Acceleration program in Turku, Finland, that has been running already for four years. Participating startups can be of any type and do not need to have any working prototype or proof-of-concept yet, but should be ready to start turning their idea into reality.
They offer a mentoring program for 10 weeks. The program is completely free of charge.
Their autumn 2020 applications are open 1.6.-1.9.2020. You can ask more from johanna.puhtila@turkubusinessregion.com.
Expon Capital invests in tech for good, things that help develop the society as a whole while doing a good business. They do not invest in gaming, esports, marketing, advertising tech. They’re not an impact investor, but they do value UN sustainable development goals in framing the investment impact.
Their investments include Spire, Glovo, Catalyte, companies that are taking on the world’s biggest challenges.
They typically co-invest. They prefer to have a board seat but are flexible.
AP Ventures invests into energy-related innovations, especially hydrogen. They are headquartered in London and invest globally.
They do follow on their investments.
You can contact them at info@apventuresllp.com.
Notion Capital is a B2B SaaS & cloud fund. They also invest into B2B2C and B2G IT solutions. Hardware is ok as a distribution method, but value has to be focused in the software.
They often invest when MRR is 50k – 200k, but revenue is not as relevant as evidence of demand (significant pain it addresses), knowing the ideal customer profile, having a distribution channel that works. They then come in to help open new distribution channels, hire talent and scale the operations. 20 people team, 10 investing and 10 in the “platform team” working closely with the founders. Helping decide who to hire, how to price, best ways to enter market and measure success.
Most of their tickets are 3-7M. They’re interested in talking already a bit outside this range, and occasionally make exceptions to the ticket size. They may also invite founders to events even if they’re a bit outside their ticket range, especially cases that are a bit earlier stage.
They’re looking to follow on at least once, more for good performers, all the way through to exit (IPO or acquisition). They often lead rounds and are ideally looking for 12.5% or more.
Startup Journey by Boost Turku is a free early-stage acceleration program: no charges, no equity taken. Next batch is digital. Earlier ones have been onsite in Turku, Finland, and upcoming ones may be physical with digital participation possibly an option. Most selected teams will be from Turku region in Finland as the organization’s mission is to support the local ecosystem.
They select teams (not solo founders) that have done at least some work already on the idea, e.g. competitor identification and evaluation. Teams have to be able to clearly state their solution that has some competitive advantage.
The goal of the program is to help you develop your concept and get you towards first revenue.
Their community page with mentors etc. can be found at facebook.com/BoostStartupJourney.
They have three main programs: B2B (SaaS), Cyber Security, Fintech, and a pre-accelerator for idea stage companies. The applications are ongoing, but the programs are done in batches.
Strong focus on B2B. B2B2C is possible if it’s B2B focused. B2G is possible in especially strong cases. They invest in software and marketplaces. Hardware is ok, as long as the main value in the software side.
Main acceleration programs take companies from proof-of-concept stage onwards. Idea stage companies can apply into the pre-acceleration program.
Initial ticket almost always solo, follow-on is a co-investment with possibility to lead.
Fundraising, branding, design and business development consulting. Helping clients with development projects around the globe.
Does not organize clinical trials, but they do user research and interviews and help with all business areas.
GrayBella Capital is a pan-European venture capital fund investing in healthcare and complex technology fast growth companies. They invest €2-7M in trenches and welcome other investors on board.
Their goal is to help companies scale internationally while keeping core operations locally in their primary market.
They have a preference for B2B. Their especial focus is on bioinformatics, genomics and other areas where health meets IT. Clinical trials are out of their scope.
Doing sustainability and impact investing: mobility, food and agriculture, energy (renewable, efficiency, storage), water, waste etc. Looking for indications of repeat demand.
Looking for defensible market positions. Technology is not necessary, if the position of the company is otherwise strategically defensible.
Investing globally with a focus on Europe. Also investing actively in Africa and Asia.
Focus on B2B across all their funds.
Prefer to lead or co-invest. Prefer to take a board seat.
Sparkmind.vc is the first Nordic venture capital company focused on the learning sector. They invest in teams transforming early childhood, K12, higher, secondary and vocational education as well as corporate and lifelong learning. Their geographical home field is Europe, especially North Europe, but they also selectively do investments outside the region.
They often join the boards of their portfolio companies.