Antler, the internationally acclaimed day zero investor and one of the most prolific early-stage venture capital firms in Europe has recently announced Antler’s Nordic Fund II with a targeted fund size of €5M (£128.7 million). This fund is meant for early-stage innovative companies and founders in this region.
Antler’s Mission and Symbol of Scandinavia
Reindeers have remained an iconic representation of Scandinavia, featured in folklore, mythology, and heraldry. Their grand antlers symbolize endurance, valor, and reborn spirit. Just like reindeer that shed off and grow antlers all over again, Antler aims to bring out new ideas and concepts for a brighter tomorrow. Founded by Magnus Grimeland, Antler works with outstanding founders on six continents to create and build startups that work on exciting opportunities and problems.
Global Commitment
At present, Antler exists in 26 cities and on six continents that are Austin, New York, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Bangalore, Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and Sydney. Founders are backed by their worldwide network of builders, investors, operators, and specialists since day zero. It has supported more than 880 companies since 2018 and was targeting to support over 6,000 start-ups by 2030.
Sustainability and Innovation
For Antler, these barriers are deliberately addressed and dismantled as it welcomes a fresh wave of founders with diverse backgrounds. A third of its portfolio companies have one or more female founders and Antler alumni founders hail from 145 countries. In terms of sustainability, the emphasis can be made on the ability of reindeer both to sustain and renew, which would guarantee that only progress is possible.
Funding Impact and Partnerships
The Nordic Fund II by Antler has a target size that is five times larger than its first fund, which was £25.7 million in 2021. The previous investors from the first Nordic fund of Antler, Export and Investment Fund of Denmark, Investinor, Formue, Ferd Impact, and Nysnø Climate Investments will participate in the launch of this fund. With the recent €5 million SmartCap investment, Antler continues to build on Antler’s early-stage startup and innovative investment strategy.
Antler’s Growth Strategy
Antler, as a startup accelerator focused on serving as a hub for early-stage businesses, has a clear and distinct vision. Antler commences with entrepreneurial founders with different but related backgrounds. The formation of the team is another important process that is aimed at establishing collaborative working relationships. After the team has been created, Antler helps them go through a more structured process of idea generation. They assist in cleaning up startup ideas, testing their assumptions, and determining their positioning.
It is also important to note that in Antler’s program, there is always feedback and a system of mentorship. Startups get valuable tips, information, and assistance from people who are already involved in the business. Throughout Antler’s journey, the startup idea is challenged, as well as the potential founders of the startup. Skills they consider include flexibility, teamwork, and determination.
Conclusion
Antler’s growth strategy is constructed on a foundation of assembling exceptional teams, iterating on concepts, and offering constant coaching to ensure that startups can scale successfully. Antler is keen on the diversification and impact globally and across sectors and through its initiatives, it has fostered an active entrepreneurial community.
