Aarni Heiskanen

Construction Innovation Agent @ AEC Business

About

I help construction and real estate technology companies grow through market intelligence, strategic advisory, and communications, as Managing Partner at AE Partners and founder of AEC Business. My background spans architecture (M.Arch), R&D management, and entrepreneurship. I co-founded Thinking Portfolio, a SaaS portfolio management platform now used by over 500,000 users in 50+ countries, and have contributed to government-led digitalization initiatives, including KiraDigi and RASTI. I also collaborate with Aalto University and Tampere University to connect research with industry practice. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Construction Technology Influencers, I share insights through AEC Business, an award-winning blog and podcast covering AI, robotics, 3D printing, and digital transformation in construction. I've authored business books, including The Management Consulting Blueprint, and contributed to publications such as ISACA Journal and Global Construction Review. I also serve as Vice President of PropTech Finland's steering group. My focus is on helping the industry move from experimentation to scalable digital impact.

Country

Finland

City

Helsinki

Industry

Construction

Skill

Construction, Engineering, Service Development, Project Portfolio Management, Management Consulting, Architecture, Graphic Design, Web Design, Software Development, Strategy, SaaS, Governance, Product Management, Management, Program Management, Business Strategy, Software Project Management, IT Strategy, Start-ups, Project Management

Experience

Construction Innovation Agent

AEC Business

2012-6 - Present · 14 yrs 4 mos

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland

I help construction industry innovators and game-changers succeed through communication. Our clientele includes engineering firms, professional services providers, contractors, and public sector organizations.

AEC Business Podcaster

AEC Business

2012-6 - Present · 14 yrs 4 mos

A podcast about architecture, engineering & construction technology and innovation.

AEC-Business.com Blogger

AEC Business

2012-6 - Present · 14 yrs 4 mos

Helsinki Area, Finland

An award-winning blog and podcast about construction innovation and technology.

CEO

AE Partners

1998-11 - Present · 27 yrs 11 mos

Espoo, Southern Finland, Finland

I'm a seasoned management consultant and business software developer who helps technology trailblazers succeed. I'm especially known for strategic consulting and bringing structure to the client's innovation and development processes. My clients have become leaders in their fields of business. I have experience in tech development and built environment businesses and public sector organizations. I co-developed and launched Thinking Portfolio, a SaaS for project and IT portfolio management.

Vice president of the Steering Group

PropTech Finland

2024-9 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Co-Founder

Hypergene Finland

2001-7 - 2017-9 · 16 yrs 3 mos

Helsinki, Finland

I co-founded Thinking Portfolio in 2001. The company develops Thinking Portfolio - a SaaS for strategic management of projects, IT applications, services, and ideas. I developed the initial design and the first version of the application. Later on, I was involved in the design, marketing, and consulting for Thinking Portfolio. Thinking Portfolio has now 500,000 users in over 50 countries.

R&D Manager

Equator Helsinki

1989-12 - 1998-3 · 8 yrs 4 mos

Helsinki, Finland

At Equator Helsinki my responsibilities included the development of the company's design IT capabilities, development of new FM services, and managing design collaboration on international construction projects.

Architect

Kråkström Group

1985 - 1989 · 4 yrs

Espoo, Finland

At Kråkström Group I was one of the pioneers of architectural CAD. Since the tools were still in their infancy, I developed and managed the development of design applications. My biggest contribution was on two projects: a test laboratory for VTT and then the largest office building in the Nordic countries for IVO.