Blog by Leigh Ewin
When A Grid was launched in 2019, its mission was clear: to uncover and support the next wave of high-impact growth companies. Everyone familiar with the startup “game” understands the process.
There’s a specific funnel startups must go through. By offering them access to valuable connections, investors, knowledge, and top-tier facilities, some of these companies inevitably rise to the top, achieving the status of a “scale-up” — a company expanding into multiple markets and seeing rapid growth in revenue and headcount.
A Grid: Open to All Great Startups
Contrary to some misconceptions, A Grid isn’t exclusive to Aalto University startups, even though many student-led and university-linked research projects flow into our programs. A Grid is open to any promising startup — after all, great ideas and strong knowledge aren’t confined to one source.
A Spark of Potential: The Fiksuruoka Story Begins
In 2019, two young entrepreneurs walked into my office. I wasn’t deeply familiar with the industry they were targeting, but I immediately noticed the “spark” in their eyes.
Even though we have a mandatory application process focused on high-potential, scalable businesses, I decided to give them a chance. They were Aalto students, running their business from a humble apartment — not quite the classic “garage” but close enough!
Initially, I was a bit skeptical. A Grid typically attracts AI and “Deep Tech” startups — could this logistics-focused business really belong? But as I listened to them, I felt there was something unique and promising in their approach.
The Drive for Success
Their journey wasn’t easy, but they had the drive. Expanding their team to seven, they started asking for spaces to film advertising campaigns. Their concept was innovative, aimed primarily at food companies with products that had a short shelf life. They tackled this issue with two impactful solutions:
- Product Collection: They collected products from warehouses, saving companies from the costs of waste management.
- Consumer-Friendly Platform: They sold these products at a low cost, benefiting consumers and reducing waste.
The Rise of Foodello: A Grid Success Story
The company, originally called Fiksuruoka — now rebranded as Foodello for its European expansion — embodies the purpose of A Grid. Years later, as they hired their 100th employee and moved to larger facilities in Helsinki, Fiksuruoka had grown beyond our space but remained a shining example of what A Grid aims to achieve.
Theoretically, anyone can come to the building with just an idea, and should be able to make their way through the business plan writing and company planning (with support and help of the City of Espoo and their business service offerings), find an office space (A Grid), join an accelerator program (Aalto Startup Centre) and create a scale up company…but that is the pointy end of the pyramid, the smallest and highest valued part of the funnel you could say.
A Grid offers everything an entrepreneur with just an idea needs to build a business, from drafting a business plan to finding office space, joining an accelerator, and ultimately creating a scale-up company. Fiksuruoka exemplified this journey — a startup that began within university walls and evolved into a success story that validates our concept at A Grid.
Celebrating Success at Startup Success Day
At our recent Startup Success Day in September, CEO Juhani Järvensivu shared their story with a full audience, recalling the invaluable support they received. Fiksuruoka achieved an impressive €50 million in revenue last year, an inspiring milestone.
The event concluded with a big smile, friendly handshake and Juhani driving off in a beautiful vehicle — a striking difference from that first meeting where he and his co-founder arrived in simple jeans with worn-out patches. But one thing hadn’t changed: The sparkle in their eyes was still very much there.
We’re incredibly proud of everything Fiksuruoka has achieved and look forward to welcoming them back as respected alumni of A Grid and Aalto University.
