Sam Laakkonen is the current advisor at Labby. Prior to this, they were the Head of Partnerships - UK & Nordics at Codibly from August 2019 to July 2020. In this role, they were responsible for digital solutions to drive sustainability utilising Cloud, Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Internet of Things technologies. Prior to Codibly, Laakkonen was the Co-Founder and COO of WhatCharity.com from April 2016 to February 2019. WhatCharity.com is a marketplace that connects charities with companies, money donors and volunteers. In their role as Co-Founder and COO, Laakkonen was responsible for the P&L, technology development, digital marketing, analytics, fundraising (two seed rounds plus a government grant), legal and contracts, HR and customer services. Prior to WhatCharity.com, Laakkonen was the Founder and Director of No Logo Clothing from June 2010 to December 2011. Prior to No Logo Clothing, Laakkonen was the Senior Business Development Manager at Spotify from July 2009 to June 2010.
Sam Laakkonen's educational career began with a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from Alliance Manchester Business School. Sam then spent a year on exchange studying business, politics and cultures of the Pacific Rim at The University of Hong Kong.