Sakari Pihlava

Sakari Pihlava is a seasoned venture capitalist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the technology sector. Currently serving as a General Partner at Vendep Capital since March 2017, Sakari focuses on investments in early-stage SaaS and cloud companies in the Nordics and Baltics, having led investments in over 20 notable firms. As a Founding Partner of Vendep Startup Fund, initiated in September 2013, Sakari has contributed to the growth of various innovative companies. Previously, as CEO and Partner at Vendep from May 2011 to April 2017, Sakari played a crucial role in accelerating startups through hands-on support. Prior professional experience includes significant positions at Efecte Corp. and TVM Capital, as well as a foundational role at F-Secure Oyj, contributing to executive strategies and product development. Sakari holds an MBA in General Management from IMD and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Teknillinen korkeakoulu-Tekniska högskolan.