--- title: Visma Solutions – From Local Innovation in Lappeenranta to International Software Success description: Discover how Visma Solutions transformed local innovations in Lappeenranta into a global software success through collaboration, ambition, and a strong company culture. image: https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/2211%20lpr%20kaupunki%20yrityspalvelu4354_lo-res_web-1.jpg --- [![Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Logot/Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi.png?width=192&height=60&name=Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi.png "Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Themes](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes) Show submenu for Themes - [Energy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/energy) - [ICT](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/ict) - [Pilot environments](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/piloting-possibilities) - [Bioeconomy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/bioeconomy) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Services](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/services) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/yhteystiedot) - [Home](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Themes](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes) Show submenu for Themes - [Energy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/energy) - [ICT](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/ict) - [Pilot environments](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/piloting-possibilities) - [Bioeconomy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/bioeconomy) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Services](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/services) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/yhteystiedot) Haku Hae - - [English](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news/visma-solutions-from-local-innovation-in-lappeenranta-to-international-software-success) - [Suomi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/visma-solutionsin-menestystarina-lappeenrannassa-ja-sen-arvot) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot#yhteydenotto) - - [English](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news/visma-solutions-from-local-innovation-in-lappeenranta-to-international-software-success) - [Suomi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/visma-solutionsin-menestystarina-lappeenrannassa-ja-sen-arvot) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot#yhteydenotto) Haku Hae ![Visma Solutions – From Local Innovation in Lappeenranta to International Software Success](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/2211%20lpr%20kaupunki%20yrityspalvelu4354_lo-res_web-1.jpg) 18.10.2026 | [ICT and data economy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news/tag/ict-and-data-economy) # Visma Solutions – From Local Innovation in Lappeenranta to International Software Success Discover how Visma Solutions transformed local innovations in Lappeenranta into a global software success through collaboration, ambition, and a strong company culture. ## *Share* - [mailto:?&subject=Visma%20Solutions%20–%20From%20Local%20Innovation%20in%20Lappeenranta%20to%20International%20Software%20Success&body=Visma%20Solutions%20–%20From%20Local%20Innovation%20in%20Lappeenranta%20to%20International%20Software%20Success%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fbusinesssouthkarelia.fi%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fvisma-solutions-from-local-innovation-in-lappeenranta-to-international-software-success)](mailto:?&subject=Visma%20Solutions%20–%20From%20Local%20Innovation%20in%20Lappeenranta%20to%20International%20Software%20Success&body=Visma%20Solutions%20–%20From%20Local%20Innovation%20in%20Lappeenranta%20to%20International%20Software%20Success%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fbusinesssouthkarelia.fi%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fvisma-solutions-from-local-innovation-in-lappeenranta-to-international-software-success)) - - - **Lappeenranta, Finland, is home to Visma Solutions and the birthplace of two successful software products, Severa and Netvisor. What began as local innovations has grown into one of the largest companies within the international Visma Group. The story demonstrates how technological expertise, university collaboration and an entrepreneurial mindset can create internationally successful businesses.** [Visma](https://www.visma.com/) is a Nordic software group providing cloud-based solutions for financial management and business operations. Its companies serve millions of customers across Europe and Latin America. [Visma Solutions Oy](https://www.visma.com/fi/visma-solutions-oy), headquartered in Lappeenranta in southeastern Finland, is the second-largest company in the group. In 2025, the company generated approximately €160 million in revenue and employed 479 people. The company's roots go back to the early 2000s, when two successful software products were developed in Lappeenranta: *Severa*, a business and project management solution, and *Netvisor*, a cloud-based financial management platform. \- Severa became a major success, growing by 1,500% between 2005 and 2010,” recalls **Ville Kuusela**, former CEO of Visma Solutions, in the original interview. \- The Norwegian company Visma, which was much smaller at the time, recognised its potential and acquired Severa. This led to the establishment of Visma Severa in Lappeenranta. Visma later acquired Netvisor as well, and Visma Solutions was established in 2012. The locally developed businesses became part of a major international software group. Severa's success continues today. According to information published in 2026, the software serves nearly 1,800 companies and has become the market leader in project management in Finland. **Juhani Mönkkönen** has served as CEO of Visma Solutions since October 2025. Kuusela moved into an international Business Area Director role within Visma and continues as Chair of the Board of Visma Solutions. ### A culture driven by people and ambition Visma's business model combines the independence of individual companies with the expertise and resources of an international group. Each company operates close to its customers while benefiting from a wider network. According to Kuusela, Visma Solutions' success is built on its company culture, competitive spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. \- Entrepreneurship, responsibility, dedication, community