PEOPLE
Insight, experience
and wisdom
We integrate data and AI management with demanding strategic, investor, and sustainability communications. We help you transform a data- and technology-driven mindset into business strategy that capital markets understand – and into human-centric communication that resonates.
MIKKO MERISAARI
Co-founder, Partner
I am a versatile professional in strategy, communications, and impact, with an analytical heart that beats for sustainability and data. My extensive experience across various industries, companies, and situations provides me with a solid foundation to serve as a strategic advisor even in the most challenging circumstances.
Throughout my career, I have established myself as a trusted partner to senior management at the core of multiple organizations. My responsibilities have encompassed leading both external and internal communications, coordinating demanding financial and investor relations for listed companies, and comprehensively developing corporate responsibility initiatives. This diverse experience has strengthened my ability to see the big picture in business and understand the needs of various stakeholders.
My strengths lie in my unconventional approach to managing complex entities and building productive collaborations. This has opened doors for me to lead demanding projects, participate in business strategy and development processes, and navigate through multifaceted change situations. I have accumulated substantial expertise in mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and public tender offers, and I find myself in my element handling these special situations.
In my current role at Functos, I am responsible for developing the innovative Integrated Data Balance Sheet. This work combines my passion for advancing sustainability with data-driven decision-making, enabling the development of next-generation reporting and transparency standards.
Education and Certifications:
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Master of Social Sciences (M.Sc.), University of Helsinki
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Major in Communications
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Minors in Social Psychology and Management
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Full Marketing Minor, Aalto University
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Executive Education Program JOKO 93, Aalto Executive Education
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International Certificate in Corporate Finance, Columbia Business School
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Corporate Responsibility Study Program, Hanken School of Economics
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Data Ethics Certificate, Cornell University, New York
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Data Strategy Certificate Program, University of California, Berkeley
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ESG-R Reporting Certificate, ST-akatemia
mikko.merisaari@functos.fi
p.050 521 4055
TANELI HASSINEN
Co-founder, Partner
Taneli Hassinen, VTM, has experienced corporate communications and management support. He has worked as communications director in three listed companies, Finnair, SRV Yhtiöi and Taaler. He was also a member of the group management team at SRV and Taaler.
In all positions, in addition to other communications responsibilities, he has specifically managed the listed company's financial and stock exchange communications as well as investor relations.
Since 2016, Taneli has worked as a communication and management consultant in demanding communication and organizational functionality challenges and crises. As the second founding partner of Functos Oy, he looks at companies from the point of view of what kind of development and profit opportunities are offered to them in the market.
"The communication of listed companies is regulated in many ways. Still, they can communicate in many ways that create shareholder value for them. In my opinion, Finnish companies underutilize this opportunity unnecessarily. Active communication with stakeholders bears fruit in the long term," says Taneli.