Ilkka Paananen

Ilkka Paananen is a highly influential figure in the global mobile gaming industry, best known as the CEO and co-founder of Supercell, the Helsinki-based developer behind massively successful titles like Clash of Clans and Hay Day. Beyond his operational role at Supercell, Paananen is an active and strategic angel investor, primarily focusing on the gaming and technology sectors, particularly within the Nordic region. His investment philosophy is deeply rooted in supporting founders with strong vision and execution capabilities, often leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and network to provide more than just capital.

Paananen's investment portfolio reflects his expertise and passion for the gaming ecosystem. He has made direct angel investments in several promising mobile game studios, including Metacore, Lightheart Entertainment, and Futureplay, all of which have garnered significant attention in the industry. His support often comes at the early stages, helping these companies establish a strong foundation. A notable aspect of his investment strategy is his role as a limited partner (LP) in specialized venture capital funds. For instance, he was a key LP in Play Ventures' inaugural fund, a €30 million vehicle dedicated to investing in gaming startups, showcasing his commitment to fostering the broader gaming startup landscape.

His investments are not limited to gaming studios; he also backs companies providing infrastructure or services to the creative tech industry, such as Flowhaven (a licensing and brand management platform) and Varjo (a high-end VR/AR headset developer). Paananen's involvement often extends beyond financial backing, as he is known to offer mentorship and strategic guidance to the founders he supports. His typical first check size for direct angel investments is estimated to range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, reflecting his capacity and willingness to make significant early-stage commitments to companies he believes can achieve global scale, much like Supercell itself. He is a strong proponent of the Finnish startup scene, actively contributing to its growth and international recognition.