HANKEN VENTURE STUDIO

dare to build a culture where we are not afraid to conquer the world. Helsinki is a wonderful city, but it is still a minor market for us in relation to the world. We are now also focusing on Spain as we already have some contacts there, via Business Finland's Tempo funding."

In what way has Hanken Venture Studio helped you?

Sebastian: "This space has always been a safe place, even when only Hanken Business Lab was here. Venture Studio is a great forum to pitch your ideas and the community here is incredible. As an entrepreneur, it can feel empty and lonely, but at Venture Studio you are inspired and can inspire.”

Lahjakamu

Siru Alakangas, digital developer

Tell me, what does the company do?

"Lahjakamu, which was founded in July 2022 and launched in Spring 2023, is a completely new kind of digital gift card service. You can easily send funny and personalized gift cards, for example by adding your own picture or video. Lahjakamu also collects gift cards from different companies in one place, where they are easy to buy. The idea is to remember our loved ones more, and by customising the gift card, you can express your feelings in a more unique way. A digital gift card is also a responsible choice. In addition to the founder Jarno Kinase, the company has two interns, me and a marketing coordinator."

What are Lahjakamu's biggest successes so far?

"We have developed in several areas, for example in understanding customer needs and managing resources and processes. We have tested the service with user interviews, mapped what Lahjakamu would be used for and who would use it. This has been a great achievement for us. Our typical customer is 40-50 years old who wants to give a gift card at a graduation party, for example.”

What has been the most challenging part?

"Finding the first customers and identifying the right customer segment. And naturally, there are some challenges for a startup with little resources available. You have to prioritise and think about what is worth doing now that will benefit the company in the future."

What are your plans for Lahjakamu?

"We are looking for new partner companies and our team would also need reinforcement. We would like to recruit more sales and marketing students."

What advice would you give to those wishing to start a business?

Robin: "Focus on the knowledge within the team. Preferably don't start the company with your best friend, but look for people with skills you lack to join the team. Dare to ask for help.”

Sebastian: "I say like Petter Stordalen: ‘it's good to know what you know but better to know what you don't know’. It's easy to get obsessed with your idea but prepare for your business plan to change many times along the way.”

In what way has Hanken Venture Studio helped you?

"It helped us define the customers through buyer personas. We have learned to outline the most important development stages of the company. Venture Studio is a really nice community with a lot of interesting people. It’s a positive environment and it’s always nice to come and work here.”

What advice would you give to those wishing to start a business?

"It’s important to think of the smallest possible model that can be used to test the idea. Test boldly and as quickly as possible because testing helps put the idea into practice – it doesn´t have to be ready right away." 