Icebreaker.vc

Icebreaker.vc is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, that invests in early-stage startups in the fields of software, hardware, and deep tech. The firm's mission is to support and empower entrepreneurs who are working to create innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Icebreaker.vc's investment criteria are focused on companies that are solving big problems with innovative technologies. The firm looks for startups that have a strong vision and a unique value proposition, as well as a talented and committed team that can execute on that vision. Icebreaker.vc is also interested in companies that are addressing major societal challenges, such as climate change, healthcare, and education.

In addition to providing capital, Icebreaker.vc is committed to providing startups with the resources, support, and guidance they need to succeed. The firm's team has a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, technology, and investing, and they work closely with portfolio companies to help them grow and scale their businesses.

Icebreaker.vc is a Nordic-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in innovative startups in the fields of software, hardware, and deep tech. The firm was founded in 2015 by Riku Seppälä, Aleksi Partanen, and Atte Hujanen.

The founders had previously worked together at Lifeline Ventures, another Finnish venture capital firm, where they had invested in some of the most successful startups in the Nordic region, including Supercell, Zennström Philanthropies, and Wolt. With their experience and expertise, they decided to start their own firm and create a new model of venture capital.

The name "Icebreaker" was chosen to reflect the firm's mission of breaking the ice and connecting the Nordic startup ecosystem with the rest of the world. The founders believed that the Nordic region had a lot of untapped potential in terms of startups and innovation, and they wanted to help those companies succeed on a global scale.

Since its founding, Icebreaker.vc has made over 80 investments in early-stage startups in the Nordic region and beyond. The firm's portfolio includes companies such as Varjo, Blueprint Genetics, TactoTek, and Swappie. Icebreaker.vc has also established partnerships with other venture capital firms and accelerators in Europe and the United States, further expanding its network and resources.

In addition to its investment activities, Icebreaker.vc has also established itself as a thought leader in the Nordic startup ecosystem. The firm regularly publishes reports and research on topics such as startup ecosystems, emerging technologies, and investment trends. Icebreaker.vc also hosts events and workshops for entrepreneurs and investors, providing valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Overall, Icebreaker.vc has played an important role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Nordic region and beyond. The firm's focus on early-stage startups and deep tech has helped to identify and support some of the most promising companies in the region, while its thought leadership activities have helped to advance the conversation around innovation and investment.

The firm's investment criteria are based on four key factors: team, market, technology, and traction.

• Team: Icebreaker.vc believes that the team behind a startup is one of the most important factors in determining its success. The firm looks for teams with a strong track record of execution, deep expertise in their field, and a clear vision for the future.
• Market: Icebreaker.vc looks for startups that are targeting large and growing markets. The firm believes that startups with a clear understanding of their market and its dynamics are more likely to succeed in the long run.
• Technology: Icebreaker.vc is particularly interested in startups that are developing innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt existing industries. The firm looks for startups that are leveraging new or emerging technologies, such as AI, blockchain, or IoT, to create new value propositions.
• Traction: Finally, Icebreaker.vc looks for startups that have already demonstrated traction in the market. The firm prefers to invest in startups that have a minimum viable product, early customers, and some revenue or usage data. This helps to de-risk the investment and increase the chances of success.

Icebreaker.vc is also focused on investing in startups in the Nordic region and beyond. The firm believes that the Nordic region has a lot of untapped potential in terms of startups and innovation, and it wants to help those companies succeed on a global scale. In addition, the firm is looking for startups that are targeting global markets and have the potential to become global leaders in their respective fields.

Some of the key values of Icebreaker.vc include:

• Entrepreneurship: Icebreaker.vc believes in the power of entrepreneurship to drive innovation and create positive change. The firm is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are taking on big challenges and working to build transformative companies.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Icebreaker.vc is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem. The firm believes that diversity is essential for unlocking innovation and creating better solutions to the world's problems.
• Integrity: Icebreaker.vc is committed to operating with the highest levels of integrity and ethics. The firm believes that building strong relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders is essential for long-term success.
• Partnership: Icebreaker.vc believes in the power of collaboration and partnership. The firm works closely with its portfolio companies to help them succeed, and it seeks out partnerships with other investors, accelerators, and ecosystem players to create a stronger and more vibrant startup ecosystem.
• Impact: Finally, Icebreaker.vc is committed to creating a positive impact in the world. The firm believes that startups have the potential to create transformative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges, and it seeks out companies that are working to make a difference in their industries and communities.

Icebreaker.vc's mission is to support and empower entrepreneurs who are working to create positive change in the world. By providing these entrepreneurs with the resources, support, and guidance they need to succeed, Icebreaker.vc is helping to build a more vibrant and innovative startup ecosystem, and to create a better future for all.

Icebreaker.vc believes that entrepreneurship has the power to drive innovation, create jobs, and solve some of the world's biggest challenges. The firm's mission is to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality by providing them with the resources, support, and guidance they need to succeed.

Icebreaker.vc is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem. The firm believes that diversity is essential for unlocking innovation and creating better solutions to the world's problems. Icebreaker.vc seeks out entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds and is committed to supporting them throughout their startup journey.

The firm invests in innovative startups in the fields of software, hardware, and deep tech. The firm's portfolio includes a range of companies that are working to create transformative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. Here are a few examples:

• Blueprint Genetics: Blueprint Genetics is a Finnish company that provides genetic testing and analysis services. The company's mission is to make genetic testing more accessible and affordable, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with genetic diseases.
• Varjo: Varjo is a Finnish company that develops high-performance virtual and mixed reality technologies. The company's products are used by a wide range of industries, including aviation, architecture, and automotive, to create immersive and realistic virtual experiences.
• 3DBear: 3DBear is a Finnish company that develops educational software for teaching 3D design and printing to students. The company's products are used by schools and educators around the world to teach students about design thinking, engineering, and creativity.
• Solar Foods: Solar Foods is a Finnish company that is developing a novel protein production technology that uses air and electricity to create a nutrient-rich food source. The company's mission is to create a sustainable and scalable solution to the world's growing demand for protein.
• Aiven: Aiven is a Finnish company that provides managed cloud services for open source databases and messaging systems. The company's products are used by a wide range of companies and organizations to manage their data and infrastructure more efficiently and effectively.