Ulla Ristkari appointed Head of Operations and Eric Littell joins as Community Manager
The StartHub community, located at LAB University of Applied Sciences’ Lahti campus, is strengthening its position as one of Finland’s key platforms for entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. The year 2026 begins with two new recruitments: Ulla Ristkari joined StartHub as Head of Operations on January 15, 2026, and Eric Littell joined the team as Community Manager on January 12, 2026.
Ristkari is responsible for StartHub’s operational leadership, community development, and building strategic partnerships. Littell strengthens StartHub’s community work, events, and services that support entrepreneurship.
Ristkari joins StartHub from her role as a co-founder of the marketing and technology agency Kuuki. She brings extensive experience in supporting growth companies, building communities, and impact-driven communication. Littell joins LAB from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) and has experience in developing and coordinating international communities and internship programs.
“Ulla brings exactly the kind of expertise we need for StartHub’s next phase of development. Her strategic thinking and ability to build partnerships will strengthen StartHub’s impact both regionally and nationally,” says Vesa Alatalo, Development Manager at LAB. “Eric’s arrival strengthens the very heart of StartHub – the community. His role is essential in supporting entrepreneurs in their daily work, developing events, and activating the community.”
In 2026, StartHub’s activities will focus on:
- strengthening the community and entrepreneurial services
- developing growth, impact, and visibility
- closer collaboration between companies, LAB, LUT University, the City of Lahti, FiBAN and funding partners
- expanding the regional innovation ecosystem