Distance Technologies is founded by pioneers from XR, SW and 3D graphics industries. We are growing fast and looking for exceptional people to join us.
Meet the founding team.
Urho
Konttori
Urho
Konttori
Urho Konttori is a technology entrepreneur and inventor with a rich background in mixed reality and mobile technology. As the CEO and co-founder of Varjo, he significantly advanced VR and XR technologies for professional markets. Previously at Microsoft and Nokia, Urho developed innovative hardware and software solutions. His leadership at Varjo earned acclaim for producing some of the most sophisticated VR and XR devices globally. At Distance, Urho continues to drive technological innovation and market leadership as CEO.
Jussi
Mäkinen
Jussi
Mäkinen
Formerly CMO, CBO and founding team member at Varjo, Jussi played a pivotal role from the company's inception and growth, driving strategic and creative marketing and fostering key global partnerships in the automotive, aerospace and tech industries. Earlier, as VP of Marketing at Rovio, he led the Angry Birds brand towards a successful IPO. A recipient of two Webby awards, Jussi’s passion for technology and product development drives his role at Distance, where he continues to innovate at the intersection of marketing, R&D and design.
Mikko
Strandborg
Mikko
Strandborg
Mikko Strandborg is a seasoned expert with over 20 years in real-time 3D graphics and mixed reality. Inventor of around 100 patents and filings, he shaped significant innovations at Varjo as Principal Engineer and later as Technical Director. His tenure at Unity Technologies saw him developing major rendering backends and compilers. Mikko, a speaker at SIGGRAPH, GDC and Unite, brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Distance, guiding cutting-edge 3D graphics and XR development.
Joonas
Itäranta
Joonas
Itäranta
With a 25-year tenure across various technology sectors, Joonas Itäranta has developed and launched successful consumer products for prominent brands such as Nokia, Microsoft and Suunto. Before co-founding Distance, he served as Development Director at Remedy Entertainment focusing on game engine technology and game production. Joonas' diverse experience provides a solid foundation for his leadership in software product development and strategic operations at Distance.
Thomas
M. Carlsson
Thomas
M. Carlsson
Thomas M. Carlsson’s career spans over 25 years, during which he has developed pioneering technologies for diverse clients, including Fortune 500 companies. Known for his work in optical tracking systems utilized by Formula 1 and the Premier League, Thomas also extensively contributed to VR and XR headsets at Varjo before co-founding Distance. Thomas’s approach to software-driven hardware and extensive experience in patenting and tracking solutions drive technological development at Distance.
Ville
Vehkaperä
Ville
Vehkaperä
Ville Vehkaperä has over 25 years of expertise in manufacturing technologies, process automation, and robotics. As a consultant, he has driven innovation and growth, particularly in VR and mobile devices. Previously, Ville held significant roles at Nokia, leading technology advancement projects. His deep knowledge in robotics and process automation enhances his current role at Distance, focusing on optimizing technological operations and mechanical solutions.
Mikko
Juhola
Mikko
Juhola
Mikko Juhola has 25 years of experience in the area of optics from concepting,designing, patenting, prototyping, measuring and bringing concepts to mass production. Mikko has worked Nokia, Microsoft and Huawei with imaging, optics, illumination, waveguides, thin films, diffractive and subwavelength optics.With more than 40 filed patents, Mikko has been specialized in innovative miniaturized optical systems approaches combined to in depth knowhow in optical manufacturing.
“This team is absolutely brilliant and their timing couldn’t be better as the automotive and mobility space is experiencing a true renaissance. Distance’s execution speed is already extraordinary and we have 100% confidence in their ability to revolutionize the XR industry with their groundbreaking technology. It's unlike anything we've seen before, and we're excited to support their journey to new heights,”
— Ilkka Kivimäki, Founding Partner at Maki.vc
Ready to go the Distance? The most profound technologies need to be seen to be believed. If you are interested in a demo or want to talk to us, let us know.