Jussi Lystimaki

At the Slush 2024 startup event in Helsinki, tech entrepreneurs and investors expressed optimism about the potential easing of funding challenges in 2025, particularly driven by AI growth. Despite three years of slowed funding, the global tech landscape is seeing renewed energy, with AI attracting nearly $40 billion in investment in 2023, showcasing confidence in its transformative potential. Venture capital firms like Index Ventures and Atomico highlighted positive momentum in European tech, and the reopening of opportunities for IPOs is bringing hope. While some remain cautious due to broader economic factors, many attendees are hopeful for a strong rebound in funding next year. Read More: https://lnkd.in/ej2spiph Reuters Branded Hospitality Ventures Hospitality Headline Newsletter #VentureCapitilism #Technology #AI #Growth Aino Bergius Mathilda Strom Francesco Ricciuti Anastasija Plotnikova Niklas Zennström Neil Rimer

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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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💭 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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These are the hottest startups to follow in the Nordics 🔥 curated by Sifted and Mimi Billing - picked by top VC funds, generalists and deep tech VCs in the area. Please note, that these are companies we have not invested, but think are worth to follow or with high potential. https://lnkd.in/d3pit3FT ——— Our fund was asked to list in particular university and science spin-off companies. My picks from Voima Ventures: - IntuiCell, Photoncycle and Vitroscope Sophia Bendz, partner at Cherry Ventures - Leya, Lovable and Terra Labs Sabina Wizander, partner at Creandum - Normain, Dendrite.ai Agent, Soolv Linus Dahg, CEO of Inventure - IONLACE - We're hiring!, spektr,Ambio Kremena Tosheva, investor at SNÖ Ventures - ReOrbit, Carbon Crusher, Keystrike #nordics #startups #tech #innovation #ai #venturecapital

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Exciting news for Swedish startups! 77 VC firms are ready to invest in innovative Swedish companies, showcasing the vibrant startup ecosystem in Sweden. If you're a startup seeking funding, this could be the ideal opportunity to engage with potential investors. Stay informed with the latest updates from Breakit. #Startup #VentureCapital #Investment #Sweden #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Funding

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Extraordinary insights from Teemu Leskinen -led Fundco event in Helsinki discussing mobile and console game trends. Peter Y. Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners made a convincing case on his 55th visit to Finland why the industry has a huge impact for all of us, not least because of its symbiosis with the wider entertainment and streaming industry. Finland got earlier today mentioned in the US VP debate as a responsible country for gun control by both Vance and Walz. It is true, but more and more Finns prefer online fights in gaming environment to hunting or recreational shooting. However, as pointed out by Peter, VR in gaming is still a minor niche, whilst mobile and console grow at a healthy pace. I am personally excited about such retro successes as Larian Studio’s Baldur’s Gate 3 and Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. Great to also hear insights on Finnish successes in gaming from Sulake’s Habbo Hotel to Next Games’ Netflix collaboration. 🚀

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“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — André Gide World, it’s time to wake up and recognize the incredible entrepreneurs who are tackling our most pressing #climate challenges head-on—even while their own friends and family are at risk due to conflict. These are today’s real heroes: dynamic individuals who thrive on balanced self-actualization and create highly profitable solutions that make a genuine difference. They don’t see obstacles; they see opportunities. As the saying goes, “We don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.” What some might call a struggle, they call breakfast. Let’s shift our focus from distractions and be inspired by those who turn adversity into innovation. It’s time to harness that pioneering spirit and contribute to shaping a better, more sustainable future. 💥💥💥™️

