Meet Maria – an entrepreneurial and impact driven student who just graduated her internship at Superangel. Maria is now among the many talented young people that have contributed their time and fresh perspective to our work. She’s been an absolute superstar, not afraid to step out of her comfort zone and engage in a wealth of tasks, from networking to pitching startups at the investment committee and performing back office related tasks to ensure our operations are in order. Thank you Maria!
What is your background? What will you do after the internship?
I recently graduated from Miina Härma Gymnasium with a gold medal. It was at Miina Härma that I got my first push towards venture capital, having had the opportunity to participate in the startup accelerator Creative Destruction Lab as an apprentice. In addition to that, I ran my own profitable student company and competed in various academic olympiads. My next step is to pursue a degree in economics at the University of Tartu while continuing to seek out experience in relevant fields such as venture capital.
One surprising fact about you
Not many people know this, but when I was 13, I started writing serial stories on Instagram and quickly gained popularity in that space, amassing over 1,000 followers and even inspiring fan accounts. I became one of the most popular serial story writers on Instagram at the time, if I do say so myself. In a way, this was my first experience with management and scaling—I handled everything from content creation to marketing. Unfortunately, there was no revenue involved.
If you were a VC investor today, where would you invest?
I have always felt a deep connection to the problem of deforestation. While Estonia is fortunate to have rich forests, many other countries face significant challenges in preserving their wood reserves, which are crucial for carbon sequestration and combating climate change. This is why I would be particularly interested in investing in startups that tackle deforestation and other global climate challenges.
In addition to environmental concerns, I am also fascinated by scientific advancements, especially in areas like quantum computing and advanced materials. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize industries and solve complex problems, making them highly appealing investment opportunities.
Additionally, as a student, EdTech is a sector I am personally passionate about. I see enormous potential in startups that are innovating in education, making learning more accessible and effective for people worldwide. Overall, I would be drawn to mission-driven, innovative startups that address global challenges like climate change and access to education.
I’m particularly interested in companies with strong, visionary leadership and a clear path to scalability. My goal as an investor would be to support ventures that not only promise strong financial returns but also contribute positively to society and the planet.
What has been most surprising during your internship? What did you learn?
What surprised me the most was how accommodating and supportive Superangel was. I expected a more rigid environment with strict rules, but I was impressed by the firm’s flexibility and the warm, welcoming environment they created, which allowed me to balance my personal plans while contributing effectively.
Another surprise was discovering just how relationship-driven the venture capital industry is. While I knew that networking was important, I didn’t fully grasp the extent to which personal connections, trust, and networking influence deal flow, fundraising, and partnerships. A strong network can be as valuable as the capital itself, if not more.
During my internship, I gained a deep understanding of the venture capital world. I became familiar with the intricacies of term sheets, understanding their significance, and learned the various abbreviations and acronyms commonly used in the VC industry (building on what I had already learned in Creative Destruction Lab). I also gained insight into how a VC firm operates and the critical role that networking plays in the industry.
Which tasks did you do?
Throughout my internship, I was involved in a variety of tasks. I assisted Jaan with KYC/AML data gathering, drafted emails to LPs requesting additional information, screened over 80 startups and helped Kärt collect data on VC firms. I had the opportunity to present my favorite companies to the team, and I also participated in investor calls and investment team meetings, which provided me with valuable exposure to the decision-making processes within the firm.
What Book/Podcast Do You Most Frequently Recommend To Friends And Family And Why?
As an avid reader, I often find myself recommending a variety of books, but here are a few that stand out. One of my top recommendations is “The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill in Sports, Art, Music, Math and Just About Everything Else” by Daniel Coyle. This book dives deep into the science of skill acquisition, exploring why certain talent hotspots exist and how anyone can master a skill. The insights are backed by research, compelling examples, and clear analogies, making it an enlightening read for anyone looking to improve in any field. My dedication to finishing this book as a PDF (despite usually preferring physical copies) speaks volumes about how much I enjoyed it.
Another book I frequently recommend is “Everything Is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo. It is an enticing read about perseverance and resilience. Ultimately, it is a book that aims to shift your mindset to that of a person who can literally figure everything out, much like an entrepreneur. That is why I think this book is a relevant recomenndation here.
( For those interested in the world of venture capital, I suggest “Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It” by Scott Kupor. This book offers a deep dive into the VC world and has been advocated by both Kaari and Jaan, which adds to its credibility. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of venture capital.) – Would this be good to add or not?
A big thank you to everyone at Superangel for the warm welcome. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience that deepened my understanding of venture capital in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It exceeded all my expectations. Thank you!