Baltic Tech Boost: FIRSTPICK Launches €25M Fund for Early-Stage AI Innovators
March 8, 2026, 3:50 pm
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2021
Total raised: $2.3M
FIRSTPICK launches a €25 million fund, targeting early-stage Baltic startups. The fund focuses on unconventional, overlooked founders in AI-first software. Initial checks are €100K to €500K, with follow-on up to €1 million. This initiative supports diverse talent, strengthening the Baltic tech ecosystem. Backed by local entrepreneurs, angel investors, and the Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation through the ILTE fund (€9M), FIRSTPICK aims to unlock hidden potential. It drives regional innovation, fostering resilient businesses. This is FIRSTPICK's second early-stage fund, building on a history of backing future successes.
Vilnius-based venture capital firm FIRSTPICK announced a new €25 million fund. This significant capital injection targets early-stage startups across the Baltic region. The fund focuses on founders often missed by traditional investment criteria. This strategy aims to uncover hidden talent. It supports unconventional entrepreneurs.
FIRSTPICK champions a unique investment philosophy. They seek founders overlooked by conventional venture capital. Traditional VCs often focus on established credentials. They prefer known track records. FIRSTPICK looks beyond the obvious. They value raw talent and innovative spirit. Grit and groundbreaking ideas are paramount. This approach specifically targets "underpriced" talent. It provides local teams a crucial early boost.
The new FIRSTPICK fund focuses on inception and pre-seed stages. This is where ideas are nascent. Early capital is vital for development. Initial checks range from €100,000 to €500,000. Follow-on funding can extend up to €1 million. A key investment focus is AI-first software products. This reflects current technological trends. It also aligns with future growth potential in the AI sector.
FIRSTPICK boasts a proven ability to spot future stars. Consider Samphire Neuroscience. It addresses women's health solutions. Emile Radyte founded this innovative company. FIRSTPICK invested early. The product was still under development. Today, Samphire sells products across Europe and the United States. It recently secured a $5 million seed round. This success story highlights the value of early-stage belief.
Copla offers another compelling example. This cybersecurity compliance startup received pre-seed funding from FIRSTPICK. Few other investors showed initial interest. FIRSTPICK recognized its unique potential. Copla later closed a €6 million Series A round. Holo provides a further illustration of early success. Its Gen Z founders initially lacked extensive track records. FIRSTPICK supported their nascent efforts. Holo achieved €5 million in annual recurring revenue rapidly. These cases underscore FIRSTPICK's strategic foresight and impact.
The FIRSTPICK fund enjoys robust backing. Local entrepreneurs contribute substantial support. Angel investors play a significant role. Founders from successful companies like Tesonet, Oberlo, and Kilo Health also invest. Lithuania's government provides strategic backing. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation is a key partner. The state-financed ILTE fund commits €9 million. This encourages further private investor participation. It solidifies the regional innovation ecosystem for Baltic startups.
This investment fundamentally strengthens the Baltic tech sector. It fosters a vibrant startup environment. A consistent funding pipeline emerges for Baltic founders. Startups receive essential capital from acceleration to later stages. This boosts regional economic growth significantly. Strong tech companies create vital jobs. They attract further international investment. FIRSTPICK aims for widespread positive impact across the region.
This €25 million fund is FIRSTPICK's second major initiative. Their first fund, totaling €20 million, launched in 2022. The firm has invested in nearly 100 Baltic startups. This reflects seven years of extensive experience. They position themselves as "first-check" investors. They partner with founders from the very beginning of their journeys. Their expertise in early-stage validation is extensive and well-regarded.
The Baltic region attracts increasing international investment. In 2025, foreign capital was involved in 43% of venture deals. Total venture funding reached €607 million that year. Yet, international investors can sometimes miss local gems. They often rely on standard, conventional criteria. FIRSTPICK's deep local insight is crucial. They bridge this investment gap. They ensure promising Baltic founders are not overlooked.
