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Tera Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 in Estonia, specializing in early-stage investments. The firm has established itself as a key player in the European startup ecosystem, particularly in the Nordics and Central & Eastern Europe. Tera Ventures manages a total AUM of approximately €70 million, with its second fund closing at €43 million. The firm has a portfolio of 33 companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative startups.
The firm operates from its headquarters in Tallinn, with additional offices in Helsinki, Los Angeles, and Tartu. Tera Ventures has built a diverse LP base, including the European Investment Fund, LHV Pension Funds, and various international investors from Japan and the USA. Notable milestones include successful exits such as GrabCAD and Vitalfields, showcasing the firm's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Tera Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing operational support and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. This model fosters long-term partnerships, enabling startups to navigate challenges and scale effectively. The firm is recognized for its founder-friendly practices, making it an attractive partner for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Tera Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups, focusing on pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A funding rounds. The firm targets a diverse range of sectors, including AI, healthcare, fintech, SaaS, logistics, and commerce. This broad investment strategy allows Tera Ventures to back innovative companies that are poised to make a significant impact across various industries.
The firm particularly seeks startups with strong connections to Estonia, reflecting its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs. Tera Ventures typically invests between €200,000 and €1.5 million in initial funding, with significant follow-on investments reserved for select companies. The firm leads funding rounds and emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing operational support and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.
Tera Ventures looks for ambitious founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their ideas. The firm values strong teams and innovative solutions that address real-world problems. Its investment thesis focuses on backing born-global digital startups, particularly in sectors such as AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, ensuring a diverse and impactful portfolio.
Tera Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 33 companies, showcasing its commitment to early-stage investments across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Notable exits from the portfolio include GrabCAD, acquired by Stratasys, and Vitalfields, acquired by Monsanto. These exits highlight Tera Ventures' ability to identify and support high-potential startups that achieve significant market success.
Katrin Kaarna: Managing Partner at Tera Ventures, Katrin has extensive experience in venture capital and startup ecosystems. She has been instrumental in guiding the firm's investment strategy and supporting portfolio companies.
Tanel Tuhk: Partner at Tera Ventures, Tanel brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong background in supporting early-stage startups.
Kristjan Kaarna: Partner at Tera Ventures, Kristjan has a deep understanding of the Estonian startup landscape and plays a key role in identifying promising investment opportunities.
Marta Kaarna: Associate at Tera Ventures, Marta supports the investment team in evaluating potential startups and managing portfolio companies.
Andrus Oks: Founding Partner, Andrus has led multiple successful exits, including GrabCAD. He is active in the pan-European startup ecosystem and serves as a mentor in various programs.
Stanislav Ivanov: Founding Partner, Stanislav has a strong background in venture capital and has been pivotal in shaping Tera Ventures' investment approach.
James McDougall: Co-founder, James was part of the original team in 2016 and has contributed significantly to the firm's growth and reputation.
Erik Anderson: Venture Partner based in California, Erik has experience with Techstars London and Wise Guys Tallinn, providing valuable insights into the global startup landscape.
Martin Hendre: Operating Partner, Martin has a background in institutional equity and asset management, enhancing Tera Ventures' operational capabilities.
To pitch Tera Ventures, founders should visit the firm's website at tera.vc. The preferred method of contact is through the online submission form, where detailed information about the startup, including the business model, market opportunity, and team background, should be included.
Founders should prepare a comprehensive pitch deck that clearly outlines their vision and the problem their startup addresses. Tera Ventures appreciates clarity and depth in presentations, as this helps the firm assess the potential of the startup quickly. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Tera Ventures values direct communication and encourages founders to reach out through the official channels provided on their website.
In March 2024, Tera Ventures led a $1.7 million seed round for Transformative AI, showcasing its ongoing commitment to supporting innovative startups. This investment aligns with the firm's focus on AI and healthcare sectors.
In 2023, Tera Ventures announced the final close of its second fund at €43 million, contributing to a total AUM of approximately €70 million. This milestone reflects the firm's ability to attract significant capital from a diverse LP base.
Notable exits from the portfolio include GrabCAD, acquired by Stratasys, and Vitalfields, acquired by Monsanto, highlighting Tera Ventures' successful track record in identifying high-potential startups.
What are Tera Ventures' investment criteria?
Tera Ventures focuses on early-stage startups, particularly those with strong ties to Estonia. The firm invests in sectors such as AI, healthcare, fintech, SaaS, logistics, and commerce. They typically invest between €200,000 and €1.5 million in initial funding.
How can I apply or pitch to Tera Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Tera Ventures website at tera.vc. The firm encourages detailed presentations that outline the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Tera Ventures different from other VCs?
Tera Ventures is known for its hands-on approach and founder-friendly practices. The firm emphasizes long-term partnerships and provides operational support to help startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.
What is Tera Ventures' geographic scope?
The firm primarily invests in Europe, focusing on the Nordics and Central & Eastern Europe, with a particular emphasis on Estonia and its neighboring countries.
What is Tera Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Tera Ventures takes an active role in supporting its portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to its extensive network to help founders achieve their goals.
What is the typical check size for Tera Ventures?
The firm typically invests between €200,000 and €1.5 million in initial funding, with the potential for significant follow-on investments for select companies.
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