We support startups in pretty much anything related to early-stage. Whether it is realizing your idea, developing and launching your product, gaining traction, scaling your business, or specific topics like legal, fundraising, hiring, marketing, or sales, we got you covered.

- We take zero equity and our programs are free of charge.

- We embrace the "from founder to founder" mentality. We make sure that the ones helping our startups have actually founded successful companies themselves.

- We are well-connected. Our broad network consists of entrepreneurs, investors, clients, students, and all the relevant players in the Finnish startup ecosystem.

- We have a unique position in the scene. Unlike many accelerators and VCs, Kiuas supports founders in their most earliest stages, and in all industries.

- The level of the programs is always aiming for the stars. We carefully pick all our coaches and partners and the programs are constantly developed.

- Kiuas is founded and ran by students.

Not directly from us - however, Kiuas has a broad network of both VCs and angel investors whom our startups can easily get to meet during our programs.

We also help our startups with figuring out the fundraising fundamentals and preparing for future funding rounds.

We believe that it is the best for our startups to keep the programs non-equity and free of charge. Furthermore, our operating bases heavily on the giving back mentality - e.g. our coaches are all involved completely pro bono.

We are supported by our partners and public organizations.

Kiuas was founded in 2017 on the legacy of Summer of Startups, which has been organized by Aaltoes since 2010. In late 2018, Kiuas started operating independently.

Our core team consists of 3 people. The startups are supported by our coaches, some of which are highlighted here.

We are always open to having a chat, so shoot us a message!

Kiuas (in English: a stove) is a central and key part of a Sauna. Kiuas is the furnace that generates the heat. It makes the Sauna hot.

Our programs are meant for early-stage startups and teams from all industries. Most of our companies are based in Finland but we may accept foreign startups into our programs as well.

If you have trouble figuring out if you should apply to Kiuas, shoot us a message and let’s have a chat! Even if applying is not relevant for you at the moment, we are always eager to meet new founders and see if we can help in some way.

Prior to each program, we run a 1-2 month long application period. During this time, startups can apply online and get selected for interviews determining which teams will be chosen. On average, 20% of the applicants will proceed to the interviews and 50% of the interviewed teams get accepted to the program.

- In Start, the focus is on validating your idea, developing the product, and securing your first customers. We don’t require an established company nor you being full-time on your startup yet. No idea is too early if you’re committed to put in the hours to take it forward!

- In Accelerator, the focus is on further topics such as product-market-fit, sales, growth, marketing, scaling up, and fundraising. We also help the startups to gain visibility by utilizing our channels and getting them to pitch at the Demo Day. At least one of the founders should be working full-time.

Having trouble to decide which is the right program for you? Please apply anyways. You can also shoot us a message and we can together discuss which one suits you better.

We typically choose 15-20 teams for each batch of Start and Accelerator.

Yes! In that case, make sure you're capable of taking the first steps yourself while not missing any crucial parts of your team (e.g. a technical person).

Yes! Kiuas Start alumni often proceed to the Accelerator program. However, a normal application procedure is always required.

Our programs take place in the Startup Sauna co-working space in Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland. Startup Sauna is open for everyone and you are always welcome to drop by! We share the space with Aaltoes, Junction & Startuplifers and a handful of startups.
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You can find more info about the space here.

In Start, the program is organized during evenings and weekends. In Accelerator, the program is organized in varied schedules, but mostly on weekdays and inside normal working hours. In both programs, there are roughly 2-3 active program days each week consisting of 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, keynotes, weekly meetings, etc.

In general, the programs are intensive but there is plenty of time to work on your company as well.

Yes. Once the program starts, at least one member from the founding team should be located in Finland (preferably in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area)

Yes! The Startup Sauna co-working space is open to everyone and you can stay there as long as you want. We are also able to offer office rooms for a very reasonable price.

Read more about what happens after the program below!

We support our alumni in various ways. We are always eager to help and will stay regularly in touch - whether it’s an intro to a client or an investor, looking for more people to join your team, or just wanting to test new ideas with someone, we got you!