FiBAN’s Board for 2026 officially started its work in January, bringing together a diverse, experienced, and hands-on group of leaders united by one goal: strengthening Finland’s angel investing ecosystem and helping ambitious founders grow better companies.
The Board is chaired by Ilkka Kaikuvuo, a seasoned technology entrepreneur and active board professional, with Irene Viinikkala serving as Vice Chairperson. The FIBAN board 2026 combines deep entrepreneurial and board experience, investor insights, and strong international networks to guide FiBAN into its next phase of impact.
Meet the members of the FiBAN Board 2026.
Ilkka Kaikuvuo
Chairperson
Technology entrepreneur, startup realist, board professional, and long-haul endurance athlete, Ilkka Kaikuvuo, believes that motion builds clarity – both in business and in life. He is a co-founder of Framery, Surveypal, and several other companies that have grown from early ideas into international teams.
As an early-stage investor in more than 30 startups, Ilkka is particularly drawn to ventures where technology meets design, from Something-as-a-Service models to smart workspaces and impact-driven solutions that improve people, not just processes. Known for his human-centered leadership style, he brings strategic sharpness, operational experience, and founder empathy to every board role.
On the FiBAN Board, Ilkka is motivated by a clear ambition: to help build a Finland where founders thrive, investors continuously learn, and strong companies grow stronger.
Irene Viinikkala
Vice Chairperson
Irene Viinikkala is an entrepreneur, board professional, and angel investor with over 15 years of experience in strategy, business development, and change leadership. Her approach is firmly owner-driven and execution-focused, grounded in hands-on entrepreneurial work with growth companies at different stages.
Working closely with founders, boards, and investors, Irene emphasizes that sustainable value creation requires more than capital alone. Active ownership, strong governance, and trusted networks are essential ingredients in turning ambition into resilient, long-lasting businesses.
In her role on the FiBAN Board, Irene focuses on strengthening collaboration within the investor community and advancing long-term impact through shared learning and practical, informed decision-making that supports a strong Finnish business ecosystem.
Hanna Nyholm
Board Member
Hanna Nyholm has been a FiBAN member since 2020 and brings a broad background as an investor, angel investor, entrepreneur, executive coach, and startup mentor. She holds an MBA and has over 20 years of international experience in growing companies from early ideas to global markets.
Hanna is the founder of Shevestments, an initiative dedicated to supporting female investors and women-led growth companies, and she is a strong advocate for increasing diversity across the investment landscape. Through her extensive network in the startup, venture capital, and M&A ecosystems, she plays a key role in expanding FiBAN’s international reach and promoting inclusive growth.
Pekka Ylitalo
Board Member
Pekka Ylitalo is a FiBAN member since 2020, a medical doctor, private healthcare entrepreneur, and active investor. He operates through his syndicate, Founders’ Edge, which has built a 16-company portfolio spanning both technology and healthcare.
Leveraging deep industry knowledge and a strong Nordic network, Pekka actively supports early-stage companies and regional growth. His syndicate is known for close collaboration with top co-investors across the Nordics, bringing both capital and operational value. On the FiBAN Board, Pekka contributes a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and hands-on investing experience.
Jarkko Forsberg
Board Member
Jarkko Forsberg is an original Slush hangaround since 2008, a board member, non-profit founder, and an experienced leader with a strong track record in building, managing, and successfully exiting growth companies.
As Co-Founder and CEO of LVS Brokers Oy, which exited to Sambla Group / Nordic Capital in early 2022, Jarkko has firsthand experience in scaling businesses and navigating successful exits. With over 15 portfolio companies, he approaches angel investing with a pragmatic and learning-driven mindset shaped by real entrepreneurial challenges. On the FiBAN Board, he brings energy, execution focus, and a strong understanding of founder realities.
Pekka Samuelsson
Board Member
Pekka Samuelsson has been a FiBAN member since 2023 and is a full-time startup investor and advisor. Holding an MSc in Finance, he brings nearly 30 years of experience from the financial sector, alongside extensive entrepreneurial and board-level experience across companies at different stages of development.
Having invested in startups for close to 20 years, Pekka has deep expertise in company valuation, financing structures, and long-term value creation. Awarded FiBAN’s Most Active Angel of the Year 2024, he is highly engaged in FiBAN’s activities and contributes strong networks, particularly within the financial industry, to support both founders and fellow investors.
Perttu Ilmarinen
Board Member
Perttu Ilmarinen is a FiBAN member since 2022, CEO and co-owner of his family office, and an active board professional. He holds an MA in Aesthetics and the HHJ board qualification, combining a commercially minded approach with humanistic and people-centered thinking.
Perttu serves as the Chair of FiBAN’s #CreativeAngels working group, supporting the growth of creative and interdisciplinary ventures. More about Creative Angels. With a background in education and over a decade of experience coaching elite endurance athletes to national championship level, he brings fresh perspectives, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of performance and long-term development to FiBAN’s Board work.