Lifting off
Born in a barn in Finland, Kelluu is redefining how humanity observes the planet.
For Jiri Jormakka, cofounder and head of sales,
their northern roots are a strength.
“Our airships complement existing methods like drones, helicopters and satellites, but we bring something none of them can: precise, continuous and scalable coverage of vast areas. They don’t just float, they move tirelessly across the skies, staying aloft for long durations and collecting the kind of high-resolution data the world needs. If we can fly in arctic conditions, we can fly anywhere.
Our customers include cities, public parties, mining companies and power providers, organisations that need precise, continuous insights about the world below. At the same time, we are among the select few in the NATO DIANA accelerator, applying our technology to defence and security. And looking ahead, we’re building the capability to scan entire nations every year, creating a digital twin of the Earth. That kind of data will transform how we fight climate change, manage resources and secure our societies.
I focus on sales and strategy, driving the vision forward. We started in 2018 with nothing but an idea in a barn, and now we are 50 people strong, moving fast and scaling globally. The way I see it, this isn’t just a company, it’s a mission. And I’m in the game for as long as it takes.”
Leading with empathy
Fadumo Ali, CEO of Hoiwa, is using automation to solve inefficiency — while building a legacy rooted in empathy.
“I am a problem solver and when I feel something is worth the leap, I go for it. You cannot achieve great things without taking risks.
Hoiwa started as a staffing agency to help fill the shortage of healthcare professionals. In 2024, we shifted our focus. Now, we tackle inefficiency in organisations by using our AI-powered software to automate everything that can be automated.
Achieving goals feels good, but the real lessons come from the journey. Shifting from the original business idea to plan B was challenging, but my family, especially my brothers and my close friends, stood by me and the company, helping us grow and pushing us forward.
My goal is to build multiple companies and leave a legacy in the business world. I want to be a role model for the next generation and show that you can lead with empathy and do things your own way.”
Trust as strategy
As the cofounder of SelfHack, Lalin Keyvan wants to turn cybersecurity from a burden into a strategic advantage.
“I studied architecture, but I’ve always been drawn to invisible structures. Today, that means digital. In May 2024, we founded SelfHack to tackle a costly and recurring problem: cyber attacks.
We help businesses identify their vulnerabilities before hackers do. Regulations like GDPR require regular penetration testing, but it’s often expensive and time-consuming. We use AI to automate the process, making it faster, more affordable and more effective. I translate complex security technology into a clear, user-friendly product.
I am originally from Türkiye, but I came to Finland inspired by its reputation for happiness and equality.
The country has strong gender equality and a growing startup community that supports people doing meaningful work, no matter where they come from.
Our goal is a mindset shift: cybersecurity shouldn’t just be a legal burden. It should be a strategic advantage, an invisible layer of trust.”
The power of play
Ansu Lönnberg is cofounder of Mainframe Industries. Starting a game company in Finland gives the team confidence, she says.
“Mainframe Industries was founded in Finland in 2019 when Icelandic game veterans, Reynir Harðarson, Thor Gunnarsson and Kjartan Emilsson turned to their network here to find experienced game developers to make reality of their vision for a Social Sandbox MMO game. They also needed someone to start and run the company – I was introduced for this role and got the part.
That’s how this industry works: people use their international networks to help new teams get started. This is my fourth startup, but the first where I’m a cofounder.
We launched the early access version of Pax Dei in June 2024. It is a beautiful landscape set in a medieval fantasy world where players gather resources, build, explore, defeat enemies and most importantly form meaningful relationships. Together players are able to defeat enemies and build cities. The social aspect is everything. You can quit a game, but you don’t quit your friends.
Doing this in Finland gives us confidence. We have successful role models to look up to. Normally, games of this scale are built by hundreds of people. We’re just around 50, so we work smart. The industry support is incredible, whether you fail or succeed. If you fail, you take a breather and then build something new. Hopefully, we’ll be one of the great success stories others will look up to.”
Text: Laura Iisalo, ThisisFINLAND Magazine
Photography: Outi Törmälä
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