Antler, the global venture capital firm, has closed its second Nordic fund, valued at around €100 million. The fund is designed to support early-stage technology companies in Finland, with backing from Tesi and SmartCap.
- Founded in 2018, Antler is a venture capital firm that manages 17 venture capital funds across six continents. With 30 global offices, Antler’s portfolio comprises more than 1,300 investments, having backed over 400 European startups in the last 5 years. It has enabled exits for 142 companies, including Leather, Earth3.0, Incito, and Bounti.
- The new Nordic Fund aims to support early-stage tech startups across Finland, following Antler’s operating model of 12-week residencies where participants form teams and build startups. The respective regional fund then invests in the most promising ventures. Antler has already held its first residencies in Finland.
“Technological development is accelerating faster than ever, opening great opportunities for early-stage Nordic startups. With AI making business development more efficient and cost-effective, startups can challenge traditional players like never before. In this dynamic landscape, Helsinki is an ideal place to start a company – for both local and international entrepreneurs. It is great to have Tesi on board,” Partner at Antler, Jussi Kallasvuo, commented.
- Antler's second Nordic fund received support from Tesi, a Helsinki-based VC that helps Finnish growth companies succeed, and SmartCap, which invests in VC funds focused on Estonian startups, nurturing the venture capital ecosystem from pre-seed to scale-up stages.
“The new Nordic fund by Antler has a significant focus on Finland. In addition, the manager’s operating model is unique and develops and diversifies the local startup ecosystem. As Antler also actively advances sustainability in its portfolio, we are pleased to welcome a new player in the Finnish venture capital market,” explains Enni Rautio, Interim Director of Tesi’s Fund Investments team.
