Sten Tamkivi

Sten Tamkivi is a prominent Estonian-born angel investor and entrepreneur, currently based in San Francisco. Known for his deep product expertise and operational background, Tamkivi has played a significant role in the European tech ecosystem, particularly through his early involvement with Skype and as co-founder and CEO of Teleport, which was later acquired by Topia (formerly MOVE Guides), where he served as Chief Product Officer. His transition into angel investing leverages this extensive experience, making him a sought-after early-stage supporter for ambitious founders.

As an angel investor, Tamkivi primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage companies, often with a strong emphasis on product-led growth and global scalability. He is particularly active in supporting founders from the Baltics and wider Europe who are building solutions for a global market. His investment thesis centers on backing exceptional teams with compelling visions, where his operational insights and vast network can provide significant value beyond just capital. He often looks for companies that are tackling complex problems with innovative technology and a clear path to market.

Tamkivi's portfolio showcases a diverse range of successful technology companies. He has made over 40 angel investments, according to public data, contributing to the growth of several unicorns and high-potential startups. Notable investments include Pipedrive, a leading sales CRM platform; Veriff, an AI-powered identity verification service that raised a $7.7 million Series A round with his participation; and Starship Technologies, a pioneer in autonomous delivery robots. He also participated in the €1.5 million seed round for Salv, a financial crime-fighting platform, and the €2.5 million seed round for Montonio, a payment solutions provider, further demonstrating his commitment to early-stage, high-impact ventures.

His approach is characterized by a founder-friendly stance, often acting as a mentor and strategic advisor to his portfolio companies. Tamkivi's unique blend of product leadership, entrepreneurial success, and extensive network makes him a valuable partner for startups navigating the challenges of early-stage development and international expansion. He continues to be an active and influential figure in the global venture landscape, particularly for companies bridging the gap between European innovation and Silicon Valley ambition.