Toivo Annus
Toivo Annus (1972 – 12 July 2020) was an Estonian engineer and investor. He was one of the founders of Skype, an early internet telecommunications application, which became the first unicorn business founded in Estonia, and was sold to eBay for $2.6bn in September 2005.[1] In 2010, Annus' contribution was recognised with the award of the Order of the White Star, 5th Class, by the president of Estonia.
Toivo Annus | |
---|---|
Born | 1972 |
Died | 12 July 2020 (aged 48) |
Nationality | Estonian |
Alma mater | Tallinn University of Technology |
Occupation(s) | Engineer, Investor |
Biography
Annus studied for a mixed MBA/Computer Science degree at Tallinn Technical University before managing multiple small ICT teams and projects. He led the engineering aspects of Skype from its startup until its acquisition. Subsequently, Annus and his co-founders from Skype started Ambient Sound Investments, a private asset management company, which funded more than 50 early stage new ventures worldwide.[2] The assets of this company were reported to have grown 17.5% year on year during 2018 EUR131 million.[3]
On 13 July 2020, Annus' widow issued a press release announcing that her husband had died of an unexpected illness.[4] Annus left a daughter, Kristin Annus, who subsequently initiated litigation in a dispute regarding her late father's assets.[5]
References
- Tänavsuu, Toivo (2018-09-03). ""How can they be so good?": The strange story of Skype". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2020-07-21.
- P, Jamie (2020-07-14). "Gone Too Soon: 5 Things To Know About the Skype Co-founder Who Just Passed Away". Tech Times. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- "Skype co-founder Toivo Annus dies at 48". The Baltic Course. 2020-07-13. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- "Skype cofounder Toivo Annus dies at the age of 48". Estonian World. 2020-07-13. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- "IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE [2023] SGHC 110 Originating Summons No 1050 of 2021 (Summons No 4269 of 2022)". eLitigation. 2020-07-13. Retrieved 2023-09-21.