Maki.vc Ignites Innovation with €100 Million Fund

November 12, 2024, 3:36 pm
Zendesk
Zendesk
BusinessCloudExchangeMarketMessangerPlatformSaaSServiceSocialSoftware
Location: United States, California, San Francisco
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 2007
Total raised: $185M
SPINNOVA®
SPINNOVA®
ChemicalsEngineeringFoodTechMaterialsScienceTechnologyWasteWood
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Jyväskylä
Employees: 51-200
Founded date: 2014
Total raised: $15.76M
WithSecure
WithSecure
BuildingBusinessCloudFinTechHomeITMessangerSecurityServiceTechnology
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1988
Aiven
Aiven
Artificial IntelligenceBusinessCloudDataDeepTechHardwareInfrastructureInternetServiceSoftware
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2015
Total raised: $586.87M
In the heart of Helsinki, a financial spark has ignited. Maki.vc, a venture capital firm, has launched its third fund, a robust €100 million, aimed at fueling the engines of pre-seed and seed-stage startups across the Nordics and Northern Europe. This fund is not just a financial vehicle; it’s a beacon for innovation, a lighthouse guiding nascent companies through the fog of early-stage challenges.

Maki.vc is no stranger to the startup landscape. Since its inception in 2018, it has carved a niche in the venture capital world, focusing on consumer and enterprise startups that harness scientific advances and deep customer insights. The firm’s previous funds have already left a mark, propelling companies like Spinnova, a sustainable textile producer that made waves with its IPO in 2021, and Ultimate, a customer support automation platform that caught the eye of Zendesk.

The new fund is particularly noteworthy. It is classified as an Article 8 fund under EU sustainability regulations, emphasizing investments that align with environmental and social objectives. This commitment to sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity in today’s world. The startups that Maki.vc backs are not merely chasing profits; they are on a mission to create meaningful impact.

With over 50 limited partners backing this fund, Maki.vc is not short on expertise. These partners include founders and leaders from renowned companies like Skype, Wise, and Supercell. Their collective experience is a treasure trove for startups seeking guidance. This network offers invaluable support in areas such as recruiting, branding, and securing follow-on funding. It’s like having a seasoned captain steering the ship through turbulent waters.

Maki.vc’s investment strategy is straightforward yet effective. Initial investments range from €300,000 to €3 million, with a significant portion of the fund reserved for follow-on investments. This approach ensures that once a startup is on the right track, Maki.vc can continue to provide the necessary fuel for growth. It’s a long-term partnership, not a fleeting transaction.

The firm has already made seven investments from this new fund, signaling a proactive approach to identifying and nurturing talent. Each investment is a seed planted in fertile ground, with the potential to grow into a towering tree of innovation. The focus is on deep tech and brand-driven companies, areas ripe for disruption and advancement.

The Nordics are emerging as a powerhouse for startup funding. This region boasts a unique ecosystem that blends cutting-edge research and development with strong industry collaborations. It’s a fertile landscape for entrepreneurs, where deep tech expertise meets a proven track record of success. Maki.vc recognizes this potential and is poised to capitalize on it.

The firm’s portfolio is a testament to its vision. Companies like IQM, a quantum tech innovator, and Onego Bio, which produces animal-free egg whites, exemplify the kind of groundbreaking work Maki.vc seeks to support. These startups are not just creating products; they are reshaping industries and redefining possibilities.

Maki.vc’s commitment to its founders is unwavering. The firm believes in backing entrepreneurs from inception, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of building a startup. This nurturing approach fosters a culture of innovation, where ideas can flourish and evolve.

As the startup landscape continues to evolve, Maki.vc stands at the forefront, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The firm’s focus on sustainability and social impact is not just a marketing strategy; it’s a core principle that guides its investment decisions. In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, Maki.vc is leading the charge toward a more responsible and impactful future.

The launch of this €100 million fund is more than just a financial milestone; it’s a clarion call for innovation. It invites entrepreneurs to dream big and pursue their visions with vigor. Maki.vc is not just investing in companies; it’s investing in the future.

In conclusion, Maki.vc’s third fund is a significant step forward in the venture capital landscape. It embodies a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the nurturing of talent. As the firm continues to back ambitious founders, it paves the way for a new generation of startups poised to make a global impact. The Nordics are ready, and Maki.vc is leading the charge. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless.