The Story
When Sameli Mäenpää the founder and CEO was still working as the CDO of OP Financial Group, one challenge stood out: recruiting top-tier IT experts. Junior and mid-level professionals were easy to find, but senior talent? Rare, and the cost was often astronomical.
That’s when the idea for Black Belt Consulting was born. What if the best experts could be found through one place—accessible at a reasonable cost, even during times of talent shortages? Black Belts created a model that not only ensures clients always have access to top-tier expertise but also maximizes value and profitability.
Our secret? Transparency, fair compensation and personal service, combined with direct communication both with our experts and customers. As we discuss with the brightest minds in the market, and staff some of the most crucial positions to the largest enterprises in Finland with the most talented experts, every step of the service needs to be perfect.
At Black Belt Consulting, we are redefining IT consultancy, and have created a place where expertise thrives and our clients succeed. Our unique model ensures we deliver, even in the toughest times.
We have changed the rules of traditional IT consultancy and want to keep on rocking the market, one Black Belt at the time!
Meet Our Leaders and Founders
Experienced industry veterans who bring clarity, fairness, and efficiency to every project.
Sameli Mäenpää
CEO, FounderSameli Mäenpää
CEO, Founder
As the CEO and founder, Sameli brings extensive leadership experience from his tenure as Chief Data Officer at OP. He is known for his visionary approach to IT consultancy, focusing on data advisory and strategic leadership.
Rolle Isotalo
CCO, FounderRolle Isotalo
CCO, Founder
Rolle, our Chief Commercial Officer, is the motor behind our SalesOps team, with a mission to transform the traditional consultancy model. Excellent team spirit and satisfied customers mean everything to him, which is visible in everything he does.
Stefano Mosconi
COO, FounderStefano Mosconi
COO, Founder
Stefano oversees finance, technology, and operations, ensuring excellence across all aspects of the business. With a strong foundation in technology, product strategy, and leadership—spanning startups, scale-ups, and large corporations—he blends strategic vision with hands-on execution. As a trusted advisor, he helps clients navigate complexity and drive success in competitive markets.
Pasi Huhtiniemi
FounderPasi Huhtiniemi
Founder
Known for his project management expertise from Reaktor, Pasi excels in facilitating workshops and managing complex IT transition projects with calmness and clarity
Mikko Jokelainen
FounderMikko Jokelainen
Founder
Bringing a financial industry background, Mikko is a calm advisor and project manager. He specializes in multinational deliveries and stakeholder communication, ensuring seamless project execution.
Meet Our Sales and Operations
A dedicated team that ensures smooth communication, fast turnarounds, and exceptional service.
History
2023
Launching Black Belts
Redefining the market
Black Belts launches itself with a bold vision to redefine the consultancy market. Revenue generated in the first year of operations:
475 000 €
2024
Start of the year
Building Momentum
Black Belts steps into a new year with 9 people, including 5.5 FTE consultants delivering billable work, and one SalesOps professional supporting operations and growth.
2024
End of the year
Scaling Up the Operations
End of the year Black Belts is established as a credible player in the consultancy market. Black Belts now has set the foundation for rapid growth, perfected processes, expanded market presence, and delivered consistent value to clients.
End of year statistics:
- 30 people, with 25 FTE consultants actively invoicing and 5 SalesOps team members driving business operations.
- Revenue of 2.7 million €
- A Staggering +550% growth from the start of the year
2025
Reaching new heights
Journey to A Market Leader
With an exceptional growth trajectory, Black Belts is positioned to dominate the consultancy market by staying true to its values—delivering unmatched talent, transparency, and efficiency. The company’s focus on sustainable scaling ensures that as it grows, so does its ability to redefine how consultancy operates for both clients and consultants.
2025
Permanent impact on market
Forecast end of Year
1. Team Size: Projected to grow to 65 people, including 55 FTE consultants delivering critical value to clients.
2. Revenue: Estimated at €7–9 million, solidifying Black Belts as a market leader.
3. Consultancy Redefined for good.
Our Numbers
30
(# of Black Belts, 2024 actual)60-70
(# of Black Belts, 2025 forecast)
2,7M€
(Revenue, 2024 actual)7-9M€
(Revenue, 2025 forecast)
