Nordic angels exploring the European tech scene
NordicBAN is a non-profit organization connecting 12 active angel networks across the Nordic & Baltic region and linking over 1700 business angels. The goal of the network is to map the angel activity in the region, help form cross-border angel investment syndicates, and educate both investors and startups about angel investing. This year, the Nordic angels are focusing on building bridges with the most vibrant startups hubs in Europe, Berlin and Paris. With learnings and networks from Berlin, the next group of angels are heading to Paris, 22–23 of November!
Why does it make sense to develop investor relations on a Nordic level?
Cross-border investments might be technically challenging and angels might not know each other well enough. Hence, the solution is almost always lack of network, simply, people don’t know each other. By connecting the angels and learning to know each other and discovering similar passions for industry and mindset, there is higher possibility for finding interesting co-investment opportunities. Trust among investors is the key factor supporting the formation of cross-border investments.
A typical round for angels in the Nordics are around 200,000–300,000 € reaching up to 500,000 €. When looking outside the region, international VC:s prefer investments that are at a minimum 1M €. This gap can be increased with cross-border investments which will bounce the rounds and increase the attention abroad to jump onboard.
“Next level investments are usually affected by the relationship the investors have with each other. According to the short study among the angel members represented, there is very little personal links to the Paris or Berlin startup investment ecosystem.” — Stiina Lehti, active angel investor
What is Startup Portfolio Presentation trip?
The startup portfolio presentation trips are all about connecting the Nordic angels with international investors and deep dive into the European tech ecosystem.
“As there is a limited amount of later-stage investors in the Nordics, there is an increasing interest to have direct relations with more international later-stage investors. Angels typically focus on building local relations but there is a demand for group trips to better access high-level investors represents and share startup investing best practices.” — Reima Linnanvirta, Angel investor & board professional
Berlin done. Next up: Paris!
The first trip was to the hottest and hippiest startup ecosystem in the Europe: Berlin! 12 angels from all over the Nordics, visited the vibrant city for 2 hectic days and met with local investors and VC such as the BtoV 200 angels at their investor day, Creandum, Axel Springer Porsche Accelerator, and Business Angels from the Berlin-Brandenburg network.
Paris up next! This is an obvious choice since Paris has had been one of the most active quarters of tech investment this year , which means that there is a lot of available capital in the city. The delegation will meet with the most prominent next level VC and angels, such as Daphni VC, Ventech VC, Koreyacapital VC, Kima Ventures and France Angels, StartupSesame and of course visiting StationF.
Intrigued to join the next trip to Paris?
The trip is a great opportunity to expand ones network both with the Nordic angels and with the next level investors in the most hectic startup ecosystem in Europe. The angels joining the trips are responsible for paying for flights and hotels, but the program and logistics are curated by NordicBAN and supported by Rising North. There is also a requirement to have at least 5 investments from before.
A curated map over the European Ecosystem available for the Nordic community!
After the trips, there will be a curated map over the European ecosystem and most importantly, more tight investor relations developed to support future co-investment rounds and, even exits.
More info: www.nordicban.net/goparis
Rising North is three-year fund of €1,5M, financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers and operated by the Finnish Startup Foundation. The fund aims to help Nordic startups become global leaders by financing unique spearhead projects and initiatives organized jointly by Nordic organizations. All the grants of Rising North for 2016–2018 have been given out. You can check out finalized projects on our website and stay updated on upcoming news about the future of the fund by following Rising North on Social Media.
