Riku Kokkonen

Riku Kokkonen is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture finance. Currently serving as an Innovation Manager at EIT Manufacturing, Riku provides funding and market access for industrial and manufacturing startups. As the Founder of SpringDNA, Riku specializes in transformative technology for biodiversity assessments using environmental DNA. In the role of Entrepreneur in Residence at Fifth Innovation Oy, Riku focuses on creating new business opportunities from overlooked material side streams within the pulp and energy industries. As an independent Venture Finance Advisor with RKO Consulting, Riku offers expertise in financing startups through European Investment Bank loans and equity-based capital. Riku co-founded Evogenom Oy, a biotechnology firm, and Mindly Oy, which evaluates entrepreneurs and teams for investment. Riku has a solid background in startup funding from Repo Media Oy and leadership experience as Co-Founder and CEO of RF Music. Riku possesses a Master’s degree from the University of Jyväskylä.