ArcticStartup

A bold step for defense innovation as Finland opens doors to the next-gen startups with the launch of DEFINE Accelerator As global threats evolve, the need for more adaptive and advanced defense solutions has never been more pressing. Traditional defense technologies remain indispensable, but there is an increasing recognition that innovative, agile startups can bring fresh perspectives and accelerate progress. Finland, with its legacy of defense excellence and its strategic role within NATO, is embracing the opportunity to foster new breakthroughs in both military and commercial sectors. By leveraging its strong defense infrastructure and technical expertise, Finland is creating an ecosystem where cutting-edge technologies can thrive alongside established industry giants. A new program has emerged as a game-changer for defense and security innovation in Finland: the DEFINE Accelerator, short for Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE), launched in Riihimäen kaupunki - City of Riihimäki, aims to fast-track technological growth in security and dual-use sectors. This program unites industry players, including the Finnish Defence Forces and major companies, to support startups at the frontier of defense technology. With Finland’s strategic position in Europe and strong technical expertise, DEFINE stands ready to shape the future of defense. Redstone https://lnkd.in/dyMZgbQ6 #community #nordicmade #finland #defense #accelerator #defensetech #startups #trending

Finnish startup lands $60M to advance IMSE technology development Oulu-based TactoTek has raised $60 million in a funding round led by Nidoco AB, part of Virala Oy Ab. The round included contributions from Cornes Technologies Limited, Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company, European Investment Bank (EIB), Tesi, 3M Ventures, Ingman Group, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Conor Venture Partners, Turret Oy Ab, private investors, and employees. TactoTek specializes in In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®), integrating electronics like touch controls and lighting into 3D injection-molded structures. The funding will support expanding customer operations globally, enhancing software tools with AI capabilities, and advancing adoption across automotive, medical, defense, and consumer electronics sectors. By reducing product weight and simplifying manufacturing, IMSE offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional electronics, aligning with broader industry efforts to decarbonize. https://lnkd.in/dV8UWd8y #nordicmade #finland #startups #IMSE #funding #iot #trending

Danish biotech company closes $135M Series B to address high-need cancer treatments Adcendo ApS, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, has secured $135 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round. Led by TCGX, the round saw participation from new investors such as TPG Life Sciences Innovations, OrbiMed Advisors, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, Surveyor Capital, and Logos Capital, along with existing investors like RA Capital Management and Novo Holdings. The company focuses on developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancers with significant unmet medical needs. The funding will support the advancement of Adcendo’s pipeline, which includes multiple first-in-class ADC programs, through clinical development and proof of concept. https://lnkd.in/dTWhWFdY #nordicmade #denmark #funding #biotech #medtech #healthtech #startups #trending

Finnish Membrane Finance’s EUROe stablecoin to integrate with Paxos’ global blockchain platform Membrane Finance, a Finnish Electronic Money Institution (EMI), is set to be acquired by Paxos, a leading blockchain infrastructure platform. The acquisition, which is still subject to regulatory approval, will see Membrane’s operations integrated into Paxos’ global platform, extending its reach into the European market. For Membrane, this transition will provide access to Paxos’ extensive regulatory framework, allowing it to offer compliant tokenization and stablecoin solutions across the EU. While the move expands Paxos’ presence, Membrane will continue to operate under its own license, bringing stability and compliance to the growing European demand for digital asset services. https://lnkd.in/dmwT7TUn #nordicmade #finland #acquisitions #fintech #startups #trending

Swedish company accelerates toward IPO with $50M investment at $2B valuation Neo4j, the Malmö-founded graph database pioneer, has raised $50 million from Noteus Partners, reinforcing its $2 billion valuation as it prepares for a potential IPO. The investment strengthens Neo4j’s balance sheet amidst growing demand for its GenAI-ready graph solutions, cloud expansion, and deepened partnerships. With $200 million in annual recurring revenue, Neo4j leads the graph database market, critical for AI systems managing interconnected data. The funding will support continued innovation in knowledge graphs and enterprise AI, cementing Neo4j’s position as a cornerstone in the rapidly growing generative AI ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/dFxT3Gpw #nordicmade #sweden #funding #startups #saas #trending

