In the gleaming towers of Dubai’s International Finance Center, where the world’s financial future is being written in real time, Jarmo Haapalainen has found his calling as a venture architect. His journey from the innovation corridors of Finland to the dynamic capital markets of the UAE represents more than a career transition; it embodies the evolution of global venture capital itself.
“Dubai has become a global central hub in global finance, even greater than New York,” Jarmo observes, his voice carrying the conviction of someone who has witnessed this transformation firsthand. This isn’t merely geographic opportunism but strategic positioning at the epicenter of where tomorrow’s innovations will find their fuel.
As Vice President of ASAS Capital, established in 2009, Jarmo has redefined what it means to be a venture capitalist in an interconnected world. His approach transcends traditional funding models, embracing what he calls the “venture architect” methodology that builds companies rather than simply investing in them.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF MODERN VENTURE CAPITAL
Jarmo’s philosophy challenges the conventional wisdom of venture capital. Where traditional VCs might focus on portfolio diversification and exit strategies, he constructs comprehensive ecosystems that support entrepreneurs from conception to global scaling.
“There has been already a while a trend on the market for moving from classical VC fund structures to more open end greenfield models,” he explains. “This enables more direct involvement in companies, orchestrating capital movements in a more reasonable timely manner, providing better outcomes to all by following the markets better.”
This shift from closed fund structures to open-end models reflects a deeper understanding of how innovation actually happens. Rather than waiting for quarterly reports and board meetings, Jarmo’s approach involves continuous engagement, real-time market adaptation, and hands-on company building.
His methodology begins with what he calls his “rules of thumb for the first DD level,” a framework that goes beyond traditional due diligence. The assessment covers novelty to market, intellectual property protection, global scalability, team excellence, and perhaps most critically, commitment. “You ask funding from UAE investor, simple kind question to You: Are you here?” This question cuts through elaborate business plans to the fundamental question of entrepreneurial dedication.
BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS CONTINENTS
ASAS Capital’s presence spans Luxembourg, New York, Italy, Brazil, and Florida, but Jarmo’s vision extends far beyond geographic diversification. Each location serves as a strategic node in a global innovation network, carefully selected for its unique advantages in the venture ecosystem.
“All best cases are globally scalable, and higher You go with Your investors and connections, smaller the world gets,” he reflects. “Dubai has been rising to same stage by volumes and even more lucrative to some investors by new type of reach.”
The synergy between Dubai and New York exemplifies this strategic thinking. “If I would compare New York and UAE markets there are a lot of synergies by the pace and intensity of working in both of these markets. Growth evolves more growth and this attracts also dealflow and investors joining the markets.”
This isn’t about having offices in multiple cities; it’s about creating a seamless global infrastructure where startups can access the right resources, talent, and markets regardless of their initial location. The approach recognizes that the most transformative innovations often emerge from unexpected places but need global platforms to reach their full potential.
THE SCIENCE OF SPOTTING TOMORROW’S TITANS
Jarmo’s investment philosophy combines rigorous analysis with intuitive understanding of human potential. His approach to evaluating startups goes beyond financial projections to examine the fundamental qualities that separate eventual market leaders from promising also-rans.
“Learning is a lifetime journey, you need to be able to follow the trends and different types of development paths and not to stick with ‘the only truth’ if world is changing around you,” he emphasizes. This adaptability becomes crucial in rapidly evolving sectors where yesterday’s assumptions can become tomorrow’s limitations.
His evaluation framework examines multiple dimensions of entrepreneurial potential. Beyond technical capabilities and market opportunity, he seeks founders who demonstrate intellectual humility and continuous learning capacity. “Everything is based on values, on the top of that education and attitudes.”
The assessment includes understanding different types of intelligence and helping founders leverage their unique strengths while building complementary teams. “There are many types of intelligence, it is also wise to understand your own strengths and motivate people around you to use their own strengths that gives them motivation.”
QUANTUM LEAPS AND SEMICONDUCTOR STRATEGIES
Looking toward 2025 and beyond, Jarmo’s investment thesis centers on technologies that will fundamentally reshape how we work, secure information, and interact with the world. His focus on quantum computing reflects deep understanding of transformative technology cycles.
“Quantum computing will change the world of cybersecurity and AI modelling in fast track, generating new type of opportunities,” he predicts. This isn’t speculative betting but strategic positioning based on understanding technological convergence points.
His simultaneous focus on semiconductor innovations without rare earth metals demonstrates the interconnected nature of technological progress. “Our mechanical world is not vanishing anywhere and even more intelligent chips are required by semiconductor industry, relating to rare earth metals, that are going to be a limited source and way of doing global trade politics.”
This perspective recognizes that future innovations will emerge from the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials science. Companies that can navigate these convergences will define the next decade of technological progress.
BUILDING ECOSYSTEMS, NOT JUST COMPANIES
Jarmo’s approach to supporting entrepreneurs extends far beyond traditional venture capital services. ASAS Capital provides comprehensive ecosystem support that addresses every aspect of company building, from initial incorporation to eventual exit strategies.
“Best way is a long term collaboration as advisors or in closer time to time collaboration,” he explains. “We can provide materials and guidelines, but always the motivation must come from the entrepreneur. The spirit to company is coming from the entrepreneurs themselves.”
