Iceland's startup ecosystem is growing, with Reykjavik being the main hub for innovation. As of 2023, Iceland is home to around 500 startups. The Icelandic government supports entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Icelandic Startups and the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS), which provide funding, resources, and mentorship for startups. In 2022, Icelandic startups raised approximately €200 million in venture capital.
Size of the Market
The Icelandic startup ecosystem comprises about 500 startups as of 2023. In 2022, these startups collectively raised around €200 million in venture capital, demonstrating a growing interest from investors. The relatively small but vibrant market shows significant potential for growth in the coming years.
Key Strengths
Iceland's market boasts a highly educated workforce, a strong focus on sustainability, and a high quality of life. These strengths create a conducive environment for startups to innovate and thrive. Reykjavik, in particular, is known for its expertise in healthtech, fintech, and creative industries, attracting significant investments and producing notable startups like CCP Games and Controlant.
Major Hubs
Reykjavik is the primary hub for innovation in Iceland. The city is a hotspot for healthtech, fintech, and creative industries. It attracts significant investments and fosters notable startups, including CCP Games and Controlant. Reykjavik's collaborative environment is further enhanced by the presence of world-class universities and research institutions.
Emerging Hubs
While Reykjavik is the main innovation hub, other regions in Iceland are beginning to show potential. Smaller towns and cities are gradually developing their own startup communities, leveraging Iceland's strong educational system and entrepreneurial spirit. These emerging hubs are likely to contribute to the broader ecosystem in the coming years.
Support Systems
The Icelandic startup ecosystem benefits from a robust network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. Initiatives like Startup Reykjavik and the Iceland Ocean Cluster provide mentorship, resources, and international exposure to entrepreneurs. Government support through entities like Icelandic Startups and RANNIS further bolsters these efforts.
Challenges
Despite its strengths, Iceland faces challenges such as a small domestic market and geographic isolation. These factors can limit the scalability of startups and pose logistical challenges for international expansion. Additionally, the relatively high cost of living can be a barrier for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
Iceland's startup ecosystem is poised for substantial growth, driven by continuous investment and technological advancement. The country's strategic location in the North Atlantic and leadership in renewable energy offer unique opportunities for international expansion. Iceland's emphasis on sustainability and green technology is driving innovation in sectors such as renewable energy and environmental technologies.
Resilience and Adaptability
Iceland's startup ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. The strong network of support systems, combined with a collaborative environment, helps startups navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Iceland's pro-business policies and robust infrastructure further enhance its attractiveness for entrepreneurs and investors.
How to connect with Angel Investors in Iceland?
Overview
Iceland's startup ecosystem is vibrant and growing, with a significant presence of angel investors and venture capital firms driving innovation and entrepreneurship. The country's strategic location, strong emphasis on sustainability, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for startups and investors alike. This text will explore the top angel investors, leading venture capital firms, investment size and scope, number of investments, future outlook, and the support and mentorship available in Iceland.
Top Angel Investors
Some of the top angel investors in Iceland include Bala Kamallakharan, founder of Startup Iceland and Iceland Venture Studio, and Heida Thordardottir, a prominent investor with a focus on tech startups. These angel investors provide crucial early-stage funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to promising startups, helping them navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Leading Venture Capital Firms
Iceland's venture capital landscape is dominated by firms like Frumtak Ventures, Eyrir Ventures, and Crowberry Capital. Frumtak Ventures focuses on growth-stage companies with a proven track record, while Eyrir Ventures targets high-tech companies with global potential. Crowberry Capital, led by three women, invests in early-stage tech startups across the Nordic region, providing not just capital but also strategic support and mentorship.
Investment Size and Scope
The investment size in Iceland varies widely, with angel investors typically investing between €50,000 to €200,000 in early-stage startups. Venture capital firms, on the other hand, invest larger amounts, ranging from €500,000 to several million euros, depending on the stage and potential of the startup. The focus areas include tech, healthtech, fintech, and sustainability, reflecting Iceland's strengths and priorities.
Number of Investments
In recent years, Iceland has seen a steady increase in the number of investments in its startup ecosystem. In 2022 alone, Icelandic startups raised approximately €200 million in venture capital, with numerous deals across various sectors. The growing interest from both local and international investors underscores the potential and dynamism of Iceland's startup scene.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for Iceland's investment market is promising, with continuous growth expected in the coming years. The country's strategic focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and technology positions it well for attracting further investments. Additionally, Iceland's robust support systems and pro-business policies are likely to drive further expansion and innovation in the startup ecosystem.
Support and Mentorship
Iceland offers a strong support system for startups, including incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. Programs like Startup Reykjavik and the Iceland Ocean Cluster provide valuable mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Government initiatives, such as those led by the Icelandic Startups and the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS), further bolster the support system, ensuring startups have access to the necessary tools for success.
