IPRally after Endeit’s investment: scaling innovation and transforming patent research

In March 2023, Endeit Capital led a €10 million Series A investment in Helsinki-based IPRally, a groundbreaking patent research company co-founded by Sakari Arvela. This partnership marked a pivotal moment in IPRally’s growth journey. Recently, Dennis van der Veerke was appointed CEO, driving expansion and operational efficiency, while Sakari focuses on enhancing the company’s product powered by unique Graph AI technology. Learn why IPRally is shaping the future of patent research and how Endeit played a crucial role in making it happen. 

The start of IPRally 

Sakari Arvela, founder of IPRally, started his career as a patent attorney after studying physics 20 years ago. Working in the field for eight years, he realized how challenging and time-consuming patent analysis could be. “I always thought the process of evaluating the novelty of inventions should be easier, but I never felt the courage to start a company that provided a solution,” he says. Although Sakari eventually left the day-to-day job as a patent attorney, the idea of simplifying the process stayed with him. In 2017, he pitched his idea to simplify the process to a startup community in Helsinki. Juho Kallio was in the audience at the time, and he liked the concept. Ten months later, IPRally was born, with Juho Kallio as a co-founder. The two founders aimed to transform patent research with AI technology.  

In 2024, Dennis van der Veerke joined as a consultant to help with the Go-To-Market. Dennis was promoted to CEO in May, enabling Sakari to focus on product development. “I was introduced to the company through Endeit and immediately believed in IPRally. The product is solid, and our customers are happy. My goal is to make IPRally known to the public,” Dennis explains. Appointing Dennis as CEO, with the task of scaling and driving the company’s growth, enabled Sakari to focus on advancing the product. 

The most accurate patent search technology in the world  

IPRally’s success is built on its Graph AI technology, revolutionizing patent search and classification. While traditional methods rely on keyword searches, IPRally’s Graph AI maps out relationships within patent data, making the process faster and more accurate.  

“There are many ways to tackle patent issues, even with graph technology, but no one uses our unique approach. On top of that, we are the most accurate in the world,” says Sakari. The technology provides efficient results and is transparent—users get a glimpse of how the AI reaches its conclusions, offering a level of trust and precision not typically found in AI-based patent research tools. Nowadays, customers from several industries use IPRally’s technology. “Six years ago, I couldn’t have imagined we’d be working with proven industry leaders like Google and Unilever,” Sakari adds. 

Collaboration with Endeit Capital   

Two years ago, Sakari met Endeit’s partner, Jelle-Jan Bruinsma, during Slush –  Scandinavia’s largest startup and tech event. Slush is renowned for bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators worldwide. Sakari: “Our thinking was very aligned, with a strong focus on the future.” This alignment of visions and mutual trust led IPRally to choose Endeit to lead their €10 million Series A investment in January 2023. 

Since the investment, IPRally has grown significantly. “We’ve transitioned into being a grown-up startup. Our structures are improved, and the team has expanded,” says Sakari. Dennis also acknowledges Endeit’s role in their development: “When I joined, IPRally was already a mature, product-driven company. I believe Endeit’s investment enabled us to push innovation even further.” Dennis adds, “It’s great to work with Endeit, especially with partner Jelle-Jan. He’s closely involved with the company, offers clear feedback, and consistently provides valuable insights.” 

Crystalized vision guided by a northern star 

In the future, IPRally’s focus will be sharpened. “We did a lot of learning on the go, but now our vision is more crystalized. We have a real ‘northern star’ guiding us, and all we want is to make the product better for our end customers,” Dennis shares. The company is on track for a steep 70% growth this year, focusing on expanding in Europe and the USA, where the latest is growing and now accounts for 20% of its customers. 

Sakari: “Ten years ago, I couldn’t see myself as an entrepreneur, but here we are. Starting IPRally was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve learned so much, and hiring Dennis was the best decision of the year because now I can refocus on what I love—improving the product.”  

Dennis concludes: “I’m excited to be part of this journey. IPRally helps companies solve complex patent problems, and a shared mission drives the team. We operate without hierarchy, and I aim to foster transparency and provide guidance for everyone here. We’re poised for growth with a strong core product and a committed team.” 

More about IPRally: www.iprally.com