The leadership team at Soletair Power has a history of being involved in corporations, publicly listed companies, and global startups. They have also been educated at some of the top engineering and business schools. The passion, experience and knowledge have helped the team create several successful startups in the past, and they are now working together to deploy Soletair Power’s technology at scale.
Petri Laakso has been the CEO of Soletair Power since 2019. Prior to joining the company, Petri worked in the photovoltaic industry as Vice-President of Projects at Valoe Oyj. Before getting involved in cleantech, Petri worked at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, where he focused on developing advanced manufacturing methods such as laser processing and 3D printing. Ari Piispanen is one of the co-founders of Soletair Power. Ari holds over 100 patents and founded more than 10 companies over the last 30 years. Among them are Saimaa Panimo, The Switch, UniqAir, Axco Motors and Visedo, which have since been sold to Danfoss. Ari was honored with the title of the Holder of Lappeenranta Fortress in 2021. Dr. Kimmo Rauma serves as Chair of the Board & Partner at Soletair Power. He founded and served as CEO at Visedo. He was a Senior Researcher at the Lappeenranta University of Technology and holds a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Electrical Engineering from the same institution. He is now the Vice President at Danfoss Editron. Jarno is a highly experienced professional in the field of laser materials processing applications. He has several publications in the fields of Physics, Optics, Laser Processing and Solar technology. Antti Paajanen has a postgraduate degree from the Lappeenranta University of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. With a focus on Control Engineering, Embedded systems, and Electrical Drives, Antti has acquired a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise that he expertly applies to his work. He is a true magician with Raspberry Pi, and exceptionally proficient in Python, C, and SolidWorks. Niklas Vartiainen has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Lappeenranta University of Technology. Niklas brings to the table a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise in a variety of essential software tools. He is highly skilled in Python, Matlab, Autodesk Fusion 360, Cura, and SolidWorks. Niklas is a highly talented and experienced mechanical engineer with a deep understanding of essential software tools that are critical to the success of our projects. Sunny Rabius Sunny is the Communications Lead at Soletair Power. He holds an MBA in Marketing, with minor in Supply Chain Management & Finance from IBA, University of Dhaka and has over 10 years of experience in growth enabling roles in various organizations. He possesses a strong strategic mindset and is skilled in brand persona development, charismatic narratives, digital market analytics, process automations, automated tracking, and strategic market expansions. Asko Kuosmanen is the Chief Mechanical Engineer at Soletair Power. He studied at the Mikkeli Technical School, Finland. Asko has a long work history in several engineering firms. His specialized design experience encompasses a wide range of technological fields, including a particular focus on the cable machine industry. Ville Lampinen is a Project Manager at Soletair Power. Juho Tikka is an R&D Engineer at Soletair Power. Juho has a Mechanical Engineering degree and is professionally experienced in the field of automation and industrial robot applications. He has technical knowledge and expertise in Mechatronics, PLC programming, SolidWorks and 3D printing. Milla Kopisto works at Soletair Power as an R&D Trainee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Lappeenranta University of Technology and is currently working on her Master’s thesis for Soletair Power. Milla has previous work experience from petrochemistry and is specialized in process engineering and simulation applications in her studies. Veli-Matti Mäkelä works at Soletair Power as an R&D Trainee. Anja Frada is the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Business at Wärtsilä; and a member of the board at Soletair Power. Kimmo Rauma is the Vice President at Danfoss Power Solutions, United States; and the Chair of the Board and Partner at Soletair Power. Kimmo founded several startups and made a successful exit from Visedo Oy to Danfoss Editron. Frank Jensen is the chairperson of the board of Søren Jensen, a family-run consulting engineering company founded in 1945. Søren Jensen helps clients to reduce their carbon footprint. Frank Jensen is a member of the board at Soletair Power. Torsti is an angel investor and shareholder in 26 startups and growth companies. He has exited 3 times and IPOed once. Torsti’s former employers have been Nokia, Edita, Satama Interactive and Hasan & Partners. Torsti Tenhunen is a member of the board at Soletair Power. Dr Krista Halttunen is a member of the board at Soletair Power. She is a researcher, board professional, and sustainability advocate. Krista’s commentary has appeared on the BBC and in The Times, Climate Home News, DeSmog, and Grist. She’s an author of several academic publications and a guest lecturer at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford. Niklas Skogster is an advisor at Soletair Power. He is an experienced leader with wide business understanding and an excellent track record in strategic thinking in the fields of business restructuring, change management, mergers & acquisitions, supply chain management, logistics & operations, and project management. Niklas holds an M.Sc. in Industrial Economics from Helsinki University of technology, and has almost 20 years of CEO experience from international organisations. He has built up and planned several production facilities and has led organizations of hundreds of persons in Finland, the Nordics, China, Hong Kong, India and the Baltics.
Key Personnel
Soletair Power’s core team is driven by science and impact
Petri Laakso
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer
Ari Piispanen
Co-Founder, Sales Director
Ari's biography
DSc. (Tech) Kimmo Rauma
Chairman of the Board, Partner
Jarno Kaakkunen, Ph.D.
Chief Operating Officer
Antti Paajanen
Vice President, Technology
Niklas Vartiainen
R&D Engineer
Rabius Sunny
Communications Lead
Asko Kuosmanen
Chief Mechanical Engineer
Ville Lampinen
Project Manager
Juho Tikka
R&D Engineer
Milla Kopisto
R&D Trainee
Veli-Matti Mäkelä
R&D Trainee
Board of Directors
Anja Frada
Member of the Board
Kimmo Rauma
Chair of the Board
Frank Jensen
Member of the Board
Torsti Tenhunen
Member of the Board
Dr Krista Halttunen
Member of the Board
Advisory Board
Niklas Skogster
Member of the Advisory Board