01
International Business Development
Identify new markets, develop commercial partnerships, and create sustainable international growth through strategic networking, sales development, and market positioning.
Helsinki · Est. 2008
Global expertise.
Strategic approach.
Results that matter.
A boutique international consulting and business development firm helping organizations expand, connect, and grow across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets.
About
A bridge between Nordic precision and global markets.
Welcome to Matt Mara Oy — a Finnish registered EU Limited Liability Company, operating since 2008 and based in the European Union with headquarters in Finland.
We specialize in strategic partnerships, international commercialization, market-entry support, hospitality and tourism development, enterprise sales, and cross-border business opportunities.
Led by Sheila Riikonen, MSSc — an experienced international commercial strategist with extensive networks across EMEA and APAC — combining Nordic professionalism with deep multicultural understanding.
"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great."
What we do
Practical expertise, delivered globally.
Helping startups and established firms enter and succeed in European and emerging Asian markets — through market research, strategic advisory, and personalized coaching.
02
Enterprise Sales & Commercial Strategy
From lead generation and stakeholder engagement to negotiations and partnership structuring — building scalable revenue and long-term client relationships.
03
Market Entry & Cross-Cultural Advisory
Entering new markets requires more than translation. We navigate cultural differences, local business environments, and international relationship-building.
04
Startup & Innovation Support
Collaborating with startups, innovation projects, and growth companies on commercialization, international partnerships, investor visibility, and ecosystem development.
05
Hospitality, Tourism & MICE
Working with destinations, hotels, tourism boards, venues, and travel businesses to strengthen visibility, partnerships, and commercial performance.
Industries
Sectors we work across.
- 01Technology & SaaS
- 02Education & EdTech
- 03International Trade & Services
- 04Startups & Innovation
- 05Public Sector & Cooperation
- 06Meetings, Incentives & Events
Why clients work with us
Small enough to listen. Connected enough to deliver.
International Network
Extensive relationships across hospitality, technology, tourism, innovation, and enterprise ecosystems globally.
Strategic & Personalized
Small expert teams create faster communication, stronger relationships, and more agile execution.
Cross-Cultural Expertise
Deep understanding of European and Asian business environments, communication styles, and partnership development.
Commercially Focused
Strategic thinking combined with practical execution and measurable business outcomes.
Flexible & Global
Based in Helsinki with international reach, remote collaboration, and extensive global travel experience.
Why H2H Matters
Human-to-Human connections in a digital world.
In today's fast-moving world of automation, AI, digital platforms, and virtual communication, businesses often focus heavily on technology, processes, and scalability. While these tools are essential, one thing remains at the center of every successful partnership, negotiation, and customer experience: Human-to-Human (H2H) interaction.
At Matt Mara Oy, we believe business is ultimately built by people — not just companies. Behind every contract, project, booking, sales opportunity, investment, or strategic partnership is trust, communication, empathy, and relationships.
Technology may open doors, but human connection builds lasting business.
Beyond B2B and B2C
Every interaction is H2H.
For years, companies have spoken about B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer). But the most successful organizations understand that every interaction is actually Human to Human.
Whether working with corporate executives, procurement teams, startup founders, hotel partners, government stakeholders, or travelers, people want to feel:
- ◆heard
- ◆understood
- ◆respected
- ◆valued
- ◆connected
Strong relationships create stronger business outcomes.
In international business
Culture, trust, and long-term relationships.
Cross-border business is not only about pricing, products, or contracts. It is about understanding cultures, communication styles, expectations, and long-term relationships.
Human-centered interaction helps organizations:
- ◆Build trust faster
- ◆Strengthen partnerships
- ◆Improve negotiations
- ◆Create customer loyalty
- ◆Reduce misunderstandings
- ◆Increase collaboration
- ◆Deliver better customer experiences
In international environments, cultural sensitivity and genuine communication often become competitive advantages.
Hospitality, Meetings & Events
Built on human experiences.
The hospitality, tourism, and meetings industries are fundamentally relationship-driven. People may remember:
- ◆how they were welcomed
- ◆how problems were solved
- ◆how communication was handled
- ◆how valued they felt
- ◆how a team responded under pressure
Long after presentations, itineraries, or contracts are forgotten, people remember experiences and emotions. That is why human interaction remains one of the most powerful drivers of customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
Technology + People
Technology supports people — it does not replace them.
AI, automation, CRM systems, and digital tools help organizations become more efficient and scalable. However, technology works best when it enhances human communication rather than replaces it.
We combine
- Digital innovation
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic thinking
With
- Empathy
- Communication
- Relationship-building
- Cultural understanding
Because successful business growth requires both intelligence and human connection.
Sustainable growth
Relationships create sustainable growth.
The strongest partnerships are built over time through trust, consistency, transparency, responsiveness, shared goals, and meaningful interaction.
Whether in enterprise sales, hospitality, tourism, consulting, or international partnerships, H2H interaction creates stronger collaboration and more sustainable long-term success.
Our philosophy
At Matt Mara Oy, we do not believe in transactional business relationships. We believe in people-first partnerships.
In the field
Based in Helsinki · Connected globally
Let's build international opportunities together.
Whether you are expanding internationally, entering new markets, or developing strategic partnerships, we provide practical expertise with a global mindset.
- Postal address
- Matt Mara Oy
Turumankatu 15 A
FIN 00590 Helsinki
Finland - Registration
- Business ID 2222679-9
- Telephone
- +358 40 199 0750
- Sheila Riikonen ↗