FIRSTPICK remains committed to its mission. They actively seek out innovative minds. They empower those without traditional pedigrees or conventional backgrounds. Their mission extends beyond providing capital. They build a powerful platform. It connects founders with experienced operators. This provides invaluable practical expertise. They cultivate resilient businesses. These businesses benefit the entire Baltic region. The goal is clear: propel Baltic tech innovation onto the global stage.
Vilnius-based venture capital firm FIRSTPICK announced a new €25 million fund. This significant capital injection targets early-stage startups across the Baltic region. The fund focuses on founders often missed by traditional investment criteria. This strategy aims to uncover hidden talent. It supports unconventional entrepreneurs.
FIRSTPICK champions a unique investment philosophy. They seek founders overlooked by conventional venture capital. Traditional VCs often focus on established credentials. They prefer known track records. FIRSTPICK looks beyond the obvious. They value raw talent and innovative spirit. Grit and groundbreaking ideas are paramount. This approach specifically targets "underpriced" talent. It provides local teams a crucial early boost.
The new FIRSTPICK fund focuses on inception and pre-seed stages. This is where ideas are nascent. Early capital is vital for development. Initial checks range from €100,000 to €500,000. Follow-on funding can extend up to €1 million. A key investment focus is AI-first software products. This reflects current technological trends. It also aligns with future growth potential in the AI sector.
FIRSTPICK boasts a proven ability to spot future stars. Consider Samphire Neuroscience. It addresses women's health solutions. Emile Radyte founded this innovative company. FIRSTPICK invested early. The product was still under development. Today, Samphire sells products across Europe and the United States. It recently secured a $5 million seed round. This success story highlights the value of early-stage belief.
Copla offers another compelling example. This cybersecurity compliance startup received pre-seed funding from FIRSTPICK. Few other investors showed initial interest. FIRSTPICK recognized its unique potential. Copla later closed a €6 million Series A round. Holo provides a further illustration of early success. Its Gen Z founders initially lacked extensive track records. FIRSTPICK supported their nascent efforts. Holo achieved €5 million in annual recurring revenue rapidly. These cases underscore FIRSTPICK's strategic foresight and impact.
The FIRSTPICK fund enjoys robust backing. Local entrepreneurs contribute substantial support. Angel investors play a significant role. Founders from successful companies like Tesonet, Oberlo, and Kilo Health also invest. Lithuania's government provides strategic backing. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation is a key partner. The state-financed ILTE fund commits €9 million. This encourages further private investor participation. It solidifies the regional innovation ecosystem for Baltic startups.
This investment fundamentally strengthens the Baltic tech sector. It fosters a vibrant startup environment. A consistent funding pipeline emerges for Baltic founders. Startups receive essential capital from acceleration to later stages. This boosts regional economic growth significantly. Strong tech companies create vital jobs. They attract further international investment. FIRSTPICK aims for widespread positive impact across the region.
This €25 million fund is FIRSTPICK's second major initiative. Their first fund, totaling €20 million, launched in 2022. The firm has invested in nearly 100 Baltic startups. This reflects seven years of extensive experience. They position themselves as "first-check" investors. They partner with founders from the very beginning of their journeys. Their expertise in early-stage validation is extensive and well-regarded.
The Baltic region attracts increasing international investment. In 2025, foreign capital was involved in 43% of venture deals. Total venture funding reached €607 million that year. Yet, international investors can sometimes miss local gems. They often rely on standard, conventional criteria. FIRSTPICK's deep local insight is crucial. They bridge this investment gap. They ensure promising Baltic founders are not overlooked.
FIRSTPICK remains committed to its mission. They actively seek out innovative minds. They empower those without traditional pedigrees or conventional backgrounds. Their mission extends beyond providing capital. They build a powerful platform. It connects founders with experienced operators. This provides invaluable practical expertise. They cultivate resilient businesses. These businesses benefit the entire Baltic region. The goal is clear: propel Baltic tech innovation onto the global stage.