Select USA Investment Summit 2026
The 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit brought together international companies, U.S. governors, and senior government officials to explore investment opportunities across some of the most dynamic sectors of the American economy, from advanced manufacturing and semiconductors to AI, energy, and critical minerals. For the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce New York (FACC-NY), it was a few days to remember.
The Summit opened with industry spotlights, expert panels on U.S. market entry, and a Welcome Reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, before advancing into high-level plenary sessions featuring U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, state governors, and senior federal officials.
The program brought together global business leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers to explore emerging opportunities across semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and critical minerals, concluding with State and Local Night in the Exhibition Hall, celebrating both the investment commitments forged throughout the week and America’s approaching 250th anniversary.
A Record-Breaking Finnish Delegation
FACC-NY was proud to join what proved to be the largest Finnish delegation in SelectUSA history, a testament to the growing ambition of Finnish companies looking to scale in the United States. Alongside our member companies Dinolift, VILPE USA, Betolar, and Wärtsilä, the delegation included Bluefors, IQM Quantum Computers, SharpCell, BOScs, and BALANUS, representing a remarkable breadth of innovation across industries.
We were especially honoured to meet Finland’s Ambassador to the United States, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce David L. Fogel. Their engagement was a meaningful reminder of the strength and depth of the transatlantic partnership between Finland and the United States — and of the very real institutional support that backs Finnish companies on their journey to the American market.
What VCs Are Really Looking For
One of the highlights of the Summit was a panel conversation moderated by David L. Fogel, featuring Anastasia Lykova Allan of Elpis Labs and Consuelo Valverde of Endurance28. The conversation was candid and instructive. The panel’s central message: venture capitalists bet on founders first. The right team, a U.S.-compatible structure, and a clear exit strategy matter more than the product itself.
Equally important, capital is not equal. Founders must conduct their own due diligence on investors — asking not just about the check, but about the networks, expertise, and strategic value an investor truly brings. And when it comes to failure, the panel was clear: most startups don’t fail because of the market. They fail because of co-founder conflict and ego. Pattern-breaking founders who make disciplined decisions under pressure are ultimately what investors are looking for.
The Long Game in the American Market
One data point from the Summit stayed with us: on average, it takes a European company approximately three years after establishing a U.S. presence to surpass its European sales figures. The American market rewards long-term commitment. Events like SelectUSA are a productive and well-structured way to begin that journey — building the relationships, knowledge, and credibility that compound over time.
A sincere thank you to our delegation hosts Terri Tyminski, Tiina Ketelä-Juvonen, and Stephanie Rothman for an exceptionally well-organised and valuable few days. The connections forged at SelectUSA will continue to drive real investment and lasting partnerships between Finland and the United States.
We look forward to supporting our member companies every step of the way.
Gender Equality as a Driver of Growth
Gender Equality as a Driver of Growth: Reflections from CSW70 Week
Each year, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women turns New York City into a global platform for dialogue, reflection, and action on gender equality. During this year’s CSW70 and Women’s UN Week, Nordic-led initiatives reinforced a clear message: gender equality is not only a societal priority, but a driver of growth, innovation, and resilience.
Gender Equality as a Strategic Imperative
During a SACC-NY breakfast, held in the context of events celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, leaders from business, government, and technology explored gender equality as a growth strategy. The panel concluded that the inclusion must be embedded as a core strategic process instead of a separate initiative. Companies that integrate diverse perspectives into decision-making are better positioned to navigate technological change, demographic shifts, and future labor shortages.
The discussion highlighted how Sweden’s long-standing policies, such as gender-neutral parental leave, accessible childcare, and transparency standards, have advanced both equality and economic competitiveness.
A key insight, shared by Moody’s, pointed to a clear correlation between stronger female representation on corporate boards and higher credit ratings. Diverse leadership contributes to better governance, stronger risk management, and improved long-term performance.
Across industries, from construction to technology, participants emphasized the importance of unlocking untapped talent. In the face of global labor shortages, increasing female participation is not only an inclusion effort but an economic necessity. As AI and digital systems continue to evolve, diverse teams are also essential to building fair and representative technologies.
The week concluded with a Pan Nordic gathering of women entrepreneurs, reflecting a shared ambition to build, innovate, and lead across borders.
Across all discussions, one theme stood out: gender equality must be embedded as a core strategic priority. Progress is driven by collaboration, and when diverse perspectives are brought to the table, the impact extends far beyond it.
