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Ambient Sound Investments

Europe, Harjumaa, Estonia, Tallinn

Description

Ambient Sound Investments (ASI) is a private investment company established in 2005 by the four original engineers of Skype: Jaan Tallinn, Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Toivo Annus. Following eBay's acquisition of Skype, these founders channeled their wealth into ASI, creating a versatile investment vehicle based in Tallinn, Estonia. Unlike traditional venture capital firms with rigid mandates, ASI operates with a broad investment scope, encompassing venture capital, private equity, listed equity, and real assets, reflecting a diversified, long-term wealth management approach.

ASI's investment philosophy emphasizes long-term value creation and disciplined risk management across its varied asset classes. In the venture capital space, they are known for backing technology companies, particularly those originating from the Baltic region and Europe, though their portfolio extends globally. Their flexibility allows them to participate in rounds ranging from early-stage seed investments to more mature growth equity deals. This adaptability is a hallmark of their strategy, enabling them to support promising ventures at different points in their development.

Over the years, Ambient Sound Investments has built a significant portfolio, having invested in over 50 companies globally. Early on, the firm established an initial investment fund of approximately €50 million (around $60 million at the time), which laid the groundwork for their extensive activities. Notable venture capital investments include early participation in fintech giant Wise (formerly TransferWise), CRM software provider Pipedrive, and autonomous delivery innovator Starship Technologies.

As a sophisticated private investment entity, Ambient Sound Investments continues to play a quiet yet influential role in the global tech ecosystem, leveraging the entrepreneurial success and technical acumen of its founders. Their unique structure allows for strategic, patient capital deployment, making them a distinctive player in the investment landscape.

Investor Profile

Ambient Sound Investments has backed more than 31 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 23% of its total and boasts 11 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Estonia, United States, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Internet, Software, Gaming.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (32%)
  • Seed (32%)
  • Series Unknown (13%)
  • Series B (10%)
  • Angel (6%)
  • Private Equity (3%)
  • Series C (3%)

Country Focus

  • Estonia (32%)
  • United States (23%)
  • United Kingdom (13%)
  • Finland (10%)
  • Hong Kong (3%)
  • Israel (3%)
  • Lithuania (3%)
  • Russian Federation (3%)
  • Thailand (3%)
  • France (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Internet
  • Software
  • Gaming
  • Web Hosting
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Information Technology
  • Electronics
  • Semiconductor
  • E-commerce
  • Social Media
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Ambient Sound Investments frequently co-invest with?

Fresco Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Omnis Mundi
Europe, Hessen, Germany, Frankfurt
Co-Investments: 1
Andurance Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
DC
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Wavemaker Partners
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 1
The Accelerator Group
North America, Virginia, United States, Mclean
Co-Investments: 2
FV
North America, North Carolina, United States, Charlotte
Co-Investments: 1
EC
North America, Ohio, United States, Columbus
Co-Investments: 1
Passion Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Intel Capital
North America, California, United States, Santa Clara
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Ambient Sound Investments often collaborate with?

RS
Europe, Estonia
Shared Deals: 1
SG
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
ST
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AZ
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
David O. Sacks
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
TH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
JS
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
EB
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
Yuval Rakavy
Asia, Yerushalayim, Israel, Jerusalem
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Ambient Sound Investments?

KappaZeta

Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia

KappaZeta provides services for interpreting radar satellite data in order to assist farmers.

AgricultureConsultingInformation Technology
SeedSep 8, 2023
Amount Raised: $513,946
Ampler Bikes

Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia

Ampler Bikes is a lightweight electric bike designed for anyone looking for freedom and adventure in their daily routines and commutes.

Consumer ElectronicsConsumer GoodsElectric Vehicle
Series UnknownNov 1, 2021
Amount Raised: $8,583,681
Pomelo Fashion

Bangkok, Krung Thep, Thailand

Pomelo Fashion is an international online fashion store for women.

E-CommerceFashionWomen's
Series CSep 11, 2019
Amount Raised: $52,000,000
Cgates

Vilnius, Vilniaus Apskritis, Lithuania

Cgates is largest independent pay TV and internet service provider.

InternetMessagingRoboticsTV
Private EquityJun 27, 2017
Senseg

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland

Haptic interface technology company

Consumer ElectronicsElectronicsEnterprise Software
Series BApr 9, 2014
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Frenzoo

Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Frenzoo creates 3D fashion and lifestyle games for iOS and Android devices.

3D TechnologyComputerGamingInternetVirtual Currency
Series UnknownMay 10, 2012
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
Blaast

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland

Blaast is a platform that uses proven principles to drive company growth and success.

Information ServicesInformation TechnologyMobile
SeedDec 31, 2010
Amount Raised: $3,700,000
Modesat

Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia

Improves the throughput of communication channels

Communications InfrastructureSatellite CommunicationSemiconductor
Series AOct 27, 2010
Amount Raised: $2,549,098
Progeniq

Sunnyvale, California, United States

Progeniq is a Japanese blog that talks about health, wellness, and daily life.

HardwareSoftware
Series AApr 13, 2010
Armorize Technologies

San Francisco, California, United States

Armorize Technologies delivers end-to-end security solutions safeguarding enterprises from hackers seeking to exploit vulnerable web apps.

Developer ToolsNetwork SecuritySecurity
Series BJun 16, 2009