ETF Partners’ Patrick Sheehan believes there is a lot of excitement ahead in the circular economy, which is relatively new field for many investors. “It’s not yet a crowded space and there are still very good opportunities.” ETF 3 is a portfolio fund of Tesi.

Partner Dag Broman and his team at Tesi’s portfolio fund Alder are looking at circular economy through the sustainability prism. “We believe sustainable companies are more likely to be successful,” Broman said in an interview.

The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra has been spotlighting the circular economy in Finland for many years now. Kari Herlevi, Sitra’s Project Director, Circular Economy, and an expert in the field explains what the circular economy is.

Tesi’s Circular Economy programme provides financing of MEUR 75 for promising Finnish circular economy companies. Potential investee companies for the programme range from small startups right through to large industrial players.

Uusioaines Ltd is a pioneer of the circular economy, processing at its Forssa plant some 70 per cent of all recyclable glass collected in Finland. It fully re-uses its raw material. After processing the glass goes into industrial use or, depending on quality, Uusioaines makes foam glass from it. Foam glass is an ecofriendly insulating product and lightweight fill.

The investment sector is still predominantly male. Sanna Westman, investment manager in venture capital firm Creandum, points out the benefits to be reaped if more women were investors and company founders.