FIRSTPICK raises €25 million to back Baltic founders early
FIRSTPICK, a Baltic-focused venture capital firm, has launched a new €25 million fund aimed at supporting startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. Branding itself as a VC “fairy godmother”, the firm wants to step in before founders hit their “Cinderella moment” — the breakout phase when they typically attract larger, global investors.
Backing Baltic talent before the spotlight
The new fund is designed to give Baltic founders the capital and backing they need at their earliest, riskiest stages. By focusing on pre-seed and seed, FIRSTPICK intends to help entrepreneurs build traction, refine their products and secure follow-on funding from international VC and growth equity players.
The Baltic region has rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic startup hubs, producing notable unicorns and attracting increasing amounts of foreign investment. Yet many founders still struggle to secure the first institutional cheque. FIRSTPICK aims to close this gap with a dedicated fund tailored to the needs of early-stage teams.
Hands-on support beyond capital
Positioning itself as more than just a financial backer, FIRSTPICK plans to provide portfolio companies with strategic guidance, access to a network of operators and mentors, and support in areas such as go-to-market strategy, product development and fundraising. The firm’s “fairy godmother” metaphor underscores its ambition to help founders navigate the messy, pre-glamour phase of company building.
The fund will primarily target technology-driven startups across sectors such as software, fintech, SaaS and deep tech, with a clear focus on scalable business models and international potential. By concentrating on Baltic founders, FIRSTPICK is betting that the region’s combination of engineering talent, relatively low operating costs and growing investor interest will continue to produce standout companies.
Strengthening the Baltic startup ecosystem
With this €25 million vehicle, FIRSTPICK adds fresh capital and structure to an ecosystem that increasingly punches above its weight in Europe. The fund’s early-stage mandate is expected to help more teams transition from idea to product-market fit, improving the pipeline of companies ready for larger rounds and reinforcing the Baltics’ status as a key innovation corridor.