Mari LuukkainenPrincipal, identity.vc
Mari is a Principal at identity.vc, Europe's first VC investing in early-stage startups led by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, has over 20 years of experience in growth operations and venture capital. She has driven significant growth for companies like Freska, Paxful, and Yousician. As a former Principal at Icebreaker.vc, they managed a portfolio of 100+ startups, helping them raise substantial seed and series A funding. They also founded Herizon.io, a non-profit creating tech jobs for international talent, and received the 2022 Investor of the Year award at the Nordic Women in Tech Awards and the 2023 Diversity Role Model of the Year at the Nordic Startup Awards. Their mission is to support diversity in entrepreneurship and foster innovation by breaking conventional norms. Key achievements include increasing Freska's ARR from €200K to €13M in two years and significantly boosting investments in diverse founding teams at Icebreaker.vc.
Fireside Chat
This one on one conversation with Mari Luukkainen will delve into critical discussions around three key topics:
- Expanding Investment Horizons
- The Next Generation Workforce
- The Economics of Inclusion
Moderator Joey BayerHead of Community, Epicenter Helsinki
Joey Bayer has been responsible for creating conversations that matter for more than 16 years.
From creating the space, to connecting key players, to driving / setting the agenda, Joey brings together individuals for moments that both transform and inspire.
Over the course of his career, Joey has hosted the world's most fascinating and influential people - from world leaders, like Bill Clinton, to iconic legends like Liza Minelli, to the CEOs of today's Fortune 500 companies.
Joey's intuitive ability to connect with others, his passion for people and dialogue, and ability to get directly to the heart of the discussion have earned him a reputation of trust and respect with leaders around the world, and made him a central figure in today's most important conversations.
Fireside Chat
This one on one conversation with Mari Luukkainen will delve into critical discussions around three key topics:
- Expanding Investment Horizons
- The Next Generation Workforce
- The Economics of Inclusion
