Marko Oolo: Building the Future of Early-Stage Investing and Entrepreneurial Growth
In the rapidly changing landscape of finance, technology, and venture capital, Marko Oolo stands out as one of the most dynamic investors and entrepreneurs from Estonia. With years of experience in product management, growth hacking, venture funding, and community building, he has played a critical role in shaping Europe’s startup ecosystem.
Currently serving as a Partner at Superangel, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on industry-changing startups, and as Co-Founder & Head of Product at Portfellow, Oolo continues to drive innovation while supporting bold entrepreneurs. His journey from product management at Wise (formerly TransferWise) to co-founding investment communities and creative studios highlights his versatility, vision, and impact.
This article takes a deep dive into his professional career, education, organizations, and entrepreneurial projects, painting a full picture of the contributions he has made across multiple industries.
Partner @ Superangel – Early Stage Funding for Industry Changers
The Vision Behind Superangel
At the heart of Marko Oolo’s career lies his role as a Partner at Superangel, a venture capital fund dedicated to backing early-stage companies that redefine industries. Based in Europe, Superangel operates with the clear mission of investing in transformative startups across deep tech, mobility, artificial intelligence, and fintech.
Superangel Two, a €40 million fund, typically invests between €400,000 and €1 million, either leading or co-leading rounds. The fund is particularly drawn to research-driven and science-intensive ventures, showing its dedication to supporting teams that push technological boundaries. Oolo’s leadership has been central in identifying promising founders and providing them with the resources and strategic guidance necessary to scale globally.
Superangel One – Foundation of Success
Before stepping into his Partner role, Marko Oolo served as the Investment and Portfolio Manager for Superangel One, a €17 million early-stage fund. During this time, he helped build the Superangel platform from the ground up, overseeing investments in 44 technology companies. The portfolio included some of Estonia’s most successful startups, such as Bolt, Veriff, and Starship, two of which have since achieved unicorn status.
Oolo’s strategic acumen also contributed to successful exits, with acquisitions made by Amazon and GoCardless. His ability to combine strong analytical skills with a keen sense of market trends made him a cornerstone of Superangel’s growth and reputation in European venture capital.
Portfellow – Building Smarter Investment Tools
In January 2024, Marko Oolo co-founded Portfellow, where he currently serves as Head of Product. Portfellow is an investment portfolio tracker designed to simplify the complex process of monitoring financial performance.
This platform provides investors with an easy-to-use overview of their holdings, enabling them to make more informed decisions. By centralizing data, automating reporting, and offering deep insights, Portfellow empowers retail and professional investors alike. Oolo’s hands-on experience in product management and growth strategy has been invaluable in shaping Portfellow into a user-focused solution.
Marathon Studios – Creativity and Media Production
Beyond finance and investing, Marko Oolo has also made his mark in creative industries. In 2019, he co-founded Marathon Studios, a content production company based in Tallinn, Estonia.
Marathon Studios specialized in audio, video, and photography, providing technical solutions for podcasts, live streams, and event recordings. While Oolo concluded his active role in 2023, the studio remains a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to venture into different industries with success.
Investeerimisklubi and InvesteerimisFestival – Community Building
Founding Estonia’s Largest Investment Community
One of Oolo’s most influential achievements was co-founding Investeerimisklubi, an Estonian retail investment community launched in 2014. Over the years, the community grew into the largest in the region, boasting over 15,000 members.
Investeerimisklubi organized more than 250+ investment events, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and empowerment of retail investors. Its impact on the region’s financial literacy and investor culture cannot be overstated.
InvesteerimisFestival – Europe’s Largest Retail Investor Event
Oolo also co-founded and served as CEO of InvesteerimisFestival, Europe’s largest retail investment festival. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has doubled in size annually, attracting more than 2,000 participants, including investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
The event’s success eventually led to its acquisition by Äripäev, solidifying Oolo’s reputation as a community builder who can transform ideas into long-lasting institutions.
Career at Wise – Data, Product, and Growth
Before entering the venture capital world, Marko Oolo honed his skills at Wise (formerly TransferWise), one of Europe’s most successful fintech companies.
Growth Analyst
From 2014 to 2016, he worked as a Growth Analyst, focusing on user research, data analytics, and A/B testing. His ability to manipulate data and build actionable insights helped Wise scale its customer experience while reducing contact rates through innovative self-service features.
Product Manager
In 2016, Oolo advanced to the role of Product Manager, where he focused on building customer journeys and strategies that enhanced user engagement. His leadership with cross-functional teams of engineers, analysts, and designers resulted in world-class financial products that significantly boosted Wise’s growth.
This hands-on experience at Wise gave him the perfect foundation to later thrive in venture capital and entrepreneurship, equipping him with practical knowledge of product development and customer-driven innovation.
Education
Marko Oolo’s educational background reflects his commitment to excellence. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Building Management, and Economics from TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology.
During his studies, he also spent time at Instituto Superior Técnico in Portugal, achieving a high academic standing with a grade of 17/20. This combination of engineering, economics, and management knowledge provided him with a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, essential for his later work in finance and investment.
Organizations and Leadership Roles
Investeerimisklubi
In addition to his entrepreneurial and investment activities, Marko Oolo continues to be associated with Investeerimisklubi, the largest investor community in Estonia. The organization fosters a culture of collaboration among like-minded individuals and promotes financial literacy through events, workshops, and discussions.
His leadership within such organizations highlights his long-term commitment to building ecosystems where investors and entrepreneurs can thrive together.
Skills and Expertise
Over the years, Marko Oolo has developed a versatile skill set, which includes:
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Product Management – proven at Wise and Portfellow.
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Growth Hacking – scaling communities and products effectively.
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Venture Capital and Investing – managing large funds and backing transformative startups.
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Team Building and Leadership – demonstrated through multiple co-founded ventures.
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Community Development – leading initiatives like Investeerimisklubi and InvesteerimisFestival.
These skills, combined with his cross-industry experience, make him one of the most adaptable and forward-thinking professionals in the European startup ecosystem.
Conclusion
From Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia, Marko Oolo has built an extraordinary career that bridges finance, entrepreneurship, technology, and community leadership. As Partner at Superangel, he supports startups that challenge existing industries. Through Portfellow, he is empowering investors with smarter tools. His past ventures in Marathon Studios, Investeerimisklubi, and InvesteerimisFestival showcase his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to financial education.
With a foundation built at Wise and an education from top European institutions, Oolo exemplifies what it means to combine analytical rigor, strategic vision, and community-driven leadership. His story continues to inspire the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs, positioning him as a central figure in shaping Europe’s innovation landscape.
