Building an early-stage VC Fund: node.vc

Firuza Rakhimova
January 15, 2025
early-stage VC, fundraising, Nordic venture capital

Listen to node.vc co-founder and Investment Principal, Rebecca Sjödin, in the latest episode of the Venture Capital in Scandinavia podcast by Esben A. Poulsen. She tells the honest and unfiltered story of our journey and navigating the challenges of launching a venture fund during one of the toughest times in the market.

Building an early-stage VC fund: The node.vc journey

Curious about what it takes to build a venture capital fund from the ground up? In this podcast episode, Rebecca Sjödin - co-founder of node.vc, discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching an early-stage VC firm in the Nordics. From navigating the complexities of fundraising to making strategic investments in tech startups, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the node.vc journey.

Key Takeaways from the Podcast

🚀 Building a Venture Capital Fund in the Nordics

We started node.vc two and a half years ago with a vision to support early-stage tech startups across the Nordics and Baltics. With our strong operational background and deep ties to the Nordic startup ecosystem, we are positioned as a hands-on investment partner for ambitious founders.

💡 Fundraising Lessons from the VC Side

Raising capital for a VC fund is just as demanding as fundraising for a startup. In this episode Rebecca shares insights into securing backing from LPs, angel investors and venture partners. She also tells more about how node.vc secured funding from one of out largest institutional players - SamInvest, a key governmental investor in privately managed investment funds focused on startups and other innovative entrepreneurial companies.

🌍 Why the Nordic Market?

The Nordics are home to some of the world’s most innovative startups, spanning sectors like AI, fintech, gaming, and deep tech. With our base in Stockholm, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our local expertise while maintaining a broad Nordic footprint through a network of venture partners and advisors.

💰 How to Get Venture Capital Funding in the Nordic Region

For founders seeking venture funding in Stockholm or across the Nordics, we emphasize the importance of having a strong founding team, a clear market problem, and a scalable business model. We also highlight the value of aligning with investors who offer more than just capital—we pride ourselves on providing strategic guidance and long-term partnership.

👥 The Role of Angel Investors in Early-Stage VC

Angel investors play a crucial role in the Nordic startup ecosystem, and we actively collaborate with them to identify and support promising companies. Whether you're a founder looking for funding or an investor seeking to co-invest in high-potential startups, this episode provides valuable insights into the dynamics of early-stage venture capital.