Conclusion
Iceland's startup ecosystem is thriving, thanks to the active involvement of top angel investors and leading venture capital firms. With significant investments, strong support systems, and a promising future outlook, Iceland is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. As the country continues to invest in its startup ecosystem, it will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the regional and global markets, fostering a dynamic and sustainable business environment.
Case Studies: Successful Funding Rounds with Angel Investors on Angels Partners
San Francisco California - Copenhagen Denmark, Iceland
Investing In
CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data)
Description
Founder of Unity & Partner at NordicMakers.vc
David Helgason is a Co-Founder and serves as Board member at Unity Technologies. He is a Board Member at Teatime Games. He serves as Partner at Nordic Makers. He is a Board Member at Labster. He also serves as Board Member at Plain Vanilla Games. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member at Brunnur Ventures. Helgason also serves as Board Member at Promentum Equity Partners. Helgason is a technologist and founder of Unity Technologies, valued at DKK 10.1 billion in recent series C round (July 2016), non-executive director of several technology companies, and a restless entrepreneur with a passion for creating feedback loops between innovation and teams and products, applying new and old business models to changing industries, and pushing people to do the very best they can do. Helgason's background is in software, an assortment of university dabbling, creating companies and helping entrepreneurs. David has served as CEO of the platform company Unity Technologies since co-founding it in 2003 and until October 2014, with an unflinching vision to democratize game development, and to develop technology and business models for the next phase of the games industry. Unity is the largest global development platform for creating 2D, 3D, VR and AR games and experiences. In recent years Helgason has spoken at conferences as diverse as Quo Vadis, Asia America Multitechnology Association Interactive Summit keynote (2016), Slush, Slush Play, Pocket Gamer Helsinki, DICE Europe, Fast Growth Founders, Casual Connect Amsterdam, CPHFTW (2015), Association of Equipment Manufacturers' Conference, Israeli Games Conference, ARM Partner Conference, DICE (2014), Samsung Developer Conference keynote, GMGC Chengdu keynote, China Joy keynote (2013), Nordic Game keynotes (2010 and 2013), Game Horizon(2012), the Canadian Game Conference keynote (2012), Develop Evolve (2011), Qualcomm's Uplinq Conference keynote, Giga Om's Mobilize, GamesBeat(2010), CEDEC (2010 and 2011), more than 15 global Unite conference keynotes since 2007, an Apple WWDC guest keynote (2006), a bunch of industry panels, and a number of TV and radio and podcast appearances. He has a degree in Physics from Kobenhavns Universitet.
Jonathan Medved
Investing in Businesses Solutions • HealthTe...
San Francisco Bay Area, Israel - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Previous Investments
• TetaVi:
$20000000 (Series A)
• SaNOtize:
$24000000 (Series B)
• Sotero:
$8000000 (Seed)
• MAOLAC:
$3000000 (Seed)
• BioLumic:
$14000000 (Series B)
• Mermade Seafoods:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Oriient:
$11000000 (Series A)
• Sequentify:
$7000000 (Seed)
• Rewire:
$25000000 (Series Unknown)
• Rewire:
$20000000 (Series B)
• JumpCloud:
$66000000 (Series F)
• Zippin:
$30000000 (Series B)
• Yoom:
$20000000 (Series A)
• MaterialsZone:
$6000000 (Series A)
• Edgybees:
$10000000 (Series A)
• OncoHost:
$8000000 (Series B)
• Superpedestrian:
$60000000 (Series Unknown)
• MigVax:
$12000000 (Series Unknown)
• MedAware:
$8000000 (Series A)
• MedAware:
$1000000 (Convertible Note)
• MedAware:
$1000000 (Series Unknown)
• Wave:
$10000000 (Series C)
• Peer39:
$500000 (Seed)
• Answers Corporation:
$1000000 (Series B)
Jonathan Medved
San Francisco Bay Area, Israel - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
: Germany France Italy Spain Poland Romania Netherlands Belgium Czech Republic Greece Portugal Sweden Hungary Austria Switzerland Denmark Finland Slovakia Norway Ireland Luxembourg Malta Iceland Monaco, U.S.A.
Principal at Lunar Ventures - DeepTech VC Investor
Todd Goldberg
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Previous Investments
• Command E:
$4300000 (Seed)
• Pitch:
$30000000 (Series B)
• Mercury:
$20000000 (Series A)
• CityFurnish.com:
$5000000 (Series A)
• Clearbit:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Zed Industries:
$13000000 (Series A)
• Bubbles:
$9000000 (Seed)
• PetsApp:
$4000000 (Seed)
• ScienceIO:
$8000000 (Seed)
• Syndicate:
$20000000 (Series A)
• Syndicate:
$800000 (Seed)
• Verifiable:
$17000000 (Series A)
• NexHealth:
$31000000 (Series B)
• Eight Sleep:
(Angel)
• Simplified:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Placer.ai:
$50000000 (Series B)
• Mem:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Doppler:
$7000000 (Series Unknown)
• Descript:
$30000000 (Series B)
• OpenPhone:
$14000000 (Series A)
Todd Goldberg
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
I love creating something from nothing.
