Sami Niemi

I’ve always been fascinated by what technology makes possible — and by how much simpler, more useful and more ambitious products can become when you challenge the established way of doing things.

I started out exploring computers by coding visual demos in machine language on a Commodore 64. That curiosity eventually led me to co-found Scalado in 2000.

Scalado became a global leader in mobile imaging software, with more than one billion licenses shipped across devices from most of the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturers. We worked closely with smartphone and semiconductor companies, combining software, imaging technology and intellectual property to help create entirely new camera experiences.

Much of my role was spent travelling across Asia, Europe and the US, working with customers and partners and engaging with senior industry leaders. One of the biggest lessons from that journey was that building a great technology company is not only about having a strong product. It is about understanding where the world is going, creating conviction around that vision and making your company increasingly important to the people you serve.

Scalado was acquired by Nokia in 2012. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s handset business, I became Director of Photography at Microsoft, responsible for imaging across the Windows organisation.

I had been involved with Spintop from its early days — first as an investor in funds I and II, later as a Senior Advisor and member of the Investment Committee — before joining full time in 2016 and becoming a Partner in 2018. I am also a co-founder of The Ground, a creative start-up work space in Malmö, Sweden.

Today, I work closely with founders on product, technology, strategy, positioning and scaling. I love great products and scaling product-based businesses internationally. I have also had the opportunity to spend significant time getting deep into trending technologies such as AR/VR, AI/ML, blockchain and crypto.

I care deeply about helping companies create a strong sense of purpose and a clear set of beliefs. When people understand not only what they are building, but why, teams can make better decisions without relying on detailed guidance.

As an entrepreneur and investor, I don’t believe long-term success comes from luck. It comes from continuously creating opportunities, recognising which ones matter, and executing with persistence alongside a great and empowered team.