Growing founders into companies.
Capital, strategy and a network of operators — every piece, in place.
What we do
We invest in early-stage founders — and then build the company with them.
Great ideas rarely fail on the idea. They fail on everything around it: money, team, structure, sales, accounting, the hundred decisions nobody prepared you for.
Yles puts in capital and works inside your company as an active partner. We take equity, so we only win when you grow from founder to company.
Who
Early-stage founders
Idea to first traction. Ticket size is flexible — fit matters more than the number.
What
Hardware, software, defense
Manufacturing, SaaS, dual-use and defense tech — or any strong team we believe in.
How
Capital + hands-on help
Money, team, accounting, structure, sales and advice. Help in every matter, not just board meetings.
Approach
More than a cheque. A co-builder.
Every piece matters
We strengthen every link — sales, development, manufacturing, and beyond.
Team leadership
We guide early teams through key decisions, so leadership fuels — not slows — growth.
Don't build alone
Doors open to domain experts, investors and operators who accelerate your journey.
Strategy
Guidance that aligns product, market and team decisions into one direction.
Communication
Clear stories for your team, your investors and your market.
Process
From idea to traction.
Pitch
Send us the idea. A deck, a demo, or a napkin sketch.
Fit
We dig in together — market, team, and where we can help most.
Build
Hands-on partnership, capital and network. Up from day one.
Team
Operators, not spectators.
Siim Nellis
Co-founder & Partner
Founder of HUUM, an award-winning Estonian sauna company, and a passionate supporter of defense innovation.
A third-generation sauna innovator, Siim grew HUUM into a brand sold in 30+ countries, with the Red Dot–winning DROP heater. He also led “Eesti saun Ukrainasse”, delivering mobile sauna and laundry units to Ukrainian troops. At Yles, he brings product development, manufacturing and team building to help founders scale.
Mart Espenberg
Co-founder & Partner
Hands-on technology leader who helps startups scale through clear strategy, strong teams and practical execution.
Mart has built and scaled software teams across borders. He believes leadership starts with doing — from refining architecture to structuring organizations. At Yles, he helps founders cut through noise, build high-functioning teams and chart a clear path from prototype to scale.