VTT as an investor

VTT Holding Ltd is the investment arm of VTT. We transform breakthrough intellectual property rights into scalable, impact-driven companies. Deeply rooted in VTT’s entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem, we support startups from lab to market and beyond.

Long-term investor strategically aligned with venture capital investors

VTT Holding operates under an evergreen investment model. Returns from successful exits are selectively reinvested with pro-rata into the most promising ventures built on VTT technology inside.

As a trusted partner for entrepreneurial scientists and aligned co-investor for VC investors, we stay committed throughout the full company journey - from the initial idea and company formation to international growth and exit.

VTT’s initial investment typically consists of intellectual property as an in-kind contribution, while external investors contribute capital and venture-building expertise. A strong founding team, a clear ownership structure, and a well-designed cap table with committed shareholders are critical for future funding rounds. VTT Holding does selective pro-rata follow-on investments to its portfolio companies.

VTT startup portfolio

VTT startups are companies supported by VTT through the utilization or contribution of VTT’s technology, operating via tech transfer agreements, or companies in which VTT has invested in exchange of shares.

Since 2019, VTT has made all investments and managed them through VTT Holding Ltd. Prior to that, investments were made by VTT Ventures Ltd.

VTT Holding portfolio

  • Carbonaide Oy
    Carbonization technology for the precast concrete industry, 2022
  • Thermal Channel Technologies Oy
    Thermal management solutions for high-power electronics applications, 2021
  • Volare Oy
    Protein, oil and fertilizers from food industry side streams, 2021
  • eniferBio Oy
    Protein from circular economy by-products, 2020
  • Kuva Space Oy
    Hyperspectral satellite constellation and advanced AI-based analytics, 2016
  • BioMensio Oy
    Multianalyte handheld detection for bioanalytics, 2015
  • Desentum Oy
    Allergy immunotherapy, 2011

VTT Ventures portfolio throughout time

  • Solar Foods Oy
    Protein out of thin air, 2017
  • Infinited Fiber Company Oy
    Circular textile fiber, 2016
  • Quanturi Oy
    Monitoring and data analysis solutions for fermentable materials, 2016
  • Minima Processor Oy,
    Sub-threshold low-energy processor design, 2016
  • Dispelix Oy
    See-through technology for smart eyewear, 2015
  • Paptic Oy
    New material replacing paper and plastic, 2015
  • Spinnova Oyj
    Technology for producing textile fibre from wood, pulp, or waste, 2014
  • Spectral Engines Oy
    Near Infrared spectroscopy technology for measurements, 2014
  • Combinostics Oy
    Data-driven diagnostics, 2014
  • GrainSense Oy
    Grain nutrient measurement, 2014
  • Helmee Imaging Oy
    Automated optical inspection, 2013
  • Posterfy Oy,
    Interactive display solutions, 2013
  • The Active Paper Company Oy,
    Paper-based printed diagnostics, 2013
  • Asqella Oy
    Stand-off screening for physical security, 2011
  • LightTherm Oy,
    Thermal management solutions for led applications, 2011
  • TactoTek Oy
    Injection molded structural electronics, 2011
  • Adfore Technologies Oy
    Data-driven services, 2009
  • Hookie Technologies Oy,
    Digital solutions driving physical activity, 2009
  • MediSapiens Oy,
    Analysis tools for precision medicine, 2009
  • Awanic Oy
    Database-driven solutions for quality and safety management, 2008
  • Tori Innovations Oy,
    Social innovation platform, 2008
  • Envault Corporation Oy,
    Helps to protect confidential data against leaks, 2007
  • Global EcoSolutions Oy
    Integrated solutions for ecological urban units and districts, 2007
  • Nicanti Oy,
    Printed electronics for authentication and tracking, 2007
  • PlexPress Oy,
    High-content gene expression analysis, 2007
  • Voxstone Oy
    Advanced gas sensing technologies, 2007

  • Aivon Oy
    Electronics and mechanics for cryogenic environments, 2006

  • FocalSpec Oy
    Optical sensors for measurements in factory production, 2006
  • SoluCel Oy,
    Technology for plant-derived pharmaceuticals, 2006
  • Vergo Oy,
    Organize and combine business network information, 2006
  • Zora Biosciences Oy
    Clinical diagnostics development, 2006
  • Iscent Oy
    Nanoscale optical effects on plastic and paper, 2002
  • HR-Nugat Oy
    Waste treatment solutions, 1995

Investment activities

VTT’s technology transfer to a startup is built on rigorous applied research with the potential to create impact. VTT’s in-kind investment model accelerates the journey of deep tech toward the market. The VTT investment team works in close collaboration with VTT LaunchPad, which incubates all VTT startup projects.

VTT’s technology is transferred as an in-kind investment in exchange of preferred shares. These investments are carried out in venture capital investment rounds where VTT Holding Ltd participates as a co-investor. The intellectual property to be transferred is valued neutrally by external experts.

VTT’s technology can also be transferred as in-kind investments to other than VTT LaunchPad originated companies with the same criteria and process.

 

Rigorous evaluation and founder commitment

Before making an in-kind investment, VTT conducts a thorough and structured due diligence process to ensure:

  • The founding team is committed, capable and positioned to build and scale a high-growth company.
  • The business plan demonstrates clear market potential, a credible go-to-market strategy, and a robust financial plan.
  • Key risks are proactively identified, assessed and effectively managed.
  • The company aligns with VTT’s values and long-term impact goals.
For entrepreneurial teams

You bring the ambition. We bring the platform.

If you are an entrepreneurial team looking to build a company based on breakthrough technology, VTT offers:

  • Access to world-class research and protected IP.
  • Structured support from idea to company formation through the VTT LaunchPad program.
  • A long-term, aligned shareholder committed beyond the early stages.
  • A trusted environment to build deep-tech companies with global impact.

We partner with founders who are ready to turn science into scalable businesses.

To explore this further, please contact Pauli Laitinen.

For investors

A trusted gateway to high-quality deep-tech opportunities.

VTT Holding offers co-investors:

  • Early access to rigorously validated deep-tech startups.
  • Opportunities built on VTT’s globally recognized research and IP.
  • A disciplined venture creation process and strong founder teams.
  • An aligned, long-term co-investor with an evergreen mandate.

We invest alongside partners who bring capital, expertise, and ambition to build category-defining companies.

Contact us

Pauli Laitinen
Pauli Laitinen
Manager, In-kind Investments

Pauli is responsible for evaluating, advancing, and executing VTT’s IPR investment opportunities. He also supports VTT LaunchPad incubation teams by ensuring that VTT’s technology and intellectual property are successfully transferred for commercialization through VTT startups.

Timo Rossi
Timo Rossi
Investment Manager

Timo evaluates investment opportunities and leads the structuring, negotiation, and execution of VTT Holding’s in-kind investments together with Pauli Laitinen. He oversees the day-to-day portfolio management of VTT Holding. He works closely with incubation teams to ensure VC-investment readiness. Timo brings over 20 years of global investment experience, having served as a fund manager globally and senior portfolio manager for high-net-worth and institutional investors.