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Ilkka Kivimaki is a Founding Partner at Maki.vc based in Helsinki, Finland. He oversees pre-seed and seed-stage investments for the venture capital firm, which manages over €200 million across its funds, including a €100 million vehicle announced in the first quarter of 2024. Prior to launching his current firm, he served as a Partner at the venture capital firm Inventure and worked as a serial entrepreneur who founded and successfully sold his own technology business. Kivimaki previously operated as the Chairman of Slush, where he helped scale the technology conference from a 300-person local gathering into a major industry event attracting tens of thousands of global attendees. His current investment focus centers on deep technology, enterprise software, and university spinouts, backing early-stage Nordic and Northern European startups such as the hardware developer IQM Quantum Computers.
Ilkka Kivimaki stands as a pivotal figure in the European startup ecosystem, particularly as a founding Partner at Maki.vc, a Helsinki-based early-stage venture capital firm. Known for his deep operational insights and a keen eye for transformative potential, Ilkka plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of innovative companies. His journey into venture capital is uniquely shaped by his entrepreneurial roots and a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by founders.
At Maki.vc, Ilkka Kivimaki is instrumental in driving the firm's mission to back visionary entrepreneurs at the pre-seed and seed stages. Maki.vc distinguishes itself by investing in companies that often blend deep technology with exceptional design, focusing on sectors ripe for disruption. Ilkka's investment philosophy aligns perfectly with this approach, seeking out startups that possess strong intellectual property, scalable business models, and a clear path to global impact. His portfolio interests frequently include advancements in artificial intelligence, software as a service (SaaS), the future of work, sustainable technologies, and health tech, reflecting a broad yet strategic focus on areas poised for significant growth.
Prior to co-founding Maki.vc, Ilkka Kivimaki made an indelible mark on the global startup scene as a co-founder and former CEO of Slush. Slush evolved from a local gathering into one of the world's leading tech and startup events, attracting tens of thousands of founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts annually. This experience provided Ilkka with an unparalleled network and a firsthand understanding of what it takes to build and scale a successful venture from the ground up. His time at Slush honed his ability to identify promising ideas and, more importantly, the exceptional individuals behind them. He also contributed to initiatives like Junction, further solidifying his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial talent.
Ilkka's operational background is a significant asset to the founders he supports. He offers more than just capital; he provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry experts and potential partners. This hands-on approach is invaluable for early-stage companies navigating the complexities of product development, market entry, and team building. His ability to empathize with founders, having walked in their shoes, makes him a trusted advisor and a preferred partner for many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Through Maki.vc, Ilkka Kivimaki continues to actively shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship. He is dedicated to empowering founders who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and who are building solutions for real-world problems. His work at Maki.vc reinforces the firm's reputation as a leading investor in the Nordic region and beyond, consistently backing companies with the potential to become global leaders. For startups seeking early-stage funding and strategic partnership, Ilkka Kivimaki represents a gateway to experienced guidance and a robust support system.
Ilkka Kivimaki is a founding Partner at Maki.vc, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Helsinki. He is also widely recognized as a co-founder and former CEO of Slush, a leading global startup event.
Ilkka Kivimaki invests in early-stage companies, typically at the pre-seed and seed stages, through Maki.vc. His focus areas include deep technology, design-driven companies, artificial intelligence, SaaS, the future of work, sustainable technologies, and health tech, particularly those with global ambitions.
Ilkka Kivimaki works as a Partner at Maki.vc, a venture capital firm headquartered in Helsinki, Finland.
