Johanna Fräki

Of course, I’ll also be at Slush 2024 in Helsinki🇫🇮 - or, you could say, I’m already here. If you’re interested in cleantech and sustainability, I’d be delighted to meet and discuss how we can join forces to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. To give you some context, I lead Beamline Accelerator. Beamline is the leading cleantech accelerator in the CEE region. Over the past two years, the 30 companies in our portfolio have raised €44M on top of the initial investment. Sounds impressive? It is - and it means that our acceleration program delivers fast and tangible results. We firmly believe that the future lies in sustainable solutions that not only meet the Green Deal requirements but also create real opportunities for growth. We’re constantly looking for like-minded people who are ready to support innovation and help ambitious startups move forward. And, of course, investing in an accelerator is a good way to enhance your portfolio with promising assets that make a real impact on sustainable development. 🌱 If you’re interested in learning more about our work or exploring investment opportunities in cleantech, feel free to drop me a message. Let’s connect at Slush! #Cleantech #Slush2024

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Awesome to read an article this morning about the step change jump in European VC relating to the SDG’s and climatetech spaces! “Europe’s venture capital sector is increasingly investing in companies working on products or services that address sustainable development goals, with the share of total VC raised by so called impact start-ups increasing from 18% in 2019 to 37% in 2023, a year when €53 billion was raised by European VC’s. Europe is seeing a general trend towards VCs prioritising so-called impact-driven investments, which alongside turning in a profit also aim to deliver social or environmental benefits. As one example, over the past three years investment in European climate tech start-ups has tripled to €20 billion, of which €18.2 billion was raised in 2023.” #sustainableinvesting #climatetech

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Both EQT Ventures / Contrarian Ventures’s ‘Climate Brick’ and Planet A Ventures / Norrsken VC / Speedinvest’s ‘Playbook for Climate Hardware’ are indispensable guides for climate founders. I read both cover to cover - here are my key takeaways... DON’T EXPECT A LINEAR JOURNEY - Every case is different. Lots of factors - from geography, to business model, to asset resale value, to government support - will impact a company’s scaling journey and financing mix. Be courageous and forge your own path. BUILD A GREAT BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT WILL FOLLOW - Create value for customers, focus on unit economics, shape your business model to align core competencies with customer value creation, and investors will want in. This might sound obvious but ZIRP enabled startups - especially in SaaS - to sacrifice fundamentals at the altar of growth and promoted the idea that raising money is an end goal in and of itself. It is particularly important to get the fundamentals right in hardware by focusing on efficient and profitable scale above all else. YOU HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF CHIPS TO ALLOCATE ACROSS THREE RISK AREAS - Market, technology and engineering risk. Your chip stack gets smaller every time you raise a new round of financing. E.g. if you lots of engineering risk you better not have much market and technology risk! CLIMATE HARDWARE HAS A NARRATIVE PROBLEM - Rightly or wrongly, the venture zeitgeist holds it to be true that hardware / physical technologies are more capital intensive, lower margin, and have longer exit horizons than software companies. If you build a truly great business and are sophisticated with how you finance scale then these statements are false. Not only that, but it has never been more expensive or difficult to scale a software business, nor have exit timelines ever been so long. Hardware companies have to work harder to tell a compelling equity story but it is possible and it is getting easier. Both reports have committed to developing their work over the long-term which is exciting. There are a couple of things I would love to see next: 1) The key thing I am hearing from downstream investors is that climate hardware companies learn quite late about the value of high quality project development, execution and EPC talent. How early should founders think about hiring these people? 2) Valuations are a function of capital raised and multiples don’t make much sense, ranging from low single digits to infinity in the Climate Brick. Can we think about progress and success in a different way? For example, what about a simple reframing of valuation to prioritise minimal dilution? Case studies are key here, and as investors and founders become more sophisticated about the capital stack we will see more of them. Huge thanks to everyone involved in this amazing work! Katya Constant Rokas Peciulaitis Ted Persson Florian Schabus Kim D. Jessica Burley Christian zu Jeddeloh Sophia Escheu Links to both initiatives in the comments.