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❓ Are unicorn founders just like the rest of us? Or are they somehow different? Fearless, perhaps? Smarter, maybe? I finally had the chance to dive into “Exit Stories”, written by fellow entrepreneurs Matias Mäenpää and Anssi Kiviranta, while relaxing on a beach chair this summer ⛱. Here’s what struck me most about the qualities these founders seem to share: ✅ Curiosity Always asking, "How can we do better?" They challenge the status quo, knowing that just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it must remain that way. ✅ Stupendously high ambition They might not know every step of the way, but they’re clear on the destination. When others say, “It’s impossible,” they think, “Let’s try anyway.” ✅ Confidence and scary resilience As in poker ♠♥♦♣ 🙏, they decided to go “all in”. Ready to fight until they lose everything. The so-called "death valley" is for the others. Failure isn’t even part of their vocabulary, and giving up is never an option. ✅ Product and sales focus They’re laser-focused on the customer— not investors or grants. Striving for perfection (it’s a game of inches), they never forget that, after all, the clients pays the bills— and the salaries. ✅ Team-building Aware of their own limits, they surround themselves with the best complementary talents. They engage their teams without hesitating to share the cake. ✅ Speed and agility They fail fast, pivot quickly, and experiment constantly. 👉 They don't do it for the money For them, it’s about achieving something big, making an impact. Money sounds more like a consequence than a reason. And what about luck 🤞 ? As Micha Kaufman (unicorn founder #11, Fiverr) says: "luck is when preparation meets opportunity". I could write pages on my takeaways from this book, but LinkedIn would again tell me I've reached the maximum character limit. So, further to one of my earlier posts entitled “Ideas are cheap. Execution is everything” —which, coincidentally, also featured Matias Mäenpää— (see link in comment) here’s a final thought from Lukasz Gadowski (unicorn founder #6, Delivery Hero): “Both strategy and execution need to be right.” And when it comes to strategy, there are two layers: one is the business model itself; the other is more like tactics. How to make the positive spiral turn, so that one success leads to the next. A huge congrats to these 12 🦄 founders for their inspiring success, and special kudos to Matias and Anssi for capturing and sharing their journeys. Every entrepreneur should pick up a copy of "Exit Stories". #entrepeneurship #startups #inspiration The book's heroes 👉 Patric Fassbender, tonies® 👉 Jesper Buch, Just Eat Takeaway.com 👉 Fred Simon, JFrog 👉 Linda Avey, 23andMe 👉 Peter Vesterbacka, Rovio Entertainment Corporation 👉 Lukasz Gadowski, Delivery Hero 👉 Øystein Moan, Visma 👉 Kees Koolen, Booking.com 👉 Sami Inkinen, Trulia 👉 David Helgason, Unity 👉 Micha Kaufman, Fiverr 👉Ragnar Sass, Pipedrive

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🔍 STORYTELLING, The Curious Case of the Convertible Loan for Nova Innovations. Pitch for BRIDGETEMPO case https://lnkd.in/dQ4vUDDZ 🚀 Nova Innovations, a dynamic Copenhagen-based tech startup, sought additional capital to accelerate growth. Investor A, a seasoned investor, came forward with an intriguing proposal: A convertible loan. 💼 The Deal 💸 Investment: 500,000 DKK (62,500 EUR) 📈 Interest Rate: 10% per annum 📅 Term: 3-4 years 🔑 Minimum Ownership (if converted): 15% 💰 Total Repayment (if not converted): 650,000 DKK (81,250 EUR) 📊 Exit Value upon Conversion: Up to 15% ownership share at a higher valuation 🏷️ Discount Rate for Participation: To be determined during a future capital round 🔀 The Options 1️⃣ Non-Conversion: Enjoy a fixed return of 10% per annum. 2️⃣ Conversion: Potential for significant upside, depending on Nova's future valuation. For instance, if acquired for 20 million DKK, the investor could see a return of 3 million DKK. 🤔 Investor's Choice Investor A decided on the convertible loan, strategically balancing risk with potential reward. This choice not only secured a steady return but also set the stage for a possibly substantial payoff. The convertible loan exemplifies a flexible financing solution, balancing the characteristics of both debt and equity, and offering benefits for both startups and investors alike. #StartupFinancing #ConvertibleLoan #VentureCapital #InvestorStrategy #GrowthCapital #TechStartups #InvestmentOptions #innovation #tech

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💥 And the winner is… 💥 The first results from SoundTech 24 is starting to come in. And the results are mind blowing. 🤯 This year we've replaced the pitch-competition with a #validation competition. 🤓 Fighting for the price of an oversize beer from Bryghuset Møn we have challenged our startups on who could book, conduct and document the most customer interviews. So between camp 1 and 2 we’ve pulled them through 3 sprints challenging them to test and understand their #customersegment, #valueproposition and #price model. All by conducting #customerdiscovery. In total our 5 startups have talked with 260 potential customers, users, or partners within their value chain. And the winner is...🥳 Joyned with 71 customer discovery interviews in just 8 weeks. However every single one has surpassed the benchmark which is 30 interviews with an average of 52 interviews / startup. So, if you’re an investor looking to invest in a lean startup geared for hardcore execution through agile learning loops, I can highly recommend each one of these wonderful #teams. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! ❤️ p.s. Demo Day coming up at July - write pm for invite. p.p.s. we continue with validation sprints starting next week. Upcomming themes are go-to-market and distribution. Now go get some sleep. 😎

