What Jupe brings to the table
Jupe’s path to venture is rooted in building companies himself. He founded his first web venture, Koulukaverit, back in 2002. Its early success sparked a run of about a dozen internet businesses – the “Rocket Internet of Finland,” as he puts it.
When they ran out of their own ideas, other entrepreneurs started pitching them, offering equity for tech muscle. That evolved into years of hands-on investing across Finland and Silicon Valley, before he co-founded Vendep Capital in 2013 to back founders through a more focused venture model. Today, Jupe zeroes in on sourcing deals, working closely with portfolio companies and chasing standout vertical SaaS plays.
Working with Jupe
Engaged and always available, Jupe’s style is direct, solution-oriented and geared toward moving things forward. Whether he’s helping tackle a knotty growth challenge or exploring how to sharpen product-market fit, he brings an entrepreneur’s lens and a lot of energy – with a particular love for products that fit their vertical like a glove.
Quickfire Q&A
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
If something works, do it longer.
What’s your favorite way to disconnect or recharge?
Anything mökki: building something from wood, windsurf, listen to book in hangmat, admire view, sup, tend to fire, play cards.
What’s a surprising skill or hobby most people don’t know you have?
World class chantarelle hunter.
From this author
From local to global: A strategic expansion guide for SaaS founders
This guide explores the timing, trade-offs, and strategic choices involved in going beyond your home turf.
Got a “No” from a VC?
A “no” from a VC can feel personal, especially if it’s the one you were sure would say yes. The key to move forward is knowing why – and what to do next.
More team members
Former scaleup operator helping SaaS founders with a keen financial eye
Former scaleup operator helping SaaS founders with a keen financial eye
Nearly a decade in VC, helping founders think deeper and scale smarter
Nearly a decade in VC, helping founders think deeper and scale smarter
Startup operator turned investor obsessed with fast teams and solid metrics
Startup operator turned investor obsessed with fast teams and solid metrics
Silicon Valley-bred investor with deep experience and an unmatched network
Silicon Valley-bred investor with deep experience and an unmatched network
Ex-SaaS marketing lead, now growing the Vendep founder community
Ex-SaaS marketing lead, now growing the Vendep founder community
Seasoned CFO keeping our fund financials and compliance tight
Seasoned CFO keeping our fund financials and compliance tight
20 years in enterprise software before co-founding Vendep Capital
20 years in enterprise software before co-founding Vendep Capital