Building a Career in Venture Capital through Curiosity and Passion

Meet Maiju Aspegren, the ambitious and dynamic Investment Manager at Evli Growth Partners. Maiju’s journey into venture capital proves the importance of exploring different paths, taking initiative, and keeping an open mind. From an early interest in science to pivotal experiences in student organizations and internships, she explored multiple paths before finding her passion. Her career highlights the importance of embracing new opportunities and learning from every step along the way.

Finding the Right Path

Even as a child, Maiju was encouraged to value education and believe in herself—a mindset instilled by her mother that would shape her approach to learning. Her natural curiosity was further sparked by an inspiring chemistry and physics teacher in middle school, whose enthusiasm for science left a strong impact on Maiju. 

Initially drawn to medicine during high school, Maiju’s interest shifted after she realized biology wasn't her cup of tea. This led her to explore other options, eventually discovering industrial engineering when her older friend mentioned it while considering her own university choices. Fascinated by its blend of science, technology, and problem-solving, Maiju decided to pursue this field of education.

A few years forward, Maiju was accepted to study Industrial Engineering at Aalto University directly after high school. Rather than deciding on a single career path, she approached her studies with an open mind, excited to explore different opportunities. Active in student organizations, Maiju wanted to increase knowledge about industrial engineering among high school students. She traveled across the country, meeting young students, and introducing them to the possibilities and opportunities the field has to offer.

"If my older friend hadn’t talked about industrial engineering, I’m not sure I would have discovered it on my own. I truly enjoyed my time studying it – not just the academics, but also the amazing network of people it brought into my life."

Discovering New Opportunities

Maiju’s first internship was a summer job at Telia, where she worked in contract management under the technical department, overseeing stations and towers. This role offered her valuable experience and understanding of how large corporations operate while allowing her to develop knowledge in technical processes. The following year, she joined Junction, a not-for-profit event organizer and tech community, where she worked on managing and coordinating partnerships, helping Junction connect creators and partners.

“During my year at Junction, I faced some of the toughest challenges and most rewarding achievements of my career on a personal level. In my current roles, most achievements are a result of a team effort, but back then I was handling many responsibilities by myself. The pressure was high, but it made the successes feel very meaningful.”

At Junction, Maiju was introduced to the startup ecosystem, which ultimately led her to a summer internship at Tesi, a state-owned investment company. This specific experience played an important role in shaping her career path.

"The internship at Tesi sparked my interest in venture capital. I felt an urge to dive deeper into the field and learn so much more. I was exposed to a wide range of new technologies and innovative solutions to existing problems, which I found fascinating. On top of that, I had the opportunity to work with incredibly smart and driven people, which was really motivating."

That same year, Maiju began her master’s studies in Industrial Engineering with a major in strategy. During that time, she gained experience in consulting and developed a strong analytical skillset that would serve her in future roles. However, her growing interest in venture capital ultimately led her to pursue an internship at Evli Growth Partners, where she could explore the field even further.

The internship at Evli confirmed her passion for venture capital, solidifying her decision to pursue it after graduation. Recognizing the motivating and supportive environment at Evli, she saw it as the ideal place to begin her career. After completing an exchange semester in Lausanne, Switzerland, and finishing her master’s studies, she returned to Evli Growth Partners as an Investment Analyst in the Spring of 2022.

In her free time, Maiju enjoys staying active through a variety of sports.

Building a Career in Venture Capital

Maiju currently works as an Investment Manager at Evli Growth Partners, a venture capital firm focused on investing in later-stage growth companies across Europe. In her role, she is responsible for sourcing and evaluating potential startups, conducting research, and advancing promising investment opportunities. Additionally, she serves as an observer on the boards of selected portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance to support their growth and business development. A key part of her work also includes evaluating sustainability efforts within portfolio companies and assisting them in reaching their goals.

“Sustainability is a key part of my job, whether it’s assessing the sustainability strategies of our portfolio companies or reviewing their goals and initiatives. I had the opportunity to work on this aspect during my internship, and it was highlighted as a key responsibility when I joined full-time. I appreciate this part of my work, as sustainability is both an essential issue and a personal interest of mine.”

Her role has not only deepened her expertise in venture capital but also helped her further improve essential soft skills, including effective communication and stakeholder management. From the beginning, Maiju has appreciated the level of ownership she has had in her role at Evli. While the workload can sometimes be demanding, she values the flexibility to manage her own schedule and balance tasks efficiently.

"Most of the time, I can structure my work in a way that fits my schedule. But there are periods of intense workload when extra effort is needed. Fortunately, these busy phases are seasonal, so I can anticipate and mentally prepare for them. Most importantly, I’ve learned to be patient with myself—balancing time and workload takes practice, and some days are easier than others."

Networking and events play a significant role in the venture capital industry, which Maiju actively participates in. However, despite her warm and engaging personality, she identifies as an introvert. While she values the connections and opportunities these events bring, she also recognizes the importance of balancing them with time to recharge.

“Venture capital is a highly social industry, and our work involves many interactions and events, which I genuinely enjoy. But as an introvert, I also need time to recharge, and I appreciate the balance that the analytical side of the job provides.”

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on her journey, Maiju emphasizes the importance of curiosity and keeping an open mind. During her time at university, she explored different paths to discover what truly interested her. Looking back, she is grateful for this approach, as it ultimately led her to a career she genuinely enjoys.

“If I could give my younger self advice, I’d tell her to be brave and open-minded. At one point, I considered applying for a finance internship in London, but I hesitated because I didn’t have a finance background. Looking back, I wish I had pursued what I wanted without letting assumptions hold me back.”

As her final advice for those aspiring to a similar career, Maiju highlights three key points:

1. Internships are a great way to explore different interests – apply broadly to anything that excites you.

2. Consider unconventional paths. For example, working at a startup while studying can provide valuable hands-on experience.

3. Be proactive and talk to people. Many opportunities aren't publicly advertised, but networking and showing interest can open unexpected doors.