
I blend data-driven strategies with inclusivity in tech. I’m passionate about leveraging data for good and supporting startups with visions that extend beyond profit to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. I stand for work-life balance and equality in every workspace. Short: Principal at identity.vc, the first VC in Europe investing in early-stage startups with LGBTQ+ leadership. Ex-growth operator (idea to Series A). Founder of a non-profit creating tech jobs for international talent Herizon.io. Investor of the Year in Nordic Women in Tech Awards 2022 and Diversity Role Model of the Year in Nordic Startup Awards 2023. Currently: - Investing and guiding early-stage startups at identity.vc, helping them scale and thrive. - Built a program for international talent employment in the Nordics with a 95% success rate generating over €1M in new monthly salaries paid to previously unemployed individuals. - Sharing actionable growth strategies with early-stage startups. Key achievements: - Increased Freska's annual recurring revenue from €<200K to €13M as a solo growth operator, securing its position as the leading home-cleaning service in the Nordics. This growth was achieved within two years, maintaining a 15% month-over-month growth rate, all while staying profitable. - I made my best investment in Call of Duty and they grew from €0 to €1M ARR in 12 months since the investment. - Contributed to increasing investments in startups with diverse founding teams from 22.3% in Icebreaker.vc Fund I to 40.7% in Fund II, while diverse teams represent only 14% of the pipeline. - Contributed to scaling companies from under €1M in annual revenue to over €10M. - Facilitated fundraising from initial €50K investments to significant €30M rounds, adapting strategies to suit each company's stage and potential. - Designed and implemented growth strategies globally, adjusting to the unique demands of diverse markets. - Directly coached over 100 startup CEOs, influencing the growth trajectories of businesses from €1M to €100M in revenue. - Played a significant role in creating over 1,000 jobs, focusing on inclusivity and opportunities for women, immigrants, and minorities. - Received the 2022 Investor of the Year at the Nordic Women in Tech Awards and the 2023 Diversity Role Model of the Year at the Nordic Startup Awards for my work in diversity and inclusivity. Interested in startups and growth? Reach out! If you have a startup idea, pitch me on Call of Duty. Discover more at https://www.mariluukkainen.com/
yousician.com
herizon.io
icebreaker.vc
dogoodbrew.fi
paxful.com
sc5.io
freska.se
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Principal
identity.vc I Backing LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
• www.linkedin.com/company/identityvc
May 2024 - Present
Berlin, Germany
Founder, Chair, CEO
Herizon
• www.linkedin.com/company/herizonio
Jan 2022 - Present
New Nordics
Angel Investor / Advisor
Freelance
Jan 2020 - Present
Keynote Speaker, Writer & Creator, Growth & Marketing
Freelance
Jan 2018 - Present
Advisor
Icebreaker.vc
• www.linkedin.com/company/icebreaker-vc
May 2024 - Present
Principal
Icebreaker.vc
• www.linkedin.com/company/icebreaker-vc
May 2022 - Apr 2024
Head of Growth
Icebreaker.vc
• www.linkedin.com/company/icebreaker-vc
Sep 2020 - May 2022
Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland
ICO/STO Fundraising Advisor
Freelance
May 2017 - Sep 2018
Entrepreneur
Raw Interactive
Sep 2005 - Apr 2010
Helsinki
Affiliate Marketing
Solopreneur
Apr 1998 - Dec 2009
dealdash.com
kiuas.com
trulyagency.com