The team
Our extensive background in global business, international politics, and technology makes it possible.
LAURI TÄHTINENCEO
Lauri is a seasoned entrepreneur, strategist and leader at the intersection of geopolitics, technology, and business. With a global background in academia, policy, and consultancy, he lives for moments when vision meets execution. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics, a master’s from Harvard University, and a PhD in History from the University of Cambridge. |
Erno PirinenProduct, Tech and AI
Erno is a creative problem solver well-versed in business, product and technology, who loves building new things and tackling challenges hands-on. He has extensive experience in AI and digital automation, including leading a cloud orchestration platform of a tier 1 VC-backed startup from zero to global adoption by Fortune 500 customers. He holds an M.Sc. degree in IEM. |
Jouko AhvenainenGlobal Business, Chairman
Jouko is a serial entrepreneur in the data analytics and fintech sectors. He has been interested in international affairs since the age of five. With extensive experience in building global businesses, he has worked in international affairs and military planning, and has written about geopolitics and security policy. He holds master's degrees in computer science, finance, and political science. |
Akseli kettulaBusiness Development
Akseli is fascinated by risks and opportunities. He has managed a pool of over 40 clients in the insurance brokerage sector, and coordinated the insurance programmes of three global market leaders with a turnover of more than 3 billion euros. He holds a master's degree in insurance and risk management, and is finishing his PhD. |
JOAKIM NYBERGNordic Business
Joakim has 13 years of experience in the market intelligence field, having held numerous leadership positions at an international, first institutionally backed, and now PE-backed, AI-driven SaaS company with over 200 employees in 7 countries. He is well-versed in strategy, M&A, and business development, holding a master's degree in Business Administration and Leadership. |
Teppo koskinenData and Technology
Teppo is a technology enthusiast with a passion for creating novel software solutions. Over the last two decades, he has founded several companies in the fields of machine learning, test automation, and mobile applications. He holds an M.Sc. degree in Computer Science and Engineering. |
TIMO LAAKSOPlatform Engineering
Timo is a seasoned full-stack developer and cloud architect with a strong focus on clean code and hands-on problem-solving. Timo combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver future-proof solutions. Previously, Timo has led development of proprietary cloud platform, which grew to global adoption by Fortune 500 customers. |
Jani kinnunenResearch and Methodology
Jani is a renowned researcher with over 100 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of economics, finance, and computer science. His expertise lies in the areas of machine learning, economic and political systems, investment modeling in M&A (doctoral thesis), financial analysis, soft computing, and risk management. |
Pekka virkkiGeopolitical Futurist
Pekka is a well-known author and journalist specializing in the field of geopolitics. He has authored several books, and his writings and statements have been published by prominent think tanks and newspapers, such as The Times, El País, CEPA, and Horasis. He holds an MA in Social Sciences, with a focus on International Relations and Regional Studies. |
advisors
PASI ERONEN WATTPasi supports Mission Grey with valuable expertise in information and influence operations, strategic analysis, and geopolitical risk. He has worked in European diplomatic service, international think-tanks, and both civilian and military roles with NATO, OSCE, and EU missions. His career spans Finland's defense establishment and governmental organizations, where he specialized in comprehensive security analysis and hybrid threat assessment. He holds a Master's in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a Master's in Computer Science from the University of Joensuu. |
Headquarters:
Mission Grey Inc.
Venture X, Arlington, VA
United States
We also have offices in France and Finland.