Health and Wellness
Productivity
Previously founded @eventjoy (Acq. by @ticketmaster). Y Combinator Alum. Product fanatic.
Immad Akhund
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
San Francisco Bay Are..., U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Previous Investments
• Porter:
$2000000 (Seed Round)
• Ocho:
$4500000 (Seed Round)
• Rain Industries:
$10000000 (Seed)
• Proof of Play:
$33000000 (Seed)
• Linear:
$35000000 (Series B)
• Lantern:
$7000000 (Seed)
• Browse AI:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Parabola:
$24000000 (Series B)
• Honey Homes:
$9000000 (Series A)
• Openlayer:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Finta:
$2000000 (Seed)
• T2:
$1000000 (Seed)
• Craftwork:
$4000000 (Pre Seed)
• Carry:
$5000000 (Seed)
• PriceOye:
$8000000 (Seed)
• Latitud:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Greether:
(Seed)
• Repool:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Topship:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Owner:
$15000000 (Series A)
• Fathom:
$7000000 (Seed)
• HUBUC:
$10000000 (Seed)
• Stonks:
$15000000 (Seed)
• Stack Wealth:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Jupe:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Racket.com:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Udhaar Book:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Zero Hash:
$35000000 (Series C)
• Prospa:
$4000000 (Pre Seed)
• Jeeves:
$57000000 (Series B)
• Anzen:
(Seed)
• Acquire.com:
$6000000 (Seed)
• TAG:
$6000000 (Pre Seed)
• Educative:
$12000000 (Series A)
• Bego:
$14000000 (Seed)
• Albedo:
$10000000 (Seed)
• Lendflow:
$3000000 (Seed)
• TRACTIAN:
$500000 (Pre Seed)
• Vitable Health:
$2000000 (Pre Seed)
• Walnut:
$3000000 (Seed)
• PopSQL:
$3400000 (Seed Round)
• PopSQL:
$3000000 (Seed)
• AtoB:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Mesh:
(Seed)
• Rad AI:
$8000000 (Seed)
• Routable:
$12000000 (Series A)
• UTVATE:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Prelay:
(Pre Seed)
• Demodesk:
$2300000 (Seed Round)
• Demodesk:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Naborly:
$8000000 (Seed)
• Pair Team:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Golden:
$5000000 (Seed)
• Pronto:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Jerry:
$9000000 (Series A)
• Fazz:
$21000000 (Series A)
• Etleap:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Haiku:
$3000000 (Seed)
• Scotty Labs:
$6000000 (Seed)
• Proof:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Atrium LTS:
$11000000 (Series A)
• Fibo:
$2000000 (Seed)
• Terminal49:
$2000000 (Seed)
• DocTalk:
(Seed)
• Starcity:
$4000000 (Seed)
• Iris Automation:
(Seed)
• Marble:
(Seed)
Immad Akhund
San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Social Venture Investor, Tech Executive & Leadership Mentor
Albert Lee
Investing in FinTech (& Financials services) &bul...
San Carlos California, U.S.A. - South Korea - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Previous Investments
• Profusa:
$45000000 (Later stage VC)
• Ongo (Software Development Applications):
$2550000 (Seed Round)
• Expo (Human Capital Services):
$2400000 (Seed Round)
• Sock Finance:
$2800000 (Seed Round)
• Revery:
$2000000 (Pre Seed Round)
• SwingVision:
$2500000 (Seed Round)
• Exer Labs:
$2000000 (Seed Round)
• Reflective:
$1300000 (Seed Round)
• Lex:
$1500000 (Pre Seed Round)
• Pepper:
$2000000 (Seed Round)
• Juked:
$800000 (Pre Seed Round)
• Tinkergarten:
$5400000 (Series A)
• Tinkergarten:
$1200000 (Seed Round)
Albert Lee
San Carlos California, U.S.A. - South Korea - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • BioTech • AgroTech • Energy • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Impact • Material Science • Robotics
Description
Most Interested In
I'm most interested in companies building deep core technologies to solve complex challenges in human health and planetary resiliency. I'm particularly drawn towards data-driven companies, and I focus heavily on those innovating at the intersection of data science and life science. I'm intrigued by the possibilities of using robotics, automation, miniaturization, and new high-throughput techniques to rapidly generate novel and actionable insights for users.
Not Interested In
I generally do not invest companies that lack a clear and defensible core technology.
Brayton Williams
Investing in BioTech • FinTech (& Financials...
San Francisco Bay Are..., U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
San Francisco Bay Area - San Mateo - California, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Ivan Zgomba serves as Partner, Ventures at Plug and Play Tech Center. He leads investments across number of evolving verticals. Under Ivan's leadership, Plug and Play has invested in over 100 rapidly growing technology startups and has helped portfolio companies collaborate with corporations from around the world. Ivan was privileged to invest in many well-known and brilliant entrepreneurs.
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