Young Professionals After Hours
FACC-NY launched Young Professionals After Hours, marking the introduction of its new Young Professionals membership initiative in New York.
Held at Kabin in SoHo, the evening brought together Finns and friends of Finland aged 21–35 for relaxed conversation, light refreshments, and cross-industry connections. With no formal program, the focus was on building community and welcoming the next generation into the Finnish–U.S. business network.
The event sets the foundation for continued engagement and programming tailored to emerging Finnish–U.S. professionals.
Q4 Update: Celebrating Community, Collaboration & Momentum for 2026
Celebrating Community, Collaboration & Momentum for 2026
Dear FACC-NY Community,
As we look back on an inspiring and productive quarter, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every one of you—our members, partners, speakers, collaborators, and friends. Your energy, ideas, and engagement made this quarter truly impactful and strengthened our Finnish-American business community.
This quarter once again demonstrated the power of our shared mission: to strengthen transatlantic cooperation between Finland and the United States, elevate Finnish innovation and leadership in the U.S. market, and provide a trusted platform for dialogue, growth, and new opportunities across business, policy, and technology.
Through our events, forums, and conversations, FACC-NY continued to serve as a bridge—connecting Finnish companies, U.S. leaders, investors, policymakers, and experts at a time when global complexity, technological change, and geopolitical shifts demand deeper collaboration than ever before.
Whether you joined us at events, contributed your expertise, supported fellow members, or shared feedback that helped shape our programming, you played an essential role in building a vibrant, forward-looking community. Together, we are not only responding to change—we are helping shape what comes next.
As we close out the quarter we are pleased to share four key highlights from 2025:
- Your feedback from the fall event season
- Insights from our Executive Summit, From Caution to Courage: Finnish Companies and the Path to U.S. Growth
- Key takeaways from the FACC-NY Strategic Forum 2025, Connecting Finland and the US in Defense, AI, Quantum and Cybersafety
- A Night at the Museum: Finland’s 108th Independence Day.
This year made it clear that the future of Finnish–American cooperation is being shaped now. From U.S. market entry and investment to security, advanced technologies, and the energy transition, our members are operating where business strategy meets global relevance. In this environment, standing still is not an option. Progress requires clarity of vision, courage to act, and partners you can rely on.
- What We Heard: Member Feedback
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback this fall. It guides our strategy and ensures our programming reflects the needs and interests of our community.
🎯 Strong Satisfaction With Events
Members praised our high-quality speakers, relevant topics, and excellent organization. Many highlighted FACC-NY’s energy, professionalism, and welcoming atmosphere as standout elements of the season.
🌐 More Networking, Please
A recurring—and welcome—request was one we hear often: more time for networking. Members deeply value opportunities to connect with peers, partners, and potential collaborators.
🌎 Growing Interest in Sustainability & Renewables
Many respondents asked for expanded programming on sustainability, renewable energy, and green-transition innovation. We are excited to bring more of this to the forefront in 2026.
🚀 Topics That Resonated Most
- Access to U.S. funding
- Finnish strengths in the U.S. marketplace
- Life sciences and health innovation
- Pathways for company expansion into the U.S.
The fall season was described as “phenomenal.” Our holiday gathering also stood out as a warm and appreciated moment of community connection.
If you haven’t shared your thoughts—or have new ideas—please reach out. Your voice directly shapes our work.
- Executive Summit Recap
From Caution to Courage: Finnish Companies and the Path to U.S. Growth
Our annual Executive Summit brought together leaders to examine what it truly takes for Finnish companies to succeed in the U.S. market. The clearest message: success in America is never accidental. It requires insight, boldness, and committed local presence.
📉 The Growth Gap
A recent McKinsey report shows Finnish companies trailing global peers by 1.6% in annual shareholder returns.
Key recommendations included:
- Setting more ambitious growth targets
- Allocating capital more effectively
- Embracing innovation and risk-taking
🇺🇸 Local Presence Is Critical
Whether through greenfield or brownfield investments—or through the often-faster route of M&A—companies that build visible, trusted local leadership gain credibility and long-term traction in the U.S. marketplace.
