Hanna Malin Sasse
Investment Manager
About me
| Team | Digital Tech |
| at HTGF since | 2024 |
CV
Hanna brings an analytical economics background and a strong ‘operator at heart’ mindset to the HTGF’s Digital Tech Team. Before transitioning to an investor role, she worked in start-ups at various stages of growth – from pre-product to Series B – as well as in a corporate innovation unit and a local accelerator. In doing so, she gained broad operational experience and supported financing processes ranging from grants and crowdfunding to seed and Series B rounds. She also assisted with fundraising for a VC fund.
Driven by a desire to strategically support start-ups in their development and scaling and to pass on knowledge in a targeted manner, she joined HTGF in 2024. In her private life, she can be found at HiiT classes, jogging, in art galleries or enjoying a coffee in the sun.
Four questions for …
What fascinates you about the pre-seed/seed phase?
Definitely the focus and close collaboration with founders. In this early phase, you can feel the energy of a new beginning, where courage leads to big visions. Being part of this and accompanying and supporting the teams closely, openly, and constructively along the way—and letting myself be carried away by the big vision again and again—is something that really inspires me.
What are the most important skills for founders?
For me, it’s less about existing skills but more about the inner attitude: ambition, clarity, curiosity, and above all, never being too proud to lend a hand wherever needed. This mindset is what really sets exceptional founders apart.
What inspires you outside of work?
Behavioral economics: probably a relic of my economics background. I find it fascinating to understand the motives, incentives, and mindsets that drive people in economic contexts. I enjoy reading about it and am always happy to receive further book recommendations. And yes, this knowledge probably even helps me to assess founders even better in the early stages.
What motivates you?
Above all, I am driven by curiosity to really get to the bottom of complex issues. At the same time, I consciously seek out challenges that help me progress – both professionally and athletically, such as running a half marathon or getting my sailing license.
My success stories in the HTGF portfolio