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Many startups find success through acquisitions rather than going public. But how can you position your company as a market leader during an M&A process? Aron Bohlig has the answer. As a VP of Sales or in a similar role, it is key to focus on realistic goals and personal optimization. Networking with industry peers offers priceless perspectives. Remember, aiming for achievable growth and adapting to the current economic climate are essential strategies for success. But there's more. Join Aron and Carlos Nouche in the latest episode of The B2B Revenue Executive Experience and learn more. 🎙Full Episode🎙: https://lnkd.in/gYVcS9HD #b2brevenueexperience #mergersandacquisitions #gotomarketinsights

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🌍 Making a Change through Social Entrepreneurship: The Trolltech Foundation Founded by Eirik Chambe-Eng and Haavard Nord in 1994, Trolltech (now known as the Qt Company) started with a simple goal: to simplify developers' lives with their IT innovations. What began as a venture driven by passion and innovation soon evolved into something greater. From the outset, Trolltech embodied a commitment to giving back. 10% of all profits were earmarked for non-religious charities in developing countries, reflecting a strong belief in social responsibility. As external investments grew, so did the realization of a sustainable way to continue their charitable contributions. In 2000, the Trolltech Foundation (TTF) was born. Supported by the company's lawyer, Rune Nesseth, who generously provided legal counsel, the foundation was established to ensure a lasting impact through social entrepreneurship. Since its inception, TTF has been dedicated to empowering individuals to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Our Mission At TTF, is clear: to empower people to help themselves through social entrepreneurship. We believe in the transformative power of individuals to create sustainable solutions that address global challenges. Each year, we allocate funds to projects that make a significant impact, fostering sustainable development and positive social change. Join Us At the Trolltech Foundation, we are inspired by the potential of individuals to innovate and create meaningful change. We invite you to join us in our journey to support projects that make a real difference. #SocialEntrepreneurship #Empowerment #Sustainability #GlobalImpact #TrolltechFoundation Explore more at https://lnkd.in/dyse-5vR

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🌟 Antler Nordics portfolio company Arkion (formerly Skyqraft) announces a $4 million funding round 🌟 Antler has supported Arkion (formerly Skyqraft) from Day 0, from the time they joined our Nordic Founder Residency program. We are really excited about the great company. Awesome work so far from Louise Gauffin, David Wickström and team. Arkion recently achieved some truly impressive milestones, including closing several key client accounts in the US and Europe, tripling revenue, and achieving over 80% AI coverage of faults in distribution grids. Arkion delivers energy asset analytics through scalable, AI-powered asset intelligence, for a power grid that’s ready for an electrified future. With energy consumption poised to double by 2045, the resilience and modernization of grid infrastructure are necessary in shaping a net-zero future. Swift, precise, and sustainable inspections of energy infrastructure are imperative for getting the grid ready for this global transition. Round was led by Subvenio Invest with Neptunia Invest and Antler participating 🚀 Let’s go 🌶️🌶️ #Antler #AI #PowerGrids #Sustainability #Arkion

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Swedish Serial Entrepreneurs: New Ventures 2020-2024 Sweden's startup ecosystem continues to thrive, with seasoned entrepreneurs launching exciting new ventures. Here's a look at some notable startups founded between 2020 and 2024 by serial entrepreneurs: 🌍 Pale Blue Dot (2020) Founder: Hampus Jakobsson Focus: Climate tech VC fund Previous venture: Co-founded TAT (The Astonishing Tribe), acquired by BlackBerry 💳 Brite Payments (2020) Founder: Lena Hackelöer Focus: Open banking payments Previous venture: Founded Nurture Capital 📊 Quartr (2020) Co-founder: Oscar Grönholm Focus: Investor relations platform Previous venture: Co-founded Talkative Labs 🚚 Einride (2020 major expansion) Founder: Robert Falck Focus: Electric and autonomous freight Previous experience: Co-founded Coinify 🏦 Treyd (2020) Co-founder: Peter Beckman Focus: Trade financing platform Previous venture: Co-founded Klarna 🧠 Mindler (2020) Co-founder: Johannes Hatem Focus: Digital mental health platform Previous venture: Co-founded KRY/LIVI 💼 Alva Labs (2020) Co-founder: Malcolm Burenstam Linder Focus: HR tech for recruitment Previous venture: Co-founded Teendriver 🌱 Plantjammer (2020 major growth) Founder: Michael Haase Focus: AI-powered plant-based recipes Previous venture: Founded EnergyMap These entrepreneurs are leveraging their previous startup experiences to tackle new challenges across various sectors, from fintech and healthtech to climate solutions and AI. What trends do you see in these new ventures? How do you think their previous experiences are shaping their current startups? #SwedishStartups #SerialEntrepreneurs #StartupEcosystem #Innovation

