Meet Seren Rumjancevs, CEO at Dealum — the next-generation investor group collaboration platform that’s reshaping how early-stage investors work together. With over two decades of experience in innovation and technology management, Seren has dedicated her career to helping founders and investors connect more effectively. Read more about her journey through the startup ecosystem, the mission behind Dealum, and her advice for both founders and angel investors.

• Hi Seren, thank you very much for agreeing to do the interview. Could you tell us about your background and how you first got connected to the startup world?

I began at Tartu Science Park, where I spent over a decade helping tech companies expand. It was the perfect crash course in how startups are built (and how they sometimes fall apart). I learned about innovation, funding, strategy, and also a fair share of bureaucracy. Eventually, I realised I’d rather be on the founder’s side of the table, experiencing the highs and lows first-hand.

That led to Heelosophy, a fashion-tech startup that develops mass-customized insoles for high heels. We built prototypes, won competitions, raised some funding, and ultimately ran out of runway before reaching the market. It was one of those “fail fast, learn faster” moments that every founder talks about, but it also deepened my understanding of what startup life really means: constant problem-solving, teamwork, and determination to keep going even when quitting would be easier.

After that, I worked in London on innovation projects for both government and corporates, which gave me a broader view of how startups and big organisations interact. When I returned to Estonia, I focused again on helping early-stage founders. Eventually, I found my way to Dealum, which started in 2017 as Startup Includer before rebranding to Dealum a few years later. It allowed me to combine everything I’d learned about technology, communication, and people — as well as my experience from all sides around the fundraising table.

• You’re the CEO at Dealum, the next-generation investor group collaboration platform that is flexible, intuitive, and simple. Tell us more about your mission.

Dealum exists to make early-stage investing more efficient, transparent, and collaborative. It was founded by active angel investors who wanted better tools for collaboration, and that insider perspective continues to shape how we build today.

Angel groups and networks have always played a vital role in supporting startups, but the tools they used were often fragmented or outdated. We wanted to change that and give investor groups one platform where they can manage deal flow, engage members, and collaborate with other networks around the world.

But it’s not just about software. What we’re really building is connection and trust. Our goal is to make it easier for capital and expertise to move freely across borders — to create a truly connected global pre-seed ecosystem.

We’ve never chased the “unicorn” status; that’s not who we are. We’re focused on building a company that lasts, one that improves the way investors work together and, in turn, helps brilliant founders access capital faster. For us, success means better deals closed faster, with less friction and more collaboration — helping investors spend their time where it matters most.

• You have two decades of experience in innovation and technology management, and a passion for startups. Could you share the three most important advice for startup founders you learned over the years?

First, don’t fall in love with your idea – fall in love with the problem. Startups that focus deeply on solving a real pain point have a much better chance of surviving than those chasing trends or technology for its own sake.

Second, pace yourself. The startup world glorifies speed, but speed without direction burns people out. Build something sustainable; give yourself time to think. You’ll make better decisions when you’re not running on empty.

Third, surround yourself with people who share your values. A strong, balanced team will carry you through the toughest stages. Startup success is rarely about a single genius – it’s about chemistry, trust, and endurance.

• You connect angels to other investors and groups, creating a global network that strengthens the early-stage investment ecosystem. Could you share three pieces of advice for early-stage angels?

Start small and start smart. Before writing big cheques, invest time in learning how deals work — due diligence, valuation, term sheets. Angel investing has a steep learning curve, but experience compounds quickly.

Collaborate. The best angels don’t act solo. They learn from each other, share deal flow, and co-invest. Joining a network or syndicate not only spreads risk but also builds a much stronger support system for founders.

Remember that your real value isn’t only financial. Your experience, connections, and feedback often mean more to founders than the money itself. The most successful investors are those who stay engaged – the ones founders actually call when things get hard.

• Tell us about the startup ecosystem in Tartu. What are the challenges the ecosystem is facing, what are the opportunities, and what do you predict for the near future?

Tartu is small but mighty. There’s a strong sense of community here – founders, universities, and investors collaborate closely, and everyone shares the same goals. People genuinely want to help each other, which makes the city a great testing ground for new ideas.

The challenge, of course, is scale. Our local market is tiny, so founders need to think internationally from day one. Access to capital is still more concentrated in Tallinn and Helsinki, but that gap is getting smaller as more local angels become active.

The biggest opportunity lies in deep tech and science-based startups. With two major universities and a tradition of research excellence, Tartu has everything it takes to become a European hub for early-stage innovation.

I think the next few years will bring more cross-border collaboration and better-connected investor networks – and Dealum will be right there helping it all come together.

Thank you very much for sharing your story and insights. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours.

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