About
With over 15 years of experience in the creative and tech industries, I am a passionate entrepreneur, growth strategist, and advisor. I am the Founding Partner of Checkpoint Ventures, a venture studio that helps early-stage startups scale and succeed in the global market. I am also the Co-Founder and CEO of Optimist Expand, a growth and acceleration agency that specializes in partnerships and growth strategies for innovative businesses and communities. In addition, I advise Motor OÜ, a leading exhibition design and production company in Germany, on integrating AR/VR technologies, expanding market presence, developing strategic partnerships, and leading digital transformation efforts. I have strong analytical skills, a keen eye for design, and a deep understanding of the social and political dynamics of different cultures. I am driven by the mission of creating positive social impact through technology and creativity. I enjoy collaborating with diverse and talented teams, and empowering…
Experience
Co-Founder & Ceo
Optimist Expand · Berlin, Germany
Founding and leading Optimist Expand, I've championed the art of connecting ecosystems across Europe and MENA, delivering keynote speeches to large German corporations. Our boutique consultancy thrives on crafting tailor-made solutions for each client, embodying the essence of personalized and impactful strategies.
Founding Partner
Checkpoint Ventures · Berlin, Germany
Passionate about driving acceleration, incubation, and meaningful growth partnerships. Focused on fostering growth and innovation through strategic collaborations and innovative solutions.
Advisory
Motor OÜ · Berlin, Germany
Advising Motor on growth strategies, integrating AR/VR technologies, expanding market presence, developing strategic partnerships, and leading digital transformation efforts to enhance exhibition design and production in the German museum landscape.
Head of Partnerships & Growth
digitalminds.io · Berlin Area, Germany
In my tenure at DigitalMinds.io, I concentrated on nurturing our developer and freelancer community and building strategic partnerships. My approach was to cultivate an ecosystem where tech enthusiasts and independent professionals could connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. I facilitated the creation of forums and networks that encouraged open exchange and mutual support, aligning with our goal to empower the digital workforce. My efforts were focused on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by developers and freelancers, fostering an environment that supported their growth and professional development. This commitment to community building enabled us to develop a richly connected, innovative, and supportive network, enhancing DigitalMinds.io's role as a facilitator of meaningful connections within the tech industry
Business Operations Associate, R/Ga Iot Venture Studio Uk
R/GA · London, United Kingdom
As a pivotal member of the team at the first-of-its-kind accelerator program specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in London, I played a central role in facilitating the growth and connectivity of cohort companies. Working closely with mentors and investors, I provided strategic support to cohort companies, enabling them to access essential know-how and capital. Through fostering strong relationships within the IoT ecosystem, I helped to create an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth, ultimately driving the success of our cohort companies.
Founder
JÄÄ-ÄÄR
As the founder of JÄÄ-ÄÄR Berlin, I introduced a touch of Estonia to the vibrant cultural landscape of central Berlin. Over a transformative three-year span, JÄÄ-ÄÄR emerged as a dynamic event space and cafe/bar, placing Estonia firmly on the map in the heart of Berlin. Our venue quickly became synonymous with the bustling startup scene and cultural events in the city, attracting a diverse array of guests and earning recognition from esteemed publications such as Lonely Planet. Through innovative programming and a commitment to fostering community connections, I successfully elevated JÄÄ-ÄÄR Berlin into a beloved destination that showcased the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Estonia on an international stage.
Project and Community Manager | Humanipo & 88mph
At HumanIPO, an African startup community marketplace connecting investors with startups, I played a pivotal role in managing a diverse group of journalists from across the African continent. In this capacity, I coordinated content creation, facilitated discussions, and fostered collaboration among journalists to amplify the voices and stories of the African startup ecosystem. Additionally, I headed the organization of a strategic 48-hour investment bootcamp event in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to drive growth and innovation in the region. Ensured the success of the event, fostering valuable connections and facilitating investment opportunities that contributed to the advancement of the African startup landscape.
Startup Ecosystem Manager
Connect Estonia · Tallinn
Passionate about fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, I've played a key role in driving growth and connections within the startup ecosystem. At Connect Estonia, a membership organization to connect startups to capital and knowhow, I led efforts to support startups and build bridges between entrepreneurs and investors, pioneering initiatives that contributed to a thriving entrepreneurial community. As the Event & Membership Manager, I organized dynamic seminars and networking events while also focusing on member recruitment and communication. I thrived on forging partnerships, securing sponsorships, and amplifying our community's reach through effective communication channels. My commitment to nurturing investor relations and fostering ecosystem growth has been at the heart of my journey since then. Driving positive change and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to flourish became a passion of mine at Connect Estonia.
Education
Università degli Studi di Firenze
Sociology & Political Science
Tallinn University
BA, Sociology
Estonian Academy of Arts
Graphic Design
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