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The Nordic startup ecosystem is brimming with potential, and one standout company leading the charge is Leya from Sweden. Their innovative AI tool aims to revolutionize legal operations by integrating data across international legal databases, positioning Leya as the next Swedish unicorn. The recent $10.5 million seed round, led by Benchmark after graduating from Y Combinator, speaks volumes about their trajectory. To consistently nurture unicorns in the Nordics, there must be a greater emphasis on fostering incubators and supporting early-stage startups. SSE Business Labs' success showcases what can be achieved with a laser-focused strategy and a dedicated team, proving that even a small group can help build successful startups. Looking ahead, it's crucial for the Nordic region to invest in and develop better incubators that provide essential resources and mentorship for startups to thrive. By doing so, we can ensure a steady stream of innovative companies like Leya, propelling the Nordics to new heights in the global startup arena. Read more on Nordic startups handpicked to be the next big thing: https://lnkd.in/dsNQyXxt #NordicStartups #SwedishUnicorn #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Incubators #StartupGrowth #SSEBusinessLabs #Leya #VentureCapital

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Emerging vs Established Managers? A lot of discussions by institutional LPs about whether to invest in emerging GPs will end just there. There are exemptions such us AlphaQ Venture Capital Fund of Funds, which actively invests in emerging GPs. Hear what Stephan Heller had to say on the topic on the EUVC 's podcast with Andreas Munk Holm ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #fund and increase the international pool of your LP #investors?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments?   ▶ G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks: https://lnkd.in/gjC_EuTE #venturecapital #vcfundraising #lp #gp #familyoffice #fundoffunds #investors #alternatives #secondaries

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What makes the Nordics an exemplary hub for startups and innovation? ✅ A Thriving Ecosystem ✅ Innovation at the Forefront ✅ Collaboration Over Competition ✅ Global Impact ✅ Resilience and Adaptation Read more in the Nordics Startup Report 2024, crafted by our team in the region. https://lnkd.in/d-TD8Jse #PNPTC #NordicInnovation #StartupTrends2024 #TechInvestmentOpportunities

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VCLink's Daily Round Report (part 2): 9. Kristján Einarsson's Treble Technologies, an Icelandic sound simulation technology startup, has raised €11 million (approximately $11.88 million) in its Series A funding round led by KOMPAS VC. Frumtak Ventures, EIC (Energy Industries Council), and others also participated in the round. https://lnkd.in/dinNG33i 10. Echelon, a decentralized lending protocol, has closed a $3.5 million seed funding round with participation from Cypher Capital Group. https://lnkd.in/diGX-PdG 11. Jan Marius Marquardt's Zive, a German startup specializing in untangling companies' data, has raised $3.2 million in pre-seed funding led by Headline. https://lnkd.in/dwxeM29t 12. Michael Fanning's Signol, a sustainability startup using behavioral science to reduce emissions in shipping and aviation, has raised £2.5 million (approximately $3.15 million) from industry investors including Ultranav and MOL PLUS. https://lnkd.in/dQjF_4BG 13. Rajeev Taneja's GlobalCare Health, a non-hospital medical tourism provider, has secured $3 million in its Series A funding round led by 35North India Discovery Fund – II. https://lnkd.in/dpN_wfsU 14. Nicolo Mazzocchi and Simone Patera's Skillvue, an HR tech provider, has secured $2.8 million in pre-seed funding co-led by Italian Founders Fund and 14Peaks Capital. Orbita Verticale, Kfund, and others also participated in the round. https://lnkd.in/dJSaCf8f 15. Jonathan Polotto's Involve Space, an Italian stratospheric balloon technology company, has closed a €2.5 million (approximately $2.7 million) seed round after 30 successful commercial launches and extensive testing. https://lnkd.in/dRH4RjvH 16. Marco Ramilli, PhD and Marco Castaldo's IdentifAI - Find Origin -, a Milan-based AI content identification startup, has secured €2.2 million (approximately $2.38 million) in a seed funding round led by United Ventures. https://lnkd.in/d7j-5c7i

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