The 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit brought together international companies, U.S. governors, and senior government officials to explore investment opportunities across some of the most dynamic sectors of the American economy, from advanced manufacturing and semiconductors to AI, energy, and critical minerals. For the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce New York (FACC-NY), it was a few days to remember.
The Summit opened with industry spotlights, expert panels on U.S. market entry, and a Welcome Reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, before advancing into high-level plenary sessions featuring U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, state governors, and senior federal officials.
The program brought together global business leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers to explore emerging opportunities across semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and critical minerals, concluding with State and Local Night in the Exhibition Hall, celebrating both the investment commitments forged throughout the week and America’s approaching 250th anniversary.
A Record-Breaking Finnish Delegation
FACC-NY was proud to join what proved to be the largest Finnish delegation in SelectUSA history, a testament to the growing ambition of Finnish companies looking to scale in the United States. Alongside our member companies Dinolift, VILPE USA, Betolar, and Wärtsilä, the delegation included Bluefors, IQM Quantum Computers, SharpCell, BOScs, and BALANUS, representing a remarkable breadth of innovation across industries.
We were especially honoured to meet Finland’s Ambassador to the United States, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce David L. Fogel. Their engagement was a meaningful reminder of the strength and depth of the transatlantic partnership between Finland and the United States — and of the very real institutional support that backs Finnish companies on their journey to the American market.
What VCs Are Really Looking For
One of the highlights of the Summit was a panel conversation moderated by David L. Fogel, featuring Anastasia Lykova Allan of Elpis Labs and Consuelo Valverde of Endurance28. The conversation was candid and instructive. The panel’s central message: venture capitalists bet on founders first. The right team, a U.S.-compatible structure, and a clear exit strategy matter more than the product itself.
Equally important, capital is not equal. Founders must conduct their own due diligence on investors — asking not just about the check, but about the networks, expertise, and strategic value an investor truly brings. And when it comes to failure, the panel was clear: most startups don’t fail because of the market. They fail because of co-founder conflict and ego. Pattern-breaking founders who make disciplined decisions under pressure are ultimately what investors are looking for.
The Long Game in the American Market
One data point from the Summit stayed with us: on average, it takes a European company approximately three years after establishing a U.S. presence to surpass its European sales figures. The American market rewards long-term commitment. Events like SelectUSA are a productive and well-structured way to begin that journey — building the relationships, knowledge, and credibility that compound over time.
A sincere thank you to our delegation hosts Terri Tyminski, Tiina Ketelä-Juvonen, and Stephanie Rothman for an exceptionally well-organised and valuable few days. The connections forged at SelectUSA will continue to drive real investment and lasting partnerships between Finland and the United States.
We look forward to supporting our member companies every step of the way.