The Growth Pod #62: Inka Mero - backing deep tech startups that are changing the world
May 22, 2025
Inka Mero, Founder and CEO of Voima Ventures, focuses on deep tech investments aimed at solving global challenges. She discusses the unique landscape of deep tech startups and how to spot effective founding teams. The conversation touches on the complicated valuation methods for these startups, the rising potential of quantum computing, and the intersection of technology with creativity. Additionally, Inka shares insights about building a venture capital firm from scratch and the emotional dynamics faced by founders.
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Defining Deep Tech Impact
- Deep tech innovations are rooted in scientific research and create disruptive products often combining hardware and software.
- These technologies address major global problems in health, energy, materials, and industries, aiming to change the world dramatically.
Founding Voima Ventures
- Inka was asked to start Voima Ventures, Finland's first deep tech VC, focused on early-stage science spin-outs.
- She initially declined due to difficulty raising funds but saw the potential and built a strategy to grow the Nordic deep tech ecosystem.
Build Balanced Teams
- Combine science experts with commercial talent in startups for product-market success.
- Focus on serial entrepreneurs or nurture scientists with growth mindset to tackle commercialization challenges.
