risto Käärmann is the Co-founder and CEO of Wise , a fintech that has transformed the international peer-to-peer ( P2P ) money transfer space . Born in
Estonia , Käärmann ’ s early fascination with technology and mathematics set the stage for the rest of his career .
Käärmann ’ s interest in technology sparked during his childhood in Estonia . His first computer , a ZX Spectrum , followed by a Commodore 2001 , introduced him to the world of coding . By the age of 19 , he had launched his first business , Investor . ee , an online investment tracking portal . Although it wasn ’ t profitable , it was popular and marked Käärmann ’ s entry into the entrepreneurial world .
After completing his secondary education , Käärmann pursued a Bachelor ’ s and a Master ’ s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Tartu University in 2002 . His academic background set a solid foundation for his technical skills and analytical thinking , which he later applied in his professional career .
Käärmann ’ s professional journey began with roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) and Deloitte , where he worked as a management consultant . At PwC , he helped banks and telecommunications companies in Estonia manage and utilise their data , focusing on innovation rather than dealing with legacy systems . This role was crucial in shaping his understanding of financial systems and their inefficiencies .
24 August 2024