Startup expert Youssef Zad joins SDP as economist

Business

Startup expert Youssef Zad joins SDP as economist

Apr 16, 2026

Youssef Zad, former chief economist of Finland’s Startup Community, joins the Social Democratic Party’s parliamentary group as an economist, effective immediately.

The appointment marks a push by SDP to strengthen its economic policy expertise with startup and growth-company insight, as the party looks to balance fiscal measures with pro-growth initiatives, Talouselämä reported today.

Zad, 33, is known in Finland’s startup ecosystem for his data-driven analysis and commentary. He holds a master’s degree in economics and is currently working on a doctoral dissertation at the University of Jyväskylä. He has also appeared as a commentator on public service broadcaster Yle’s “Jälkipörssi” program. The Social Democratic Party is a major Finnish political party focused on economic and social policy.

“SDP has a genuine ambition to get Finland’s economy growing, and startups play a central role in that,” Zad said. “This role offers a chance to influence economic policy direction and help remove barriers to growth.”

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Authors

Emmi Laine

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.