and diversity genuinely form the foundation of everything we do. The company places particular emphasis on attitude and shared values when recruiting new employees. Continuous learning and the adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are essential to improving performance and creating value for customers. \- The single most important thing in our business is how we can create added value for our customers and make their lives easier, Kuusela explains. Despite its ambitious goals and competitive spirit, the company also places great importance on teamwork, trust and individuality. \- Everyone here is free to be themselves, and there is a high level of trust, Kuusela emphasises. ### Lappeenranta provides the talent for growth Located in southeastern Finland, Lappeenranta offers a strong combination of university expertise, technological competence and an international business environment. For Visma Solutions, **LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences** have played an important role in providing the skilled professionals needed for business growth. In the original interview, Kuusela praised both institutions for their contribution to the company's ability to develop and expand its operations in Lappeenranta. \- I also consider Lappeenranta an excellent place to live and work, as apparently do the approximately 200 other Visma employees based here. At the time of the interview, around 200 Visma employees worked in Lappeenranta, with a similar number in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Flexible working arrangements enable the company to recruit talented professionals from different locations while giving employees greater freedom to organise their everyday lives. Visma Solutions employs professionals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and English is the company's working language. This international environment supports collaboration and makes diversity a natural part of daily operations. ### Bold decisions strengthen regional competitiveness Kuusela highlights the importance of cooperation between companies, universities and the city in strengthening Lappeenranta's attractiveness and business environment. He particularly emphasises the region's expertise and willingness to pursue ambitious development. LUT University is one example of how a bold approach can help build international recognition. \- We have a great deal to be proud of here, and there is no reason to be modest about it,  Kuusela says. **- Bold decisions create attractiveness and draw people and businesses to the region.** According to Kuusela, cities can support business growth by listening to companies, improving accessibility and helping skilled professionals and their families settle in the region. He also encourages more businesses to take advantage of the research expertise and collaboration opportunities available at LUT University. \- I would like to see a broader range of companies working more boldly with the university. There is enormous untapped potential and expertise available there. When there are jobs in the region, many other things tend to fall into place naturally. **The story of Visma Solutions shows how innovations developed in Lappeenranta can grow into internationally successful businesses.** The region's research and education expertise, collaborative business environment and connections to global markets provide a strong foundation for new technology companies and future investments. **Read more:** [Visma Solutions Oy](https://www.visma.com/fi/visma-solutions-oy) *Originally published on 20 January 2025. Company information was updated in October 2026. Quotes from Ville Kuusela are based on the original interview published in 2025 and reflect his views at the time as CEO of Visma Solutions.* ## Saattaisit myös pitää ### [![Visma Solutions – From Local Innovation in Lappeenranta to International Software Success](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/2211%20lpr%20kaupunki%20yrityspalvelu4354_lo-res_web-1.jpg) *18.10.2026 | ICT ja datatalous* Visma Solutions Oy:n juuret ovat syvällä Lappeenrannassa](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/visma-solutionsin-menestystarina-lappeenrannassa-ja-sen-arvot?hsLang=en) ### [![Visma Solutions – From Local Innovation in Lappeenranta to International Software Success](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/20260909_131152.jpg) *15.10.2026 | Biotalous* Biotalouden kasvua rakennetaan yhdessä – Lappeenrannan BioHUBI kytkeytyy valtakunnalliseen yhteistyöhön](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/biotalouden-kasvua-rakennetaan-yhdess%C3%A4-lappeenrannan-biohubi-kytkeytyy-valtakunnalliseen-yhteisty%C3%B6h%C3%B6n?hsLang=en) ### [![ETD Finland Oy:n henkilöstö](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/ETD%20Finland%20ryhm%C3%A4kuva.jpg) *12.10.2026 | ICT ja datatalous* ETD Finland rakentaa Lappeenrannasta käsin digitaalisen yhteiskunnan näkymätöntä selkärankaa](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/etd-finland-rakentaa-lappeenrannasta-k%C3%A4sin-digitaalisen-yhteiskunnan-n%C3%A4kym%C3%A4t%C3%B6nt%C3%A4-selk%C3%A4rankaa?hsLang=en) Contact info Helena Laitinen City of Lappeenranta tel. 045 602 0140 helena.laitinen@lappeenranta.fi   Janne Saharinen Imatran Seudun Kehitysyhtiö Oy Puh. 050 584 6294 janne.saharinen@kehy.fi **Sitemap** - [Etusivu](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi) - [Teemat](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/teemat) - [Artikkelit](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit) - [Yritystarinat](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yritystarinat) - [Ota yhteyttä](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot) [![Business-Lappeenranta-Region-logo-RGB-valkoinen](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Logos/Business-Lappeenranta-Region-logo-RGB-valkoinen.svg "Business-Lappeenranta-Region-logo-RGB-valkoinen")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) [![BIR\_logo\_logo\_oranssi-valkoinen](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Logot/BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen.png?width=153&height=100&name=BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen.png "BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) ![Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Logos/Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR.jpg "Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR") Sivusto on luotu osana "Kotisatama Etelä-Karjalaan - Maakunnallisen sijoittumismyynnin kehittäminen" -hanketta. 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