Scandinavian Rubus expands operations to DACH region through bau digital acquisition Rubus, a Scandinavian PropTech company specializing in digital platforms for multifamily construction, has acquired Germany-based bau digital to expand its presence in Europe. The merger combines Rubus’ expertise in streamlining construction workflows with bau digital’s established foothold in the DACH region, creating a unified platform for developers and contractors. With €2 million in new funding secured, the integration will enhance project management and customer engagement tools across markets, aiming to improve efficiency and collaboration in the construction industry. Leadership from both companies will continue to oversee operations in their respective regions, driving growth and innovation. https://lnkd.in/dKBukgG2 #nordicmade #norway #acquisitions #funding #proptech #construction #startups #trending

Latvia’s Origin raises €4.5M EDF grant, following €4M investment just last month Riga-based defence tech startup Origin Robotics has secured €4.5 million from the European Defence Fund to develop MPortISTAR, a compact, man-portable drone equipped with laser targeting capabilities for precision-guided munitions. In collaboration with partners from Lithuania and Germany, the project aims to deliver a more affordable and efficient alternative to larger UAV systems, enhancing operational safety and reducing reliance on forward-deployed troops. This funding will drive the development of a lightweight, NATO-compatible platform that costs just a fraction of existing solutions. Building on Origin’s success with its BEAK drone, highlighted in our recent coverage, this grant solidifies the company’s role in advancing cutting-edge defence technologies. https://lnkd.in/gnD9QePr #balticmade #latvia #funding #defensetech #robotics #drones #defense #startups #trending

Sweden’s Normative bolsters Nordic carbon accounting leadership with Eivee acquisition Normative.io, a Stockholm-based enterprise carbon accounting leader, has acquired Denmark’s EIVEE™ to enhance its Nordic market dominance. Eivee, renowned for providing audit-ready carbon accounting solutions to some of Denmark’s largest companies, strengthens Normative’s capacity to deliver tailored emissions calculations and compliance solutions across Europe. This acquisition expands Normative’s client base to include key Danish corporations and integrates Eivee’s expertise in granular greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting across scopes 1, 2, and 3. By combining forces, Normative aims to streamline compliance with initiatives like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and drive impactful emissions reductions. https://lnkd.in/dbSucHts #nordicmade #sweden #denmark #startups #cleantech #climatetech #greentech #saas #trending

Finland’s Leadoo joins forces with SALESmanago to enhance eCommerce growth across Europe Helsinki-based Leadoo Marketing Technologies has been acquired by SALESmanago , a European leader in customer engagement solutions. This partnership integrates Leadoo’s expertise in identifying and converting website visitors with SALESmanago’s established Customer Engagement Platform, creating a comprehensive solution for mid-market eCommerce businesses. The move strengthens Leadoo’s ability to serve clients in the Nordics, UK, and beyond, while offering access to new resources and expanded capabilities. Together, the companies aim to streamline customer acquisition and retention strategies, driving measurable growth for businesses across Europe. https://lnkd.in/dUuAcedn #nordicmade #finland #startups #acquisitions #saas #ecommerce #trending

Norway’s PolypAID™ maker gains €1.9M to advance AI-powered colorectal cancer screening Oslo-based Augere Medical AS has raised €1.9 million (NOK 23 million) in its first close funding round to accelerate the rollout of its AI-driven PolypAID™ system, designed to enhance polyp detection during colorectal cancer screenings. The funding will be directed toward expanding European sales and marketing efforts and strengthening the company’s AI development team. With the MDR CE-mark for its Class IIb device secured earlier this year, Augere is also preparing for regulatory processes in larger international markets. Founded in 2018, Augere collaborates with Simula Research Laboratory and has received backing from Norwegian investors and public grants. https://lnkd.in/dSE5nmFx #funding #nordicmade #norway #startups #medtech #healthtech #deeptech #trending