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🏁 Apply until Friday 🏁 We make the difference for the ones who can make the difference. Or in other words, if you are a highly impactful European climatetech startup at founding or pre-seed stage we can be your first believer who helps you to get kickstarted. On the mission to become Europe's leading catalyst for pre-seed climatetech ventures we designed our remote acceleration journey for start-ups which are looking for their first significant funding and are on the way to find their product-market fit. We will select just the very best and most ambitious teams to support them individually to make them as successful as possible. We have no strict curriculum, no cohort activities, almost no obligatory events. We will tailor a journey on your specific needs. ​​ 🎯 we provide a structured approach to reach product-market fit 👵 mentoring from experienced founders and experts speeds you up 📚 our knowledge-base helps to work like a serial entrepreneur 🤝 we connect you with many relevant contacts 💶 with our investment we are going to lead your pre-seed round, sized 200k - 1.5mn Euro 👼 we help you to find awesome co-investors for the pre-seed round and support you later with your seed round 👩‍🔬 we help you to find highly motivated and skilled first employees from our network 💻 fully digital program, but strong network in most European startup hubs Apply until this Friday (September 27th): https://lnkd.in/diWDSpnw

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💭 Understanding what and why happens with the economy of #Finland is key in order to pick goals wisely, craft plans competently, and contribute to society responsibly. That's why I attended the 'Finland’s long-term growth prospects and deglobalization trends' seminar by Suomen startup-yhteisö at #maria01. Left with a heavy bag of learnings, so I share only a few key takeaways: 👁️‍🗨️ Youssef Zad shed light on the details of how the Finnish startup community evaluates its present and near future - and how the apparent high hopes are not matching the hiring trends ("watch what I do, not what I say" a wise man once told me). With ~50% of startups struggling with funding, it's apparent, that high hopes alone won't create workplaces. 👁️‍🗨️ Mika Maliranta provided a solid basis for why Finland's economy experiences the current challenges and how the present compares to the near past. Thought of the day: decision-makers always focus on their TODO-list, but a NOT-TO-DO-list is just as important. 👁️‍🗨️ I truly enjoyed Tuuli McCully's presentation and proposed conclusions. Like many of us, I'm prone to overemphasize political stories in the news when evaluating trends and synthesizing my worldview. But business is like evolution: it's cold, efficient, and always finds a way; meaning the deglobalization trends - at least at this point - mostly stay on the level of political speech while the interconnectedness on the economic level either stagnated or grew. #suomenstartupyhteisö #suomi #finland #startup #entrepreneurship #startpfunding #deglobalization #finnisheconomy

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We’re wrapping up the year with Herizon last university of applied sciences cohort with 8 Finnish schools. With our team of 4, we’ve been fine-tuning our system to scale for 1000 students in 2025. And let’s not forget - internships are just one of our products. This time, the first 31 students were already matched with internships within a few hours. Here’s what we’ve automated using AI: - Competency mapping for interns - Matching company needs with intern skills - Validating internship placements (assignment building and validation - basically an automated “fit test”) - Recommending (anonymous) intern matches to companies - Managing confirmation and onboarding once the match is finalized We’re ready to make internships happen for over 1000 international students next year. So, Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö/Undervisnings- och kulturministeriet/Ministry of Education & Culture feel free to aim higher with those national goals of international students - we’ve got this. 💪

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Innrwrks invites to the first Nordic Dialogues this fall. We recently outlined why we believe we need new conversations regarding funding of companies. ❓ What is healthy funding in a changing world? ❓ How can we bring capital back into alignment with what it's funding? It's time that we make funding/financial engineering a creative part of running a business. One that contribute to the positive impact and greater purpose we are aiming to unfold. We need to talk about innovative instruments for funding, technicalities of aligning incentives between LPs, GPs and Entrepreneurs, taxes and financial markets interactions with etc. in short we need to get savvy about regenerative financing. Creating an environment that works in this reality and the future we're aiming for. Want to join?

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RegenSense, an regenerative startup that I have co-initiated, is selected to #SwedishClimateStartupMap . RegenSense works on "revolutionize ecosystem health assessment by providing state-of-art monitoring for landscapes". In other words, it tells us how is the ecosystem health of a landscape (farm, forest, national park, water basin, whatsoever) is changing over time. So you can make management decisions, do claims (credits, supply change claims etc) or even shift the subsidies to regenerating farmers for instance (hi there, governments). And it does all this completely outcome-based, not leaving space to #greenwashing. It's one of the most crucial work needed in regenerative space, I would say. This recognition is also another proof of the untapped potentials of operating within "ecosystem" of regenerative entrepreneurs - a vision enabled by RegenHive... There is so much untapped potential there but it requires to trust, to care, to acknowledge, and more. Some hard work, as human beings =) Here is the official headline of the recognition: The initiative aims to showcase innovative startups developing innovations with the potential to help accelerate the green transition. Check out the Map here: https://lnkd.in/d-4FD8R9 The project is led by Chalmers Ventures, Dalarna Science Park, Ignite Sweden, LEAD, SISP and Sting and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Tillväxtverket, Vinnova and Energimyndigheten.

