Viola Systems
Founder
Mika Marjalaakso
CEO of Aivo Health, Inc.
Data-driven, biomarker based continuous care digital program for personalized chronic pain management.
CEO of Aivo Health, Inc.
Data-driven, biomarker based continuous care digital program for personalized chronic pain management.
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Experience
Founder
Vensum Power
Founder
SSH Communications Security Oyj
Employee
Advisor
Mentor
Founder
Employee
Advisor
Mentor
Education
About
Achievements
I was the founding CEO of Viola Systems; an early pioneer in Internet of Things. We built industrial strength intelligent and networked edge computers. Viola was acquired by ABB. I was the executive Chairman of Walkbase; a pioneering company in near real-time analytics based on massive big data streams. Walkbase was acquired by Stratacache; a billion dollar category leader in digital signage. I was initial investor at AlphaSense; the category leader in financial search and data platform.
I have raised over 100m for the companies I have worked with. I have bankrupted two companies, exited four.
Describe the most impressive thing you've done.
What I'm Looking For
Not looking for new investments at the moment. All in with Something.
Describe what you're looking for in a company.
Locations
Q&A
What's the most useful business-related book you've ever read?
Influence: Psychology of Persuasion.
What's your favorite non-business book?
Sapiens
If money were not an issue, what would you be doing right now?
I would be doing exactly what I am doing right now; solving chronic pain. There's a lot of money in this space but my motivation comes from personal passion and intellectual challenge offered.
What words of advice would you give your younger self?
Be more gentle to yourself and also to people around you. People matter more than ideas, strategies etc.
What's the most creative thing you've ever done?
I used to build demos for Amiga. Star scrollers and stuff like that. It was super fun.
Which founders or startups do you most admire?
The resilient ones. The ones that go after really tough challenges and stay away from web widgets.
What's your super power?
I am as resilient as it gets.
What aspects of your work are you most passionate about?
I like the thrill of fundraising. I like working on product and strategy.
What was the most impactful class you took in school?
None. I was able to read, write and do math before the elementary school began. Schools in general are boring places. No fun, not much learning.
What's something you wish you had done years earlier?
Accepted the world as it is. And focused on preventative health from early childhood.
What's an obstacle you've overcome?
I have lived 15+ years with waxing and waning chronic pain and I am still here.
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