54. EU Business News- European CEO of the Year Awards 2025 AIS-May25100 DataSpace Europe Oy is a Finnish company driving a European revolution in fair data economy. A leader in data spaces across Europe, the company has quickly gained renown for advocating for a more humane, secure, and equitable future. The company is headed by Jaana Sinipuro, a dedicated professional in the field of data economy. We heard more from Jaana below, in light of her recent success in the European CEO of the Year Awards 2025. Founded in 2022, DataSpace Europe specialises in facilitating the exchange of data and data-driven services, connecting providers and consumers across various industries throughout Europe. The company supports organisations in leveraging data to drive business development through the offering of a platform designed for seamless data sharing and collaboration. Developed by DataSpace Europe, Tritom® is a data intermediation service designed to facilitate secure and fair data exchange within the European data economy. Enabling the development, offering, and sale of data-driven digital solutions, Tritom® allows data providers to monetize their assets and consumers to access diverse datasets, fostering innovation and informed decision-making. DataSpace Europe’s data revolution is driven by Jaana Sinipuro, a CEO with more than 25 years of experience working exclusively in data-related roles across innovation, regulation, enterprise software, and public policy. Jaana’s previous senior positions at companies that include Sitra, Sofigate, SAS Institute, and others have provided her with insight into European policymaking, data governance, consultancy, and digital ecosystems, as well as networks that are crucial for navigating today’s fragmented data landscape. “Becoming CEO of DataSpace Europe – also as a minority shareholder – felt like the perfect fit,” she told us. “It brings together everything I have worked toward: a mission-led business, a clear policy environment, and the potential to shape how Europe handles data. According to Gallup’s StrengthsFinder, I’m a strategic achiever – I see the big picture, but I care about details. I hold direction even when the path feels slow or even impossible. I follow my curiosity and trust my gut.” Throughout her professional career, Jaana has always chosen work that aligns with her values. She believes that a successful CEO does not focus on personal prestige, instead on doing what is best for the company, the team, and the wider ecosystem. Aiming to keep things clear and grounded, Jaana handles HR and administrative tasks because she understands that they are essential to a functioning organisation. At the same time, she enjoys working with abstract or complex ideas – especially when it comes to visualising them and making them understandable in strategic discussions or public presentations. “My approach to leadership is shaped by where I came from,” Jaana reflected. “My father ran a one-man subcontracting business in the metal industry, being more of a craftsman than entrepreneur. It was a home built on high work ethics; no talk of entrepreneurship, just the quiet expectation that you take responsibility, do your part, and take pride in doing it well. That mindset stayed with me. It taught me self-discipline, consistency, and respect for good work, and those are the same principles I try to bring into my professional life and leadership today.” This outlook has enabled Jaana to lead DataSpace Europe through adversity, as launching during wartime economic disruption in a heavily impacted industry was an enormous challenge. It did, however, push the team to clarify their purpose, sharpen their strategy, and pursue structural support from institutional funders. Under Jaana’s guidance, DataSpace Europe adapted through rationalisation, resilience, and reinvention. Now, the company is ready to scale – with support from the EC, national innovation funds, and a growing base of stakeholders. As Jaana shared: “Our vision is clearer than ever.” DataSpace Europe is looking to the future with one thing on its mind: growth. The company is currently preparing for a new investment round to scale sovereign tech platform Tritom®, designed to work without reliance on Big Tech clouds or vendor lock-in. The team will continue to build decentralised, interoperable data spaces tailored for Agrifood and other fragmented industries, those with the most value – and the greatest need. This ambition is grounded in a deeper belief: that digital transformation must serve people, not just profits. “Digital services must be designed by many voices, not by ones that dominate now,” Jaana explained. “Europe has what it takes to build a flourishing, human-centric data economy. A friend once said about current digitalisation, “We want our lives back” – that could be the perfect slogan for a European-style digital future. One where business comes first, but sustainability – including data – is never forgotten.” Contact: Jaana Sinipuro Company: DataSpace Europe Oy Web Address: www.dataspace.fi Data Economy Innovator of the Year 2025: Jaana Sinipuro
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