Redstone: Why we chose Tampere - A city built for builders
When we set out to build a new kind of accelerator — we knew location would matter. The right city shapes the type of founders you attract, the kind of companies that grow, and the kind of ecosystem that forms around them.
That city, for us, is Tampere.
Tampere is ranked #3 in Finland's startup ecosystem (per StartupBlink) — a rare feat for a non-capital city. It's a city that doesn't chase trends but builds on things that last. It's a place where startups, researchers, and investors meet as peers and innovation grows from collaboration rather than competition.
Tampere — where universities meet the real world
Tampere's startup ecosystem has been growing steadily around Platform6 — the city's dedicated startup hub. Here, universities, founders, and public organisations work together to turn research and ideas into companies. For 10 years, Tampere has ranked first in the "Student Cities" survey in Finland.
The City of Tampere's renewed startup strategy puts growth, innovation, and internationalisation at its core — building bridges between academia, entrepreneurship, and investment. It's a model that aligns strongly with Redstone's belief that ecosystems thrive when knowledge and capital move together.
In fact, university research–industry–investment collaboration shows that successful ecosystems don't happen by accident. They're built on clear objectives, proactive trust-building, and open communication — all supported by strong policy frameworks and a shared sense of purpose. Barriers inevitably appear, but they can be overcome through governance, targeted funding, and gradual expansion of collaboration scope. Tampere exemplifies these principles. The city's ecosystem blends academia, entrepreneurship, and investment in a way that feels both intentional and inclusive — and the results are already visible in the growing number of startups.
Accelerating growth from Tampere to the world
At the centre of this collaboration is the Startup.Tampere Accelerator backed by Redstone — a continuous, open-enrolment program designed to move startups from local promise to global growth. The accelerator offers tailored strategy sessions, business coaching, investor introductions, and practical, hands-on support.
Founders gain direct access to Redstone's international network of 500+ institutional investors and 70+ corporate partners, as well as FiBAN — Europe's largest angel ecosystem with more than 600 business angels — wide VC and partner network. The program operates from Platform6, where founders can meet Redstone's local manager in person for ongoing guidance and introductions. Coaching is delivered in a hybrid format, combining local, face-to-face sessions with virtual mentoring and investor connections across Europe — ensuring founders stay rooted in Tampere's community while tapping into global opportunities.
Built in Tampere, growing everywhere
What drew us to Tampere wasn't just its great quality of life — the city regularly tops Finland's most attractive city lists — but the way that same livability fuels ambition, collaboration, and growth. Behind it stand strong universities, a proactive city government, and a startup community that builds together.
Tampere's renewal of its startup services, and its partnership with Redstone Nordics, reflects a shared vision to make Tampere one of the most founder-friendly cities in Northern Europe. From this base, we're helping founders sharpen their business models, connect with investors, and scale internationally.
If you're building something bold and want to grow faster — with real coaching, investor access, and a community that has your back — the Startup.Tampere Accelerator backed by Redstone is open for applications year-round.
👉 Apply now and be part of Tampere's most founder-friendly ecosystem.