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Second XES Helsinki “Testing Tuesday” Event Slated for Jan. 12

January 6, 2021

Finlandia University’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter and FinnZone have launched a new initiative with the XES student entrepreneurial community from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland. The second Testing Tuesday: U.S. Edition is scheduled for January 12 at 9 a.m. EST and will feature live video business plan presentations by XES and other Helsinki-based entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs will then receive feedback and advice from a panel of business experts from FinnZone and the Keweenaw’s business network.  The overall goal is to develop relations with the XES community, share ideas and explore actual business opportunities.

If you are interested in attending this virtual Zoom event, please do so by registering on the EventBrite page here by Friday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. A Zoom link will be emailed to all participants. There is no charge for attending this event. 

The following Finnish companies will be presenting at on January 12:  
Calqulate is a financial and growth analytics software for companies and VCs looking to scale fast. It empowers any entrepreneur to become a pro CFO and simplifies investor reporting. Calqulate aggregates data from 150+ applications and automates financial routines, helping you effortlessly access indispensable KPI’s, financial forecasts and growth metrics. The service is designed for Entrepreneurs, CFOs, VCs and Finance Executives looking to make better decisions, drink less coffee and get to sleep a little earlier.
Modby
Modby is a technology company in the energy industry that gathers energy meter data. This metering data is shared with modern protocols to energy producers and energy consumers. Modby is modernizing the energy infrastructure and paving the way for unstable renewable energy production. We have a working prototype of a device and a cloud.
Superhood
Superhood is a neighborhood app for the local ecosystems of people, businesses and cities. Superhood helps people to keep up with all their neighborhoods and local businesses to thrive in the new normal. For cities, Superhood provides an effective way to reach out and activate people, tools to measure the wellbeing of neighborhoods, and data to help in city planning.

In addition to the presenters, five panelist judges from Michigan have been selected. They are listed below. 

Melissa Davis

Melissa Davis is Managing Director of New Power Tour, Inc., a 501c3 whose mission is to increase the use of renewable, water and energy-efficient technologies. Since 2006, the nonprofit has brought energy-efficient HVAC equipment to the homes of income-qualified area residents and organized multiple events with JAMK Tarvala Bioeconomy Center and Finnish biomass companies to bring their technologies, knowledge, and experiences to the U.P. of Michigan. Recently, New Power Tour has worked with the Western UP Planning and Development Region through support from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy to do Community Energy Management Planning for three Western U.P. municipalities. Melissa is a founding board member of the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce. 

Dan Greenlee

Mr. Dan Greenlee has over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. As Chief Investment Officer of a major Michigan bank, he managed a securities portfolio of over $800 million and controlled borrowings of $1 billion. Also, Mr. Greenlee oversaw a derivatives portfolio of $250 million in interest & principal strips and CMO residuals, and successfully liquidated a $350 million portfolio of interest rate swaps.

Jonathan Leinonen

Jonathan Leinonen earned his MBA degree from the University of Michigan.  He completed his undergraduate BA studies at Michigan Technological University with a business administration degree majoring in management information systems.  He worked as a software systems engineer and product portfolio manager before moving into entrepreneurial economic development and program management for the first U.P. SmartZone.  He holds certifications in entrepreneurship, economic development finance and global business development.  He works as a business advisor to numerous startup and established companies, and is active with several non-profit boards and working groups.

Jake Northey

Jake Northey has various startup experience right here in Michigan. A 2000 graduate in Computer Science at Michigan Tech, Jake has successfully launched and lead four different startups, from CameronTec Group to Geome, and to his latest two efforts: Creative Mines, a full-stack development company, and co-founder of 101 Quincy Coworking. Jake has been through the highs and the lows and is always eager to learn how he might help just about anyone in the community.

Vince Nystrom

Vince Nystrom is a partner with Renaissance Venture Capital Fund and leads the connection of Renaissance stakeholders with new technologies and start-up companies. Renaissance is a Venture Capital Fund of funds whose investors are the largest corporations and universities in Michigan. Renaissance manages over $250 million in nearly Venture Capital Funds across the country who in turn have invested in over 600 innovative technology companies. Renaissance works to attract venture capital investment to Michigan start-ups and also connects portfolio companies with Michigan corporations for innovation partnerships.

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