“The industrial tech scene is ready for a revolution” – Introducing Kai Öistämö, Venture Partner at Kvanted

Industrial technology is evolving at an incredible pace, and leaders like Kai Öistämö are helping to shape its future. As a Venture Partner at Kvanted, Kai brings deep expertise from his years in the industry. Currently the CEO of Vaisala, he has driven the company’s advanced measurement solutions for industry and environmental monitoring into markets worldwide. And as a board member of Nokia, he has a front-row seat to the transformations in industrial tech, where he’s helping guide the next generation of founders.

“The industrial tech scene is ready for a revolution, and we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible.”

How did you end up as CEO of Vaisala and then a Venture Partner at Kvanted?

Kai: My journey has been about following my passion for innovation and industry change. Before I took the CEO role at Vaisala, I was the Chief Operating Officer at InterDigital, and before that, I spent several years at Nokia in various leadership roles. Those positions gave me a deep understanding of the industrial landscape and how to lead change. Now at Kvanted, I’m using that experience to help startups spot market opportunities and navigate the challenges of scaling their innovations.

What makes Kvanted different from other venture firms?

Kai: Kvanted has a strong focus on industrial technology, which isn’t as common in venture capital circles. A lot of firms are heavily invested in consumer tech or software, which leaves a gap when it comes to deep tech and industrial innovation. We see huge potential in areas like decarbonization and digital transformation, which are becoming critical as industries aim for sustainability. McKinsey has projected that by 2030, $2.5 trillion will be invested globally in green technologies alone, which shows just how big this opportunity is.

What’s your role as a VP at Kvanted?

Kai: My job is to evaluate investment opportunities and help startups in our portfolio grow. I’m there to ask the tough questions—can this tech really scale? How will it stand out in a competitive global market? With my experience, I can provide insights on how to navigate everything from regulations to global scaling challenges. It’s about helping founders avoid common pitfalls and make sure their tech can go the distance.

What trends in industrial tech excite you the most?

Kai: There are two big ones: the green transition and the use of AI in industrial applications. The green transition is massive, with climate change pushing industries to find sustainable solutions. This is creating huge opportunities for startups in areas like clean energy, carbon capture, and sustainable manufacturing. AI is the other game-changer, especially in how it’s being applied to make industrial processes smarter and more efficient. 

“Gartner predicts that AI in industrial settings will be worth over $110 billion by 2025, which is mind-blowing when you think of the impact that will have on industries like manufacturing and logistics.”

What do you look for when evaluating a potential investment?

Kai: The biggest thing for me is clarity in problem-solving. A startup needs to have a clear idea of the real problem they’re solving and how they’re going to solve it. In industrial tech, the systems are often complex, so if you can simplify the solution and really nail the customer’s need, you’re on the right path. I also tell entrepreneurs to think globally from the get-go. The world is so connected now that a solution built for one market will likely have applications elsewhere, so it’s smart to have a broad vision early on.

What qualities do you look for in a startup team?

Kai: It’s all about the team. You can have the best product in the world, but without a strong, cohesive team, it’s tough to bring that idea to life. I look for teams that are adaptable and can handle the pressure of growth because it’s not just about the idea—it’s about executing on it and staying resilient through the ups and downs.

What challenges do industrial tech entrepreneurs face?

Kai: Scaling is the biggest hurdle. It’s not easy to take a solution and make it work for large corporations with their own complexities. Sales cycles are long, and getting through the procurement processes of big companies can be tough. Startups need to have a clear plan for scaling up, and be prepared to handle the operational and logistical challenges that come with it. It’s not just about tech—it’s about navigating corporate structures and building relationships.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs in industrial tech?

Kai: Be patient. Unlike consumer tech, where things move quickly, industrial tech has longer development cycles. It takes time to develop, test, and implement these solutions, especially when dealing with big, complex industries. But the rewards can be huge if you stay resilient and strategic. Industrial technology is at a tipping point, and the companies that can stick it out are going to be the ones shaping the future.