VENTURE BUILDER

Antti has 20 years of experience in validating new technologies in demanding scientific infrastructures and applying them in tomorrow’s applications. Possessing engineering and business degrees, Antti has been establishing, operating and advising a number of businesses along the way. His superpower is building international academia/industry R&D projects and raising funds. 

Mika is a multidisciplinary professional who has worked for firms, universities, research institutes and public authorities in several countries. Graduated with three master’s degrees in tech, business and social sciences, Mika has a strong background in management, technology and innovation, ecosystems, venture building, sustainability and academic research. His research areas have included the emergence of new technologies and industries, entrepreneurial ecosystems and publicly funded R&D projects. Mika’s superpower is coming with a research plan that allows academia and business to join forces in an instant. 

Tuomo has a very strong background in commercialising research-based innovations and building startups. Earlier in his career, Tuomo built the biggest Finnish initiative for commercialisation of research-based innovations, the TULI-programme. After TULI, he has been at the helm of a number of technology start-ups. Tuomo’s superpower is ramping up businesses with very complex technology offerings.

Sevi has an extensive background working at many levels in corporate, SMEs and start-up companies in several countries. He has a track record exceeding 100M EUR of personal sales in tens of different countries and has led innovative projects that have been the first of their kind. Sevi’s superpower is in defining a coherent business strategy for virtually any technology he is challenged with.

Heli has held various sales positions for the past 20 years. She has harnessed all the skills gained for training sales personnel in SMEs and large corporations. Together with Sami, Heli has trained over 400 sales people. Heli’s superpower is in understanding client needs and offering solutions they did not even know were possible.

Sami is an expert in sales and has worked for 20 years in managerial and director roles. Sami is also an entrepreneur who has been running his sales consultancy companies over the last 10 years and rebuilt the sales operations for numerous clients. Sami’s superpower is “Sisu”. He just can’t give up until the deal is closed one way or the other.

Júlia is a life sciences professional with strong international research and communication expertise, acquired through her work both in the academic and industry arena. Julia is experienced in managing and communicating with different stakeholders and presenting innovations to key partners to encourage their engagement and collaboration. Her superpower is finding the right opportunities for new businesses.

Jelena is a biologist by background and can efficiently work on various research domains, including wine chemistry. Jelena’s superpower is in forming research reports in a glimpse.

Benjamin is an avid writer with a penchant for all things artistic. He is highly skilled in journalism, marketing, content writing, and graphic design. Following his bachelor’s degree in Communications, Ben is now reading for a Diploma in Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Malta. On the side, he co-runs a local theatre collective, for which he writes, directs, and occasionally acts. Ben’s superpower is creating imaginative ways to present an otherwise dull topic in an engaging format.

A newcomer to the Acceler8 team, Stephanie joined in November 2022. Having worked in several roles in international publicly traded companies, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience in the areas of administration and project management. Her superpower is x-ray vision as she knows how to analyze situations before making decisions and values attention to detail.

Maria has a diversity of experience with an extensive background in corporate banking, financial services, management consulting, and the start-up sector, having worked across multiple industries and countries. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep-seated passion for innovative and disruptive projects that effect positive change in society, while also being mindful of the impact on future generations. Maria’s superpower lies in her ability to offer fresh and unique perspectives while also ensuring the seamless execution of all aspects of new ventures.