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Jan Erik Solem is an active angel investor and startup advisor based in Malmö, Sweden. He holds a doctorate in computer vision and previously served as an associate professor at Lund University, where he authored the O'Reilly textbook "Programming Computer Vision with Python." Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, Solem founded and served as the Chief Technology Officer of Polar Rose, an artificial intelligence startup that was acquired by Apple. He subsequently co-founded and acted as the Chief Executive Officer of Mapillary, a collaborative street-level imagery platform that Meta acquired in June 2020. Following a post-acquisition tenure at Meta, he shifted his professional scope in the early 2020s to independently backing early-stage technology companies across the European ecosystem. His current investment strategy focuses primarily on deep tech ventures specializing in computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and spatial computing.
Jan Erik Solem stands out as a prominent figure in the European tech and venture capital landscape, currently serving as a Partner at EQT Ventures. His journey into investment is uniquely shaped by a highly successful entrepreneurial career, providing him with invaluable firsthand experience in building and scaling technology companies from the ground up. This background makes him a particularly insightful investor, capable of understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by founders.
At EQT Ventures, Jan Erik Solem plays a crucial role in identifying and backing the next generation of disruptive technology companies. His investment focus areas are deeply rooted in his technical expertise and past ventures, primarily revolving around deep tech, artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and B2B SaaS solutions. He seeks out innovative startups that leverage cutting-edge technology to solve complex problems, demonstrating a keen eye for technical excellence and market potential.
Solem's career background is marked by two significant entrepreneurial successes. He co-founded and served as CEO of Polar Rose, a pioneering company specializing in facial recognition technology, which was successfully acquired by Apple. Following this achievement, he went on to co-found and lead Mapillary, a platform for street-level imagery and mapping technology, which was subsequently acquired by Facebook (now Meta). These exits not only underscore his ability to innovate and execute but also highlight his deep understanding of product development, market strategy, and team building within the tech sector.
As an investor, Jan Erik Solem is known for his hands-on approach, often acting as a mentor and strategic advisor to the companies he invests in. His operational experience allows him to provide practical guidance on everything from product-market fit to scaling operations and navigating complex M&A scenarios. He is particularly passionate about supporting founders who are pushing the boundaries of technology, especially in areas where AI and computer vision can create significant impact across various industries. His notable investments, while specific names are often confidential, align with his thematic focus on transformative technologies that can achieve global scale and create lasting value.
Jan Erik Solem's unique blend of technical acumen, entrepreneurial success, and investment expertise positions him as a key player in the venture capital ecosystem, particularly for startups looking to innovate in deep tech and AI. His contributions at EQT Ventures continue to shape the future of technology by empowering visionary founders.
Jan Erik Solem is a distinguished Partner at EQT Ventures, a leading European venture capital firm. He is also a highly successful entrepreneur, known for co-founding and leading tech companies like Polar Rose and Mapillary, both of which had significant acquisitions by tech giants.
Jan Erik Solem primarily invests in deep tech, artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and B2B SaaS companies. His investment strategy focuses on innovative startups that leverage advanced technology to solve complex problems and demonstrate strong market potential.
Jan Erik Solem works as a Partner at EQT Ventures, a multi-stage European venture capital fund that invests in fast-growing tech companies across various sectors.
