|

|

Business

Savox, Varjo explore IPOs as defense tech draws investor interest
Savox, Varjo explore IPOs as defense tech draws investor interest

Two Finnish defense technology companies are quietly exploring stock market listings in Helsinki, underscoring how Europe’s shifting security priorities are reshaping both industry and capital markets.

Savox Communications and Varjo Technologies have begun early discussions with investors about potential initial public offerings, Bloomberg reported yesterday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Savox, which produces communication systems for defense and emergency services, is reportedly considering a listing that could raise around €100 million. Varjo, known for its advanced virtual reality headsets used in military training, may pursue a smaller offering. 

Kauppalehti disclosed more financial details of the startups. Varjo remains in a growth phase, with revenue of €19.5 million in 2024 and an operating loss of €12.3 million, employing 192 people. Savox, by contrast, appears more established, generating €52.1 million in revenue and €5.9 million in operating profit with a workforce of 278.

Best of the Month Newsletter

Stay one step ahead of the executive curve.


By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Best of the Month Newsletter

Stay one step ahead of the executive curve.


By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Defense has been surging in Helsinki this year. For example, Bittium has almost quintupled its share price in the past 12 months. The secure communications company reported 2025 net sales growth of 40 percent to €119.3 million, driven largely by its defense and security segment. 

Neither Savox nor Varjo is committing yet. “As a growing company, we regularly assess possible transactions that could support our growth,” Varjo CEO Timo Toikkanen said to Bloomberg. “An IPO at some point in the future could be possible to support the realization of our strategy.”

For Helsinki, potential listings would broaden a market often dominated by industrial exporters, while highlighting growing investor interest in defense technology.

Authors

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Authors

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Subscribe to our newsletters

Subscribe to all our newsletters with one click — stay fully up to date across leadership, business, culture, and Nordic life.


By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Subscribe to our newsletters

Subscribe to all our newsletters with one click — stay fully up to date across leadership, business, culture, and Nordic life.


By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Latest updates

Stay on the pulse, catch the signals

Subscribe to Listeds Leadership Intelligence Platform:

  • leader and company database access

  • email alerts

  • career, boards and interim opportunities

Join our Pulse, Best-of-the-Week, and Weekend newsletters

Join our Pulse, Best-of-the-Week, and Weekend newsletters