Gustav Skarman is a builder turned investor. After founding Ariel, an AI-powered personal assistant startup, he now works on the AI team at EQT Ventures & Growth — building machine learning models that surface Europe's best founders at the earliest stage, and automating the venture workflow.
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Machine Learning at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. At EQT, Gustav works on the AI platform behind the firm's funds — quantitative models for sourcing and evaluating early-stage founders across EQT Ventures III (EUR 1.1 billion, one of Europe's largest early-stage tech funds) and the EUR 5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund, which the European Commission and founding investors selected EQT to lead in May 2026. Before venture, he founded and ran Ariel (2024-2026), an AI-powered personal assistant that answered calls, managed calendars, and handled messages, built on a custom agent orchestration framework. Gustav serves on the Executive Leadership Team at KSSS (Royal Swedish Yacht Club), Sweden's largest and one of the world's oldest yacht clubs, managing year-round operations including education, routines, and hiring of 200+ colleagues. He received the Instructor of the Year award in 2024, presented by His Majesty the King at Grand Hôtel. Earlier, Gustav completed his military conscript service at F21 Norrbotten Wing as a Group Leader, developing leadership skills under extreme pressure while serving in the Royal Guard.
Stockholm, Sweden
Projects
Ariel - AI Personal AssistantFounded and built a 24/7 AI assistant that answered calls, managed calendars, and handled messages — powered by a custom agent orchestration framework. 2024-2026.
Experience
View full history →- EQT Ventures & Growth(2025 - Present)
Technical Intern - AI Team
Building quantitative machine learning models to find exceptional founders early and automate the venture workflow — supporting sourcing across EQT Ventures III (EUR 1.1bn) and the EUR 5bn Scaleup Europe Fund.
- Ariel(2024 - 2026)
Founder & CEO
Founded an AI personal assistant startup — a 24/7 assistant handling calls, messages, and scheduling, built on a custom agent orchestration framework.
- Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS)(2018 - Present)
Executive Leadership Team
Managing operations for Sweden's largest and oldest yacht club. Received Instructor of the Year 2024 from the King.
- Swedish Armed Forces - F21(2022 - 2023)
Group Leader, Military Conscript
Led soldiers in high-pressure situations. Served in the Royal Guard.
Essays
Short posts
Interviews & Podcasts
- Founder Lessons: Why stubbornness and 'not boiling the ocean' define success — The Founder Walk - with Kate
Walk & talk in Stockholm discussing competitive sailing, the Iron Man-inspired vision behind Ariel, founder mindset, and key lessons from year one of building an AI startup.
Research
Awards
- KSSS Instructor of the Year 2024 (KSSS - Presented by His Majesty the King, 2024)
Received at Grand Hôtel for exceptional commitment, leadership, and inspiring both colleagues and children.
- Bengt Julins Vågskål (KSSS, 2022)
Awarded to instructors showing proficient knowledge and good leadership.