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🌍 Navigating Seed Financing in Scandinavia! 🚀 Curious about how to secure early-stage funding for your startup in Scandinavia? Whether it's leveraging government grants, tapping into angel investors, or joining startup accelerators, there are numerous strategies to explore. Discover the unique opportunities available and how they can propel your business forward. Dive into the nuances and build your roadmap to success with insights from industry experts. Unlock the full potential of your startup journey here: https://lnkd.in/e4zycRvK #StartupFunding #Scandinavia #Entrepreneurship #SeedFunding #Innovation #BusinessGrowth

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🎊 Great news for early-stage businesses in Denmark! The new government reform introduces significant funding opportunities, tax relief, and legal changes aimed at boosting startup growth. This is a perfect time for innovative ideas in health, wellbeing, and energy sectors to thrive. If you have a startup or an idea, we want to hear from you! Learn more about the reforms and send your pitch to us for a chance to collaborate. At KRING we not only invest in impact ideas and business concepts, we co-create! https://lnkd.in/dSBnmuDS #Startups #Innovation #Health #Energy #Entrepreneurship #DenmarkReform #EarlyStageBusiness #impactinvesting #Venturebuilding #kring

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Finland’s VC Ecosystem – Bold Bets and Unseen Opportunities in Niche Markets 🚀 Finland isn’t just known for its beautiful landscapes; it's also a hidden gem in the VC landscape. With a robust ecosystem supported by government initiatives like Business Finland and events like Slush, the country has nurtured some of the most intriguing tech companies globally. But where could Finland’s next big success come from? 🌍 Niche Tech Areas: Quantum Computing, Neuromorphic Engineering, and Silent Tech Pioneers While digital transformation and gaming (think Rovio Entertainment Corporation and Supercell) have been Finland’s forte, emerging areas like quantum computing and neuromorphic engineering are gaining traction. What if Finland becomes the global epicenter for silent technology – tech that operates in the background to solve complex societal problems without fanfare? Think of companies using AI to automate legislative drafting or developing tech that enhances accessibility for the visually impaired. ⚡ Leveraging Finland's Culture of Sisu to Drive Deep-Tech Ventures Finland’s culture of "sisu," loosely translated as persistence in the face of adversity, plays into the country’s willingness to invest in deep-tech ventures with long-term R&D cycles. What if we leveraged "sisu capital" – funds dedicated to nurturing projects that will take decades, not years, to mature? Could Finland be the birthplace of the next large-scale, world-changing technology? 🚀 Government-Driven "Moonshots" – Could Finland’s Government Act as a Mega-VC? Finland’s state investment agencies could take inspiration from platforms like Y Combinator or Sequoia Capital and actively engage in accelerator-style programs, where they act as major stakeholders in early-stage moonshot startups, not just as grant providers but as active investors. Could Finland disrupt the traditional government grant system with this model? 👉 How do you think the next decade will redefine the role of VCs in the Nordics? Let’s discuss! #Finland #TechEcosystem #VentureCapital #DeepTech

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No question about it: -       Finland needs more international startup success stories -       Startups could be a big part of solving the global problems we are facing today -       These startups need all the help, funding and contacts they can get   That’s why I was pleased to see that Business Finland is trying to open yet another door for startup growth: Corporate collaboration   Really looking forward to networking with these people and speaking to this audience! #innovestor #corporateventuring #startupgrowth https://lnkd.in/gNAVYMn6

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🌍 Global Insecurity and Its Impact on Swedish Startups and Investments 🇸🇪 In today's volatile global landscape, Swedish startups and investors face unprecedented challenges. Despite these hurdles, the resilience and innovation of Sweden's startup ecosystem continue to shine. Here are some key insights from 2024: - **Investment Growth:** Swedish startups attracted €4.7 billion in investments in 2023, with nearly 75% directed towards impact startups, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability and positive societal impact. This trend is expected to continue in 2024. - **Ecosystem Value:** Over the past five years, the value of Swedish startups has doubled, now totaling €239 billion. This growth has led to the creation of 41 unicorn companies, solidifying Sweden's position as a leading startup hub in Europe. - **European Rankings:** Sweden ranks third in Europe for deep tech investments and second for impact investments, showcasing the country's strength in innovative and sustainable technologies. - **Job Creation:** In 2023, Swedish startups generated 138,000 jobs globally, including 79,000 in Sweden. Small businesses and unicorn companies contributed to 96% of these new local jobs. Despite global insecurity impacting the landscape, Sweden's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and equality remains steadfast. Let's support our entrepreneurs and adapt to these changing times with resilience and innovation. #Startups #Investments #Sweden #GlobalEconomy #Resilience

