Coaching programme for technology startups
Tech2Scale provides support for the scalable growth of technology companies and early-stage ideas with potential for international business. The project focuses on technology commercialisation, team development, and building a credible and scalable business model. The aim is to guide companies systematically towards stronger investment readiness.
This coaching program is specifically designed for tech entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or products ready for market validation. Also, for startup founders seeking systematic approaches to growth and funding, and for product developers needing to bridge the gap between creation and commercialization. If you are a business owner planning strategic expansion into new markets or innovation team looking to launch new venture, we highly recommend you to attend.
Find out more about the content and modules of the coaching programme below.
The project is funded by the Regional Council of South Karelia, and it is financed as part of the European Regional Development Fund.
Module 1: Market Research and Customer Insight
The module strengthens a company’s market and customer understanding and builds a foundation for demand-driven product development. The content covers defining the ideal customer, analysing the competitive landscape, and validating demand before execution. It also addresses the systematic collection and use of customer feedback so that insights directly inform product and offering development. In addition, the module explores early-stage customer acquisition and relationship building, including co-development approaches and targeted niche segments. The objective is to support the company in assessing and improving product–market–customer fit.
Date: 11 Feb 2026, 15:00–18:00
Module 2: Business Model and Corporate Structure
The module develops the company’s business model and corporate structure to support scalable, long-term growth. It covers the key principles of limited liability company governance, including the timing of incorporation, agreed ways of working among founders, and growth-ready contractual and decision-making structures. The module also addresses building strategic partnerships: how to identify the right partners, negotiate with clear objectives, and manage partnerships to accelerate growth. From a scaling perspective, it explores pathways to international markets and how to build operating models that enable controlled and repeatable growth. Long-term sustainability and ESG considerations are also integrated as part of business development.
Date: 11 Mar 2026, 15:00–18:00
Module 3: Growth and Brand
The module focuses on strengthening the prerequisites for growth through branding and marketing. It covers the development of a brand strategy: how to define a clear and differentiated positioning that supports the company’s objectives and resonates with target customers. The module also addresses marketing planning and the use of digital channels so that visibility and customer engagement are directed to the right audiences and generate measurable results. In addition, it explores company culture from a brand perspective—how the brand provides a shared direction and supports day-to-day operations, recruitment, and growth leadership.
Date: 31 Mar 2026, 15:00–18:00
Module 4: Legal Matters and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
The module covers the key areas of business law and intellectual property that enable a company to protect its innovations and operate in the market in a controlled manner. The content includes IP strategy and legal foundations, such as protection options for inventions (e.g., patents), appropriate timing for protection, and the principles of freedom-to-operate analysis. The module also focuses on contract management: how to structure clear agreements that safeguard the company’s interests in development partnerships, licensing arrangements, and supplier and partner relationships. The objective is to strengthen the company’s ability to identify legal risks, mitigate them proactively, and support commercialisation.
Date: 04/2026 (to be confirmed)
Module 5: Ownership Strategy, Financing and Investment Readiness
The module strengthens the company’s ownership and financing capabilities to support growth. It covers the key elements of ownership strategy, including developing board work and decision-making structures, managing the ownership base and cap table, and the principles related to equity arrangements and funding rounds. The module also addresses financing strategy: how different funding sources (including angel investors, venture capital, and non-dilutive public funding) can be aligned with the company’s stage and objectives, and how to build a fit-for-purpose overall financing plan. The final part focuses on investment readiness, including developing the pitch and presentation materials, strengthening due diligence preparedness, and substantiating value creation and valuation.
Date: 6 May 2026, 15:00–18:00