Hjalmar Winbladh

Founding Partner (2016-2020) at EQT Ventures · Joined 2016

Biography

Hjalmar Winbladh is a seven-time Swedish entrepreneur, having built and managed global technology companies including Sendit - described as the world's first mobile internet company - before Microsoft acquired it in 1999. He joined EQT in 2016 to help establish its venture arm at a moment Europe's venture capital ecosystem remained far smaller than Silicon Valley's, and personally led EQT Ventures' early investment in Wolt, recognizing founder Miki Kuusi's rare combination of grit and product discipline. That conviction paid off spectacularly: Sifted reported DoorDash's $8.1 billion acquisition of Wolt in 2021 delivered a roughly 200x return multiple on EQT Ventures' original stake. Winbladh left EQT Ventures in 2020 to return to his entrepreneurial roots, remaining on the boards of several former portfolio companies.

Education

Stockholm University

Previous Experience

Founder, Sendit (described as the world's first mobile internet company, acquired by Microsoft in 1999)
Founder, Rebtel
Founder, Wrapp
Serial founder of seven companies

Notable Investments

WoltSmall Giant Games

Board Seats

Wolt (former)
Banking Circle (former)
Peltarion (former)

Career Timeline

1999

Sendit, a mobile internet company he founded, is acquired by Microsoft.

2016

Joins EQT to help establish its venture capital arm, EQT Ventures, at a time Europe's venture ecosystem was still dwarfed by the US.

2016

Leads EQT Ventures' investment in Wolt, backing founder Miki Kuusi's combination of grit, product focus, and operational discipline.

2020

Leaves EQT Ventures in July after nearly a decade with the firm, remaining on the boards of Wolt, Banking Circle, and Peltarion.

2021

Wolt is acquired by DoorDash for $8.1 billion, delivering a reported 200x multiple on EQT Ventures' original 2016 investment.

Sources & References

TechCrunch ↗Wikipedia - EQT Ventures ↗