This philosophy recognizes that successful companies require more than funding; they need infrastructure, regulatory guidance, talent access, and strategic partnerships. ASAS Capital’s support includes end-to-end company establishment services, visa processing assistance, regulatory navigation, and access to government entities.
The firm’s partnership with US Capital Global exemplifies this comprehensive approach. “If the target is on USA market, we can lead funding with our partner network like US Capital Global from first rounds of funding from 25 MUSD to IPO, as a long term advisers.”
BRIDGING ACADEMIA AND GLOBAL MARKETS
Jarmo’s collaboration with universities reflects his understanding that tomorrow’s breakthrough innovations are often incubating in academic laboratories today. However, his approach goes beyond traditional technology transfer to create integrated pathways from research to market.
“We are highly appreciating the work done in universities and at the same time we see the collaboration as a great opportunity for spinoffs,” he notes. “This we are already doing with some of the companies and even established together with some professors entities to be there from the first moments, securing IPR’s as a part of building the company valuation.”
The partnership model addresses what Jarmo identifies as a critical gap in the innovation ecosystem. “We have identified many time the gap between the university and the global markets to be too wide and we can support with many business strategies and tools to narrow this gap for example by helping with the product market fit and guiding with the feasibility studies.”
This approach creates value for all stakeholders: universities see their research translated into market applications, entrepreneurs gain access to cutting-edge technology, and investors participate in innovations with strong intellectual property foundations.
NAVIGATING THE NEW GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
Jarmo’s strategic vision acknowledges the complex realities of contemporary geopolitics while maintaining focus on long-term innovation trends. His perspective on the shift from globalization to more localized manufacturing reflects deep understanding of how global supply chains are adapting to new realities.
“From the era of globalization we have somehow ended up into trade war situations at the moment, but the global connectivity is already there including global supply chains compared to latest trend back towards more local manufacturing.”
In this environment, ASAS Capital’s role becomes even more crucial. “In these turbulent times, companies need supporting umbrella with strong networks and skills, securing the cornerstones but same time building the ladders for growth.”
The firm’s strategic partnership with ETON Solutions from the USA exemplifies this approach. “This collaboration is taking our services on wealth management even deeper with UAE and USA collaboration, enabling great opportunities globally to our investors.”
THE UAE ADVANTAGE: POSITIONING FOR THE NEXT DECADE
Jarmo’s enthusiasm for the UAE’s emerging role in global innovation reflects his ability to identify transformative trends before they become obvious to traditional market participants. His observations about the UAE’s progress since COP28 demonstrate strategic thinking about how sustainability leadership creates broader innovation opportunities.
“I must highlight the pace and efforts UAE has been doing especially since COP28 in Dubai. Taking the global lead in many sectors as in CO2 carbon emission reduction is one example of the successful strategies with digitalization by AI supported solutions Emirates have been bringing up like never before.”
This positioning isn’t about following established trends but about recognizing how the UAE’s strategic investments in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation create unique advantages for entrepreneurs and investors.
“The reach to global markets from UAE is growing so fast that many people will be later on surprised. This is of course a wonderful soil to any growth investors or VC’s.”
LESSONS FROM THE VALLEY OF DEATH
Jarmo’s most profound insights come from his experiences with entrepreneurs who have faced significant challenges and emerged stronger. His respect for founders who have navigated failure and rebuilt demonstrates understanding of the psychological dimensions of entrepreneurship.
“Even the success stories are always highly motivating to learn from the struggles to winning, by passing the valley of death and many other obstacles on the road, still I think those ones who have failed few times and still got up on their feet and made the success stories, those are the most motivating.”
This perspective shapes his approach to supporting entrepreneurs. Rather than avoiding risk, he helps founders prepare for inevitable challenges while building the resilience needed to overcome them.
His advice to aspiring venture capitalists and founders that are looking to make a meaningful global impact, reflects this philosophy: “If this is truly your mission, follow your hearth and path and keep up to it and do not let anything distract you of mislead you, not money or other things.”
A VISION FOR GLOBAL INNOVATION
As Jarmo looks toward the future, his vision encompasses both the technological possibilities and the human elements that will determine success. His work with ASAS Capital represents more than investment strategy; it’s about creating the infrastructure for the next generation of global innovation.
His approach recognizes that the most transformative companies will emerge from the intersection of cutting-edge technology, global market access, and entrepreneurial vision. By building ecosystems that support all these elements, ASAS Capital is positioning itself to participate in the most significant innovations of the coming decade.
“Young talents are always welcome to take the relay for the next leap utilizing the long term relationships existing globally between decision makers.”
This statement encapsulates Jarmo’s broader mission: creating pathways for the next generation of innovators to build companies that will shape the future. His role as a venture architect involves not just funding companies but constructing the entire ecosystem that enables transformative innovation to flourish.
Through his work at ASAS Capital, Jarmo Haapalainen is proving that the future of venture capital lies not in traditional portfolio management but in comprehensive ecosystem building. His vision of Dubai as a global innovation hub, combined with his deep understanding of technology trends and entrepreneurial psychology, positions him to play a crucial role in shaping the next decade of global innovation.
