On October 29, 2025, we had the pleasure of attending KasvuOpen Karnevaali in Jyväskylä (Messu- ja tapahtumakeskus Paviljonki).
This event — one of Finland’s most vibrant and inspiring gatherings for entrepreneurs — brought together startups, growth companies, mentors, investors, and experts from across the country.
What the Karnevaali Is All About
- The Karnevaali is a growth-focused event where entrepreneurs can receive free, personalized sparring sessions from industry experts on topics like strategy, marketing, and finance.
- There are also pitch sessions, where finalists of the “Growth Company of the Year” competition present their businesses to the audience and jury.
- The event concludes with the announcement of “Vuoden kasvuyritys 2025” — the Growth Company of the Year.
- And, of course, there’s plenty of networking — meeting other founders, investors, and mentors face to face.
What We Loved Most
1. Open and approachable sparring sessions
Having the chance to sit down directly with an expert, ask questions, and receive clear, tailored feedback — that’s invaluable. We came prepared, but still discovered new perspectives we hadn’t considered before.
2. We also had the chance to reconnect with Matti Meriläinen and his friend Tommy to discuss potential financing opportunities for makuu™.
It was an inspiring and constructive conversation — exploring different ways to grow and fund the project sustainably. This is just the beginning of something exciting… to be continued.
3. The live podcast “Yritys ja erehdys” — real stories, real impact
Watching the live recording reminded us how important it is to share entrepreneurial stories — the mistakes, lessons, and small wins. We’ve started following the podcast and will definitely keep listening for inspiration.
4. The pitch sessions — learning through others
Seeing how finalists presented their ideas was a masterclass in storytelling and confidence. We took notes on how to sharpen our own pitch and communicate our values more clearly.
5. The energy of the community
Gathering so many growth-minded people in one space created a unique energy. Conversations flowed naturally — we met potential partners, investors, and new friends to build with.
What’s Next for Makuu
We’re open to collaboration, partnerships, and sparring — with anyone who shares our passion for sustainable growth and beautiful design.
We’re excited to connect with people, share samples, and explore new ways to grow together — whether through financing, creative projects, or joint ventures.
We’ll also keep refining our pitch, visual identity, and storytelling, applying what we learned at the event.