During the second part of the program, the startup entrepreneurs discussed strategy with Tapio Peltonen (standing in the middle) from Entrepreneurship Exchange. 

EnergySpin, the accelerator for energy-sector startups, is now in full swing. During its Go to Market phase, the startups involved in the accelerator visited the EnergySpin partner companies, Wärtsilä and The Switch.

At Wärtsilä, the startup entrepreneurs took a tour of the engine factory and had the opportunity to talk to the company’s key persons.

“The visit was an amazing experience and gave me fantastic insights. Although we are a startup company, we can learn from many of Wärtsilä’s operating procedures and follow in its footsteps in order to better access the market,” says Rainer Rönnback, Marketing Director of Jukolux.

The startup entrepreneurs also enjoyed their visit to The Switch.

“In the eyes of startup entrepreneurs, The Switch has had an exceptionally interesting history. They have had great success in creating their brand, which has brought them many benefits,” says Rönnback.

During this second phase, the participants of the accelerator also met Taneli Tikka from Tieto and discussed digitisation and future scenarios with him.

“It was a real eye-opener to reflect on how the business world may have changed ten years from now,” Rönnback says.

Insights for the entrepreneurs’ own businesses

As well as company visits, the second phase has focused on what is required of sales and marketing in the modern world. According to EnergySpin Key Account Manager Marko Kuokkanen, it is important for startup entrepreneurs to understand the need or problem their company’s product or service solves.

“The beginning is always the most challenging part of entering a market. After you’ve made your first deal, you must know how to make good use of the reference gained from it,” Kuokkanen explains.

Rönnback has found the activities he has engaged in during EnergySpin extremely rewarding.
“The best part is getting advice and encouragement from professionals. The accelerator provides you with new insights every day which you can apply to your own business,” he says.

The third and final phase of the EnergySpin begins on the 21st November. The accelerator will culminate in Slush in Helsinki, one of Europe’s leading startup events. Slush provides startups with an opportunity to present their business ideas and meet potential investors.