Startup Founder

Location: Helsinki, Finland (Hybrid)

Type: Founder Role / Voluntary (Not an employment relationship)

Hours: 0 to 37.5 hours per week

Compensation: Unpaid

Eligibility: You must be based in Finland and willing to build your own startup, project, or portfolio.

About GroundUp

GroundUp is a non-profit community created to support aspiring entrepreneurs, founders, and startup builders across Finland. Founded in 2025, our mission is simple: Help people turn ideas into real startups through community, knowledge, and shared ambition.

We run free in-person events in Helsinki, including:

• Co-founder matchmaking
• Founder stories and talks
• Skill-building workshops
• Personal development sessions

Our partners include SpeedZone.fi, freeCodeCamp.org, and more on the way.

Role: Startup Founder

GroundUp is seeking motivated individuals who want to explore entrepreneurship and develop their own startup idea or project. This is not an employment position. Instead, it is a community-based founder development program where participants work on their own initiatives while receiving access to events, resources, and peer learning opportunities.

Participants may also choose to contribute to community activities, such as supporting group projects or sharing knowledge with other aspiring builders.

Startup Launch Package (1 Year Free Tools to Build Startup)

Accepted founders will receive a free 1-year hosting and domain package to kickstart their new startup sponsored by SpeedZone.fi.

Included for Free:

• 1 Free .FI Domain
• Free Web Hosting
• 3 Professional Email Addresses
• Developer-Friendly Platform (WordPress + AI)
• 20 GB Fast SSD Storage
• MariaDB Database
• Node.js Support
• Comprehensive Documentation
• Quarterly Workshops

This package is entirely free for your first year as a founder in our community.

What You’ll Do as a Founder

• Build and launch your own startup, idea, or tech project
• Join GroundUp events to find co-founders, teammates, or early supporters
• Participate in workshops covering tech, business, and personal growth
• Collaborate with other founders and share insights
• (Optional) Engage as a mentor or helper with community coding sessions or developer group

You decide the direction of your startup and GroundUp helps you get there.

Requirements

• Based in Finland
• Strong interest in building your own startup
• Curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset
• Willingness to learn and collaborate with others
• Able to attend some in-person sessions in Helsinki
• English proficiency

Nice to Have:

• Experience in tech, design, marketing, or product
• Portfolio, GitHub, or previous personal projects
• Interest in teaching or mentoring
• Understanding of startup culture

Why Join as a Founder?

• Access to Finland’s New Startup Community
• Startup Launch Package (1-year free domain, hosting, DB, emails, etc.)
• Find Co-Founders & Build Your Team
• Weekly & Monthly Events in Helsinki
• Networking with Builders, Designers & Developers
• Hands-On Workshops & Growth Sessions
• Support from Non-Profit Organization GroundUp
• Zero Equity – Your Startup Is 100% Yours

How to Apply

Submit your application through LinkedIn Easy Apply with:

• CV or Resume
• Optional: Portfolio or GitHub

Links:

• https://www.groundup.fi/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundupfi/
• https://www.meetup.com/groundupfi/

GroundUp – Growing Startups Together