered how promising pilots become lasting solutions.

Scaling requires trusted data, capital, market access, procurement pathways, and long-term relationships. Perhaps the true measure of impact is not an individual pilot, but the ecosystem that enables many solutions to succeed.

Thank you to Steven Tseng for hosting FACC-NY.

Powering a Resilient Future

Hosted by Silve Parviainen at White & Case and opened by President of Estonia Alar Karis, a panel featuring Hayden Baker of White & Case, Felipe Jaramillo of Macquarie Group, Dr. Fernando Gómez-Baquero of Cornell Tech, and Georg Rute of Gridraven examined how to power the AI boom without overwhelming the grid.

The discussion highlighted practical bottlenecks, including grid connections, transmission, equipment queues, and skilled labor. The Nordic-Baltic region brings engineering depth, reliability, and systems thinking; the United States brings capital, scale, and customers. The takeaway was straightforward: understand the problem before trying to solve it.

The Next Urban Evolution

Outokumpu hosted an event at the Helmsley Building with Kati ter Horst, President and CEO of Outokumpu, Shuresh Maran, Executive Vice President of Halton MEI, and Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Hon. ASLA in a panel discussion moderated by Ryan Kisiel, Partner at H/Advisors in London. The event explored how durable, circular, and low-emission materials can shape the future of urban development and infrastructure.

Circular Innovation and Resilient Futures

The University of the Arctic, Dartmouth College, and the Consulate General of Finland convened an engaging discussion on Circular Innovation at the Cornell Club, featuring former Finnish President Tarja Halonen as keynote speaker. The conversation explored circular business models, clean technologies, sustainable finance, and policy innovation, highlighting how Arctic Indigenous knowledge systems offer enduring lessons in stewardship, resource efficiency, and long-term thinking.

Art, Ideas, and Connections at The Armory Show

During Climate Week, The Armory Show brought questions of sustainability, water, place, and resilience into the artistic conversation through its focus on “Raw Alchemy: The Caribbean and Its Diaspora.”

We were especially pleased to see Finnish artists Iria Leino, Kim Simonsson, Heikki Marila, and Rauha Mäkilä represented by Helsinki’s Galerie Forsblom.

It was another reminder that the bridges between Helsinki and New York are built not only through commerce and technology, but also through art, culture, and ideas.

GROWING OUR YEAR-ROUND PLATFORMS          

FACC-NY Sponsored AI Night

FACC-NY sponsored its first AI Night, hosted in collaboration with Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen, and C10 Labs against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

Five startups: Remoted, Verad, CHAOS, CollectiveCrunch, and CubiCasa, each delivered a one-minute pitch, demonstrating the breadth of AI applications, from self-driving buses to forest intelligence and digital floor plans.

The event brought founders and our wider community together in an informal setting. It represents the kind of practical, sector-focused platform we want to continue developing.

Congratulations to CollectiveCrunch and Planet AI on joining the C10 Labs acceleration program in New York.

The Nordic Blueprint with Nasdaq

Thank you to Barbara Wennerholm, President of SACCNY, and Consul General of Sweden Erik Ullenhag for a wonderful morning at the Swedish Residence.

Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, in conversation with Börje Ekholm, explored the role of capital markets in driving growth, the challenges created by Europe’s fragmentation, and how tokenization could reshape market infrastructure.

One key takeaway was that innovation and regulation need to move together. The conversation also highlighted the value of stronger Nordic connections in New York.

Young Professionals at Marimekko

At the end of September, our Young Professionals community gathered at Marimekko in SoHo for an evening of drinks, browsing, and new connections.

Thank you to Marimekko for hosting us and to The Long Drink Company for keeping everyone refreshed. Our Young Professionals group welcomes Finns, Finnish-Americans, and friends of Finland aged 21–35 in New York. Find out more at facc-ny.com/memberships.

Golf After Hours

In July, members and friends gathered at Five Iron Golf for an evening of golf, good food, and networking. Thank you to Paul Hastings for generously sponsoring the evening.

We also thank Cross Insurance and Sal Provenzano for hosting our Associate Oskari Vuorio at the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing at Griffith E. Harris Golf Course.

Welcoming Future Founders from Finland

We were delighted to host students from Kansainvälisen Liiketoiminnan Lukio in Lauttasaari during their week in New York.

Our conversation covered entering the U.S. market, the differences between doing business in Finland and America, and the importance of networking and finding your niche.

These students represent the next generation of founders, operators, and leaders, and hopefully future ambassadors for Finland in the United States.

Member Spotlight: Learning from Experience

This quarter, we launched our Member Spotlight series to share candid conversations with leaders from our community and distill their experience into practical lessons for companies considering U.S. expansion.

