Nexus Ponticus is an independent, nonpartisan initiative in development connecting the Baltic and Black Sea regions, including Finland and the wider Nordic area.
Gela Andrew Suli and Jaakko Henrik Laakso have worked together for approximately a decade on Finland–Georgia business forums, delegations, company visits and round-table discussions. Their cooperation has also included educational exchange and contacts across business, education and public institutions.
That experience raised a wider question: where could people and organisations across the Baltic and Black Sea regions help each other solve practical problems? Nexus Ponticus grew from that question.
We help clarify a need, identify suitable counterparts and prepare a focused conversation. Where there is mutual interest, the next step could be an exchange, a workshop or the outline of a small joint activity, with responsibilities and follow-up agreed by those involved.
Our current interests include maritime innovation, entrepreneurship and civilian resilience. We contribute relationships, context and preparation; the relevant specialists bring the technical expertise.
We first consider what existing organisations offer. Every activity depends on a credible fit, willing participants and the resources needed to take it forward.
Both regions have experience to contribute. We ask what each participant wants to achieve, what each can offer and how the cooperation can be useful to everyone involved.
An approach that works in one country may need to change in another. Understanding those differences is part of the work. Lessons can be shared with participants’ agreement while confidential information stays private.
Co-founder
Gela Andrew Suli is a Georgian-American entrepreneur whose work spans technology, media, startups, investment and international business. A founder of the Georgian Angel Investor Club, he brings experience connecting companies with expertise and investor networks. His long-standing cooperation with Finland helped shape Nexus Ponticus, which he initiated and now leads in development.
Co-founder
Jaakko Henrik Laakso is based in Turku, Finland, and is co-owner of Ämpärikauppa.fi and chair of the Finland–Georgia Business Association. His background combines international business, e-Business and a decade of practical Finland–Georgia cooperation. At Nexus Ponticus, he develops Finnish and Nordic relationships and helps turn shared interests into focused discussions and useful next steps.
Nexus means a connection or bond. Ponticus refers to the Black Sea region. The name expresses our purpose: creating practical connections between the Baltic and Black Sea regions.
Tell us the outcome you want, the countries involved, the expertise you need and your timeframe. A short outline is enough to start a conversation.