Matthew Äikäs-Adams, 32, opens the door to a glass cube and gives out a friendly greeting. This is his working place, Helsinki Think Company. The entrepreneurship community is hosted by the University of Helsinki as a place for helping especially academic start-ups to advance on their paths, for example by offering them office space. Such companies include Tromsø Eco Tours, an organiser of sustainable travel tours to Northern Norway. A part of the profits is directed to natural conservation work.
Äikäs-Adams is in charge of the tour company's digital marketing.
"I'm lucky to be able to work here. I know what it feels like to do a job you hate", he says.
The venue is a fine one: a scent of fresh wood, a spacious feeling, modern furniture, and a central location.
Six years ago, Äikäs-Adams met his Finnish partner in London. His partner wanted to move to Finland, but Äikäs-Adams objected. He was worried he could not find a job here. Then Finland started popping up in British media with many positive stories.
"I read that this is the best place to live, with a high level of education and healthcare that works. These were important factors in my decision."
The family moved to Helsinki from Edinburgh last year. The transfer was easy as Äikäs-Adams had visited the country many times.
One thing that was hard to get used to was taking off your shoes indoors. And I found Finnish coffee too strong.
Quite soon, Äikäs-Adams started to long for a structure created by work in his everyday. He had a Scottish friend, Pete, who had been living in Finland for 14 years. Pete offered Äikäs-Adams a job in his company and a suitable space to work at the Think Company. The venue was enticing as a place to meet students and entrepreneurs specialised in ecological questions.
"This place has been perfect for us. The atmosphere is laid-back and we find a lot of synergy with other projects. Helsinki is a good city for start-ups. The culture is more open than in Britain: we feel supported and encouraged."
The moving and the job have made it easier for Äikäs-Adams to integrate.
"I have met new people and learned my way around the city. I like the local coffeeshop culture a lot. My favourite café is Moko Market in Punavuori."
The Finnish language continues to pose a challenge.
"The three-week intensive class was the most difficult thing I've ever done."
Äikäs-Adams has set up an Instagram account for words and expressions that he picks up. These include tota (well), en tiedä (I don't know), and olen niin väsynyt (I'm so tired). His kids have learned the language faster.
"That's annoying but also motivating."
He encourages other immigrants to speak and to meet people. If you don’t immediately get lucky with a job, volunteering can be a start that paves way for new opportunities.
"Join Facebook groups for expats and put yourself out there. Say yes, talk to people, and things might just start happening by chance."
Promising moments for chance encounters can be, for instance, the many events at the Think Company or just spending time in the community's open and free-to-use spaces.
"There is a lot of buzz here, everyone wants to save the world."
Helsinki Think Company is a community supported by the University of Helsinki to encourage entrepreneurship. The community offers co-working spaces, idea incubation support, events, and more. The Think Company is spread out onto different campuses in the city centre, Viikki, Meilahti and Kumpula.
