NBSCALE

Results

Context

Only 2–4% of startups in the Central Baltic area evolve into scaleups. This statistic highlights a key challenge for many entrepreneurs: scaling their business. The path to scaling is often elusive due to the lack of know-how, resources, and networks, especially when it comes to expanding into foreign markets. The first international step is often the most difficult one, but it’s crucial for the growth of any startup.The challenges are rather similar in the whole area. We set out to tackle this challenge through the Northbound Scaleups (NBSCALE) project. The three partnering countries —Finland, Estonia, and Sweden—are highly innovative but face limited domestic market opportunities. To grow, the companies must expand internationally.

Peer group learning is valuable for scale-ups but challenging to implement in individual programs. By forming larger cross-border cohorts, we can better support scale-ups across the Central baltic area. Beyond sharing methods and expertise, joint cooperation enhances market knowledge, expands networks, and strengthens access to key markets. Acting as bridgeheads, we can leverage our existing international connections, creating long-term value for both partner organizations and participating scale-ups.

Our international team organised three dynamic rounds, including expert-led workshops, mentoring, coaching, founder-to-founder support, network building, and market discovery trips.

Solution

The NBSCALE program supported 44 ambitious companies through a comprehensive approach that included expert-led workshops, mentoring, coaching, founder-to-founder support, network building, and market discovery trips. Each startup received personalized coaching and access to a network of 150 expert mentors. Peer collaboration allowed participants to learn from each other’s challenges and successes and effective online collaboration tools ensured efficient communication and seamless resource sharing.

By providing these resources, the program created an international growth platform designed to tackle the common barriers to international expansion that most startups face in the Central Baltic area. The program began with key topics such as the principles of growth, team performance and productivity, evaluating target markets and competitors, and strategies for successful market entry. Companies moved on to market validation, exploring product-market fit and refining their business models through customer engagement. Scaling strategies were tested and launch plans evaluated in Scaling Labs, and investor pitches presented in front of the investor feedback panel. Finally, Market Discovery Missions across various European countries generated valuable leads, helping companies secure partnerships and attract customers in their target markets.

Impact

This structured cross-border approach ensured the success of the program, enabling companies to build a strong foundation for international growth and secure valuable investor connections. In the target regions, expertise in supporting business scalability and identifying the right contacts has been enhanced. The growth of companies translates into increased employment, economic growth, and improved well-being in these regions, both during the project duration and in the long term.The participating companies have been very satisfied with the implementation of the program, and most of them have reached scaleup status. They are already employing more people both in their regions and internationally.The investors, pro bonos, and other experts have gained valuable contacts and investment opportunities. Other business support organizations have learned a lot about running a scaleup program.