The innovation funding consultancy Spinverse takes another considerable step on its journey from founder-led family company, as the founder and Vice-Chair Pekka Koponen announces his transition from his active roles in the company to become a full-time investor at his family investment company Infinit Capital Oy. Laura Koponen, current CEO of Spinverse, will succeed Pekka as Vice-Chair and leave her role as CEO.
In autumn 2022, Evolver Fund I joined Spinverse as growth partner to pursue international growth together with Spinverse management and personnel. Prior to the that transaction, discussions were held on the succession planning for founder and entrepreneur of Spinverse, Pekka Koponen. After a successful transition period, it is now time for Pekka to move on from his position as Vice-Chair at Spinverse to become a full-time investor in his family investment company Infinit Capital Oy, where he as a distinguished entrepreneur will concentrate on supporting entrepreneurs with their companies through investments and active board roles. Pekka will remain as a major and important shareholder in Spinverse through his family company.
Laura Koponen will transition from her current role as CEO of Spinverse to become the new Vice-Chair. Laura is a respected industry leader with an impressive track record of successful projects and strategic initiatives. During her time, Spinverse has quadrupled in size to 12 M€ annual revenue, over 100 people and business in 25 countries. In her new position, Laura will continue to add significant value to the company. A search process for finding the next CEO of Spinverse has been initiated.
For Spinverse’s founder, Pekka Koponen, this marks an important milestone: ”It is with great pride and excitement that I announce leaving my active roles in the company and move ahead. Spinverse has been the major part of my life for almost 20 years. It has become a European leader in innovation funding consulting in this fast-growing market and it is destined to a great future under new owners and management.”
”During his time on the board, Pekka has contributed invaluable experience and expertise, and we are grateful for his dedicated efforts for the company. We thank Pekka for his contribution and commitment and wish him every success in his future endeavours,” says Johan Porko, Partner at Evolver Equity.
Laura Koponen, who now take the position as Vice-Chair of the board of Spinverse, says: “I have had operational roles within Spinverse for 15 years, and since 2015 as our CEO. It has been a fantastic journey with the company, and it will be a privilege also to support and serve the great Spinverse team from my new position.”
For more information, please contact:
Johan Porko, Evolver Equity, tel. +358 40 549 1518
Pekka Koponen, Spinverse, tel. +358 40 545 0008
Laura Koponen, Spinverse, tel. +358 40 350 0898
About Evolver Equity
Evolver Equity is a Finnish private equity investor specialized in Nordic small-cap buyouts. Evolver’s mission is to help owner-led companies realize their potential in a sustainable way by contributing with know-how, tools and capital that accelerate growth and build value. Since 2009 Evolver has completed more than 30 corporate transactions. Evolver is a registered Alternative Investment Fund Manager under the supervision of the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority and a member of the Finnish Venture Capital Association. www.evolverequity.com