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We've created a global platform for extraordinary jewellery designers worldwide, and we're truly passionate about the journey, which is only just gaining global momentum... 🚀 But, let's be real - Has it been smooth sailing? Not a chance. ☘ Has it been tough? You bet. 💪 Have we grown from it? Every single day. ❣ ...I can't guarantee you won't face your own hurdles, but at least you won't have to repeat the same mistakes we've made. Looking forward to sharing togther with awesome and talented people on May 16th. in Copenhagen💛 #luxurytech #tech #femaleentrepreneur

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Last week I attended for the first time The Drop in Sweden organized by Domino Studio and Pale blue dot: what a way to have a glimpse at the European Climate tech ecosystem! Here are my take aways 🤸🏽‍♂️Communicating Climate (or not) for early stage companies - Deliver climate impact in your marketing message matters - It takes time! - How do we leverage it for recruiting ? 🪴The rise of Web 3: the nature in the digital age? - The demand is yet to grow - Web3 is the perfect tool to build trust and transparency ⚡️Energy Tech in the Trenches: How defense considerations reshuffle Europe's energy industry? - Physical and cyberattack are to grow - Climate change is also hurting infrastructure - What is happening in Ukraine is at the hedge when it comes to energy sector - Up stream and downstream are strong scrutinised innovation areas with sustainable mining and peer to peer energy production/consumption Was great to connect with Northzone, Norrsken VC, Pale blue dot, Hummingbird Ventures, Planet A Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital and get to reconnect with (many!) french friends amongst which Thomas Bajas (thanks for allowing me to piggy back on your schedule!), Charles Fourault, Louis Berlan Eric Gossart, Clémence Thomin, Margaux Gregoir, Charlotte Lafont, Jeremy Charoy, Jonny Everett and Manuella Cunha Brito. #climate #tech #vc

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Swedish carbon removal startup raises $5.5M seed to advance green digital assets Stockholm-based Net Zero Company has secured $5.5 million in Seed funding, led by investors Oilinvest Group, VARO Energy, and SilviCarbon. The company leverages blockchain technology to offer Carbon Removal Tokens (CRT), which ensure transparency, traceability, and security in the market for verified carbon credits. With this funding, Net Zero Company plans to expand globally and introduce a suite of new products, including the CRT, to address the urgent need for scalable carbon removal solutions. https://lnkd.in/d4_g4psC #nordicmade #sweden #startups #greentech #carbonremoval #sustainability #cleantech #energysolutions #trending

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Kudos to ECO2GROW founders Paul, Niklas, and Konrad for raising their €4 million seed round! We have been on board since the pre-seed stage and couldn't be happier with their progress. Welcome to the new investors, neoteq ventures and NRW.BANK! Other notable co-investors include Axel Thiemann (Sonnedix), Stefan Mueller (enerparc), and Techstars. ECO2GROW's solution reduces energy costs for SMEs, provides reliable long-term planning, ensures an authentic, fully traceable supply of green energy, and removes legal and transactional barriers. With its model, ECO2GROW revolutionizes the way SMEs procure green energy and opens up Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to SMEs for the first time. Using an innovative credit risk portfolio approach, the platform aims to democratize access to PPAs by welcoming smaller market players. It is designed to fully integrate with existing energy contracts, ensuring a seamless transition and uninterrupted operations for companies. #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy #SMEs #Sustainability #PPA #EnergyTech

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At Slush, we’re always focused on finding the most valuable ways to support early-stage founders in the current economic climate. To put it simply, building and scaling world-changing companies comes down to three things: persistence, funding, and advice. The first one is intrinsic, but we can help with the latter two. Therefore, we’re excited to announce this year’s Slush 100, where we will collaborate with General Catalyst and Cherry Ventures to host the most coveted startup competition in the world, with a main prize of $1,000,000 in equity funding. This competition gives startups not just visibility but also access to invaluable networks and hands-on support from the top players in the ecosystem along the way. So, if you are A) a startup, B) founded in or after 2021, and C) have less than $2 million in equity funding—This one is for you. Massive shoutout to Kalle Kahanpää & Elin Dölker.

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Please take a few minutes to share your startup board experiences below. It’s super helpful for us to make better boards for everyone.

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