Press release -
Optimizer Invest appoints Johan Kinnander as acting CEO
Johan Kinnander, today Investment Manager at Optimizer Invest, has been appointed acting CEO of the company. The reason is that CEO Carla Maree Vella has chosen to move on to her own startup project within the blockchain space.
Johan Kinnander has extensive experience as an investor and business developer. Former positions include MD Nordic at Google Sweden, CEO of Betsson Business Solutions and COO at Betsafe. Johan Kinnander now becomes acting CEO of Optimizer Invest, with a location in Malta, until a permanent replacement can succeed.
Mikael Riese Harstad, Partner Optimizer Invest, comments:
"Carla Maree Vella has done an excellent job of positioning Optimizer Invest on the international startup scene. Her talents and digital expertise have brought great value to Optimizer. We, who follow our startup companies daily, fully understand that Carla chooses to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Our entire team wishes her the best of luck with future projects."
Carla Maree Vella comments:
‘’Leaving Optimizer has been a tough decision. I’ve been blessed to work with three great partners and an awesome team, but also with the hardworking and talented entrepreneurs in our portfolio companies. Without a doubt, what I have witnessed here is incredibly inspirational. I will take this energy and drive to my next project which I look forward to kicking things off in Q1 next year’’
Johan Kinnander concludes:
“Knowing the company from inside and out, it feels both exciting and natural for me to step in and take over as the acting CEO. I look forward to continuing the Optimizer success story while we look for a permanent replacement for Carla, and we have an exciting future ahead.”
The recruitment process of finding a new permanent CEO starts immediately.
Optimizer Invest has become famous for building a wide portfolio of interesting startups in just a few years. Investments have so far been made in some 20 companies, of which almost half are based in the Nordics. Examples of Swedish companies in the portfolio include Tinitell, Reve, Consector, Investoo and Pensionera. Optimizer Invest is also the main owner of the listed companies Catena Media and GIG.
For more information, please contact:
Johan Kinnander, acting CEO, Optimizer Invest
+46707 872000
Topics
- Business enterprise
Categories
- optimizer invest
About Optimizer Invest
Optimizer Invest is a fully founder funded venture capital company based in Malta, founded by Norwegian Andre Lavold and Swedes Henrik Persson Ekdahl and Mikael Riese Harstad. The company helps early stage businesses and entrepreneurs to develop and to reach their full potential with profitable growth. The founders and the Optimizer team have a successful background in iGaming, ecommerce and digital lead generation. They primarily invest in consumer-oriented and online businesses. Since the start in 2012, Optimizer Invest has invested in twenty something companies. The investment phase is still at an intense stage. optimizerinvest.com
Optimizer Invest has part-ownership in the following companies:
ANIMAIL/ZOOZOO.COM, CATENA MEDIA, CONSECTOR, CROWNSTUDENT.COM, EASY PAYMENT GATEWAY, GAMING INNOVATION GROUP, HERO GAMING, INVESTOO GROUP, PENSIONERA.SE, READLY, REVE, SEQURA, TINITELL
