Marili Merendi joins SmartCap
Marili Merendi, a Venture Capitalist turned Limited Partner, has joined SmartCap, Estonia’s national fund manager, as Investment Advisor for its fund-of-funds mandate.
“Marili’s deep expertise in venture capital and her hands-on experience in closing investment deals with top-tier global funds make her a strong addition to our team. As SmartCap continues to expand its fund investment activities, her insights will be invaluable in identifying and supporting top performing fund managers who can drive growth in Estonia’s innovation ecosystem,” said Sille Pettai, CEO of SmartCap.
“I am honored to contribute to SmartCap’s investment strategy which addresses the contemporary challenges and opportunities in the realm of climate, technology and security. SmartCap’s broad mandate and diverse portfolio, from green tech to military innovation, make it a unique player in the investor landscape. I look forward to leveraging my experience to help advance these initiatives,” said Marili Merendi.
Before joining SmartCap, Merendi served as a portfolio manager at Ambient Sound Investments, leading its global private markets fund-of-funds strategy with the focus on venture capital. Her prior investment experience includes the early stage pan-European venture fund Karma Ventures focusing on deep tech startups.
SmartCap is a subsidiary of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, registered with the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority. The company manages several funds, including the SmartCap Venture Capital Fund, the Green Fund, and the Defence Fund, with a focus on fostering innovation and driving Estonia’s economic growth.