Markko Vaarnas

Active Investor

Managing Partner & Cofounder at Takeoff Partners

Helsinki, Uusimaa

Markko Vaarnas, Managing Partner & Cofounder at Takeoff Partners is an active investor based in Helsinki, Uusimaa. This profile covers what Markko Vaarnas backs, at which stage, and how founders can reach out in 2026.

Mr. Markko Vaarnas is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Partner at Takeoff Partners. He served as Chairman at HUONE. He serves as an Board Member at CollectiveCrunch. He is also a co-founder and CEO of Global Intelligence Alliance Group (GIA Group) between, he has worked hands-on on every aspect of business that an internationalizing company needs to consider: product development, strategy, go-to-market planning, sales & marketing, finance, team development, M&A and corporate governance. During his 20 years with GIA Group, he oversaw the company's growth from a small Finnish startup into a global leader in Market Intelligence software and services. GIA Group was acquired by M-Brain Group in September 2014, by which time it had 15 mEUR in annual revenue and a headcount of 150. He has a reputation for being a strong visionary and a strategist, and yet having close attention to execution with any project he works on. As a leader and co-worker, he is widely appreciated among customers, business partners, and colleagues alike. Particularly for his ability to get things done! With Takeoff Partners, he wants to make his knowledge and experience available to other companies and individuals who may benefit from them. He values shared goals, transparent cooperation as well as an energetic and result-oriented approach to work. He serves as the Chairman of the Board for Meetingpackage.com. In addition, he is a Board Member of Boardman2020, LATO - Leadership Automation Tools, Cuckoo Workout, and Deep Lead. Since March 2014, he has also served as a coach at Startup Sauna. He also serves as a Board Member at LATO Tools.

Investor type: AngelVCPE
Stages: Early Stage VentureLate Stage Venture
Invests in: SaaS & EnterpriseConsumer & RetailMarketing & AdTech
Location: Helsinki, Uusimaa
Typical check: $3.8M
Past investments: 4

Notable investments

Forward ForeverMeetingPackageHowspaceJKMM Architects

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Markko Vaarnas invest in?

Markko Vaarnas invests in SaaS & Enterprise, Consumer & Retail and Marketing & AdTech, typically at Early Stage Venture and Late Stage Venture. Match your sector and stage, then reach out with a personalized pitch.