💡 Key Advice for Finnish Companies
- Build a strong local presence
- Stay true to your values while taking calculated risks
- Be bold in competitive environments
- Engage geopolitical advisors to navigate global complexity
♻️ Innovation & Sustainability
We had an enlightening discussion on how to cut emissions and accelerate the energy transition through bold investment in renewables and continuous innovation. We explored how emerging technologies can transform low-quality raw materials into high-quality renewable solutions—from recyclable inputs to sustainable fuels—and how new scalable feedstocks, including regenerative agriculture–based oils, will shape the next chapter of the industry.
The panel offered compelling advice: stay true to your values, design for the next generation, and leverage local expertise, including U.S. renewable tax credits that help bring solutions to market faster.
One message came through clearly: policy support is essential. Stable, long-term frameworks unlock the investment and innovation needed to scale low-emission solutions. California’s LCFS—enabling more than 75% renewable diesel penetration—is a powerful example of regulation driving real-world transformation.
The message was unmistakable: it is time to shift from caution to courageous, value-driven international growth.
- Strategic Forum 2025 Recap
Connecting Finland and the US in Defense, AI, Quantum and Cybersafety
What an extraordinary day of insight, collaboration, and forward-looking discussion. The FACC-NY Strategic Forum brought together leaders across defense, technology, policy, and industry to examine how innovation, security, and competitiveness are evolving—fast.
Our themes spanned dual-use technologies, cybersecurity, and the accelerating frontiers of AI and quantum. Conversations moved from low -tech cybersecurity protocols to the possibilities of future lunar habitats—a testament to the breadth of today’s innovation landscape.
As Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized in her opening remarks, dual-use technologies, AI, and quantum have the potential to become Finland’s next major competitive edges.
⚡ Lessons From Ukraine
Ukraine demonstrates that speed and adaptability—not size—now determine advantage.
Innovation cycles measured in days, not years, are transforming how allied nations design, test, and deploy technology.
🔁 Dual-Use Technologies Are Redefining the Landscape
From scalable autonomous systems to resilient communications, the divide between civilian and defense innovation is rapidly dissolving.
The future belongs to organizations that can integrate, adapt, and scale quickly.
These conversations reinforced a key insight: leadership in this new era will belong to those who innovate boldly, collaborate deeply, and act with strategic foresight.
🔭 A Mindset for the Future
Risto Siilasmaa’s concept of paranoid optimism captures the moment perfectly:
- Stay alert to weak signals and emerging risks
- Stay confident that challenges are solvable
This balance—curiosity paired with vigilance—lies at the heart of true foresight.
- A Magical Night at the Museum
Finland’s 108th Independence Day. A heartfelt thank you to our Consul General Jarmo Sareva for a magical “Night at the Museum”. This year’s celebration of Finland’s 108th Independence Day 🇫🇮 was unforgettable—held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art and framed by the museum’s stunning new exhibition on Helene Schjerfbeck.
It is a rare privilege for our community to gather at the Met, especially with such an extraordinary Finnish artist in the spotlight. Schjerfbeck’s evolution—from finely detailed realism to bold, distilled modernism—reflects the same spirit of reinvention and creativity that defines our Finnish-American community. As Roberta Smith wrote, Schjerfbeck’s works are “distilled, nearly abstract images in which pure paint and cryptic description are held in perfect balance.”
For those in or traveling to New York, we warmly encourage you to experience this remarkable exhibition. It is a beautiful way to honor Finland’s artistic legacy and celebrate our shared cultural heritage. We marked this year’s Independence Day with meaning and pride.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We enter the new year with gratitude—and with great enthusiasm for what’s ahead.
In 2026, FACC-NY will continue to:
- Expand sustainability and renewables programming
- Deepen conversations on U.S. expansion and capital markets
- Elevate technology, innovation, and dual-use insights
- Strengthen leadership and talent development initiatives
- Create even more opportunities for networking and collaboration
Together, we will continue building a strong, global community through innovation, and shared ambition.
Warmest Holiday Wishes
On behalf of the entire FACC-NY team, thank you for your continued participation, and support. You make our conversations meaningful and possible. Looking to 2026, FACC-NY will continue to connect leaders, ideas, and opportunities across the Atlantic.
A heartfelt thank you to our Executive Members Virala Oy Ab, Veikko Laine Oy, DNB, Neste, Fiskars Group, Endomines, PwC and Orion for a fantastic partnership. Thank you also Consul General Jarmo Sareva and Team Finland for your continued support and collaboration.
We wish you all a joyful holiday season and a successful, inspiring start to the new year 2026.
Hyvää Joulua – Glad Advent!
The FACC-NY Team
📸 Photo Credit: Pontus Höök