The series reflects an important part of our role: helping members learn from one another.

Andreas Dirnagl | Head of Healthcare Strategy, DNB

Nordic life sciences companies rarely fail because of their science. Challenges more often emerge around scale, culture, and reimbursement, areas where the right local expertise can make a difference. His advice: leave “Nordic nice” at the door and invest in local knowledge early.
Thank you to DNB, a valued Platinum member.

Ambassador Jarmo Sareva | Consul General of Finland in New York

Finnish companies rarely lose because of their products. What often separates those that break through is how they sell them. Storytelling matters more than a list of specifications.

Alexander Ehrnrooth | Chairman, FACC-NY

FACC-NY is building the infrastructure that helps Finnish companies succeed across the United States, as a national platform and an institution designed to outlast individuals.

Jussi Taipale | Partner, PwC U.S.

Treat the U.S. as a second home market, not an export market. Success requires commitment, local leadership, adaptation, and patience. For companies willing to make that investment, the opportunity is real.

For Finnish companies entering the U.S., the choice between building, partnering, or buying matters less than knowing exactly which capability is missing. Acquisition makes sense once demand is validated and the integration plan is clear.

We look forward to sharing more Member Spotlights from our community in the months ahead. If you would be open to an interview, please reach out.

Team FACC-NY
Welcome, Oskari Vuorio

We were pleased to welcome Oskari to the team as an Associate this fall. He is contributing to our member platform, business development, and community engagement.

Oskari recently graduated from Dartmouth College, where he majored in Economics and played NCAA Division I ice hockey. He is continuing his Finance studies at Aalto University.

Thank You to Our Summer Associates

At the end of July, we said goodbye to Daniel Kim, Olli Paasonen, and Maximilian Willott. During their time with us, they advanced our Market Entry Resource Platform, launched our interview and content series, and helped bring nearly 80 years of FACC-NY history to life through our anniversary trailer, including research in the archives at Sullivan & Worcester.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Join Us This Fall

The New Leadership Equation: Influence, Trust & Impact
Thursday, November 5 | 9:00–11:30 AM
Scandinavia House, New York

Our Women’s Leadership Program brings together four exceptional leaders from investment, luxury, technology, and entrepreneurship for a conversation about what makes leadership effective today.

A title gives you authority, but it does not guarantee influence. Expertise gives you credibility, but it does not automatically create trust. So what actually makes leadership work?

Featuring:

• Matilde Segarra, CEO, APG Asset Management Americas
• Bonnie Abraham, CEO, Akris Americas
• Emily Stern, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
• Åsa Tamsons, Head of Business Area Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Ericsson
• Moderated by Jutta Guiati, Executive Coach

Register here: https://luma.com/faccny-wlc

Save the date: Pan-Nordic Pikkujoulut
Thursday, December 10 | 6:00–8:00 PM
FACC-NY offices, 250 W 55th Street, New York

We look forward to bringing our Nordic community together for a festive end-of-year gathering. Further details will follow.

Coming Soon: FACC-NY Market Pulse

We’ll soon be sending members a short Market Pulse survey to capture business sentiment, U.S. growth ambitions, investment conditions, and barriers to doing business in America. Your input will help shape FACC-NY’s market-entry programs, investor and customer connections, and CEO & C-suite roundtables. Please take a few minutes to participate and a lucky respondent will win a pair of Fiskars scissors each month!

Thank You for Building with Us

We are grateful for the strength of our community and the willingness of so many people to contribute their time, expertise, relationships, and ideas.

FACC-NY’s future will be shaped by the connections we build and the value we create together over time. Our ambition is not only to bring people into the same room, but to help turn those connections into knowledge, partnerships, and new opportunities.

Thank you to our members, sponsors, partners, Board and Advisory Board, Team Finland, the Consulate General of Finland in New York, and our dedicated team for an extraordinary quarter.

We are building platforms that are both helpful and purposeful, and we look forward to continuing that work with you.

Warm wishes,
Team FACC-NY

What does it take for a Finnish company to build a lasting presence in the United States?

In this Member Spotlight, Jussi Taipale, Partner, Deals, PwC US, draws on 25 years in mergers and acquisitions, the last twelve in New York, to share practical lessons on entering and expanding in the American market.

His central point is that the route matters far less than the preparation behind it. The companies that struggle, he says, are rarely those that picked the wrong path, but those that picked one before knowing what they needed.

The conversation explores when an acquisition is worth its price, what American buyers and investors value in Finnish companies, which assumptions about the U.S. market prove most expensive, and what buyers now ask about AI.

Concluding with his case for treating the United States not as an export market but as a second home market, this spotlight offers a practical guide for companies planning U.S. growth.

Read the full Member Spotlight here: Member-Spotlight-4.pdf