Startup Refugees honors immigrant entrepreneurs at its 10th anniversary gala

The Newcomer Fund was established four years ago to provide early-stage financing for entrepreneurs with an immigrant background. To date, the fund has supported dozens of companies, contributing to job creation and the development of new services across various industries, including logistics, technology, and the consumer and service sectors. This year, the fund recognized four entrepreneurs whose businesses stand out for their innovation and sustainable growth.

Newcomer Fund 2025 recipients:

• Dheyaa Al-Zirjawi (Gannet): developing professional home and office cleaning services in Helsinki and investing in new equipment, e-bikes, and digital visibility.
• Uzair Irshad (Kiteen Autopesu): founded North Karelia’s first mobile and eco-friendly car washing and detailing service and is now expanding operations.
• Faith Omojola (Refendr): creating a marketing platform that enables small businesses to develop referral and affiliate programmes without incurring significant costs or facing technical barriers.
• Zachary Burda (MIMIQIT): developing SaaS services for the wellness and fitness industry with the aim of modernising financial systems and growing business operations in Finland.

In the picture Tietoevry's Elisa Liekkilä and Zachary Burda (MIMIQIT) accepting his award.

"The Newcomer Fund is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in the future, creating opportunities to build a more diverse and inclusive Finland.’ Entrepreneurs who have previously received support from the fund have enjoyed success in many different sectors, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue and strengthening local communities. The funding has enabled them to take concrete steps towards development, such as purchasing materials, expanding business premises, improving logistics and hiring employees,” says Aicha Manai, CEO of Startup Refugees.

Diversity as part of a sustainable society

For Tietoevry, diversity and equal opportunity are core to the company's values and principles of sustainable business. The collaboration with Startup Refugees supports Tietoevry's goal of building a more inclusive society where everyone can succeed, regardless of their background.

At Tietoevry, we’re proud of our long-standing partnership and of supporting entrepreneurs with immigrant backgrounds through the Newcomer Fund on their journey towards success.

“Startup Refugees’ ten years of work is a powerful example of how collaboration can create real opportunities and foster diversity across society. At Tietoevry, we’re proud of our long-standing partnership and of supporting entrepreneurs with immigrant backgrounds through the Newcomer Fund on their journey towards success,” says Elisa Liekkilä, from Tietoevry Create, one of this year’s judges.

This picture was taken at the Startup Refugees' 10th anniversary gala, which was hosted in Helsinki on 30 October 2025.

Startup Refugees was founded in 2015 by Riku Rantala and Tunna Milonoff of Docventures. It emerged from a desire to respond to the refugee crisis and support the employment and entrepreneurship of asylum seekers and immigrants arriving in Finland.

"In ten years, Startup Refugees has grown into a nationally significant network that has helped thousands of people build new futures in Finland. It clearly demonstrates that solutions to labour shortages, integration and entrepreneurship already exist,” says Aicha Manai.