FIRSTPICK

High-Level Overview

FIRSTPICK is a high-speed venture capital fund and accelerator based in the Baltics that invests primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages. Its mission is to back ambitious founders and help grow startups from initial ideas to potentially €1 billion valuation companies. FIRSTPICK focuses on sectors including fintech, SaaS, deeptech, and consumer marketplaces, offering fast investment decisions typically ranging from €50K to €250K. Beyond capital, it provides hands-on support through pre-acceleration and acceleration programs, combining investment with knowledge sharing and a strong founder network to help startups scale globally[1][3][5].

Origin Story

Founded in 2022, FIRSTPICK emerged from a team with extensive experience supporting over 100 startup founders in early stages. Key partners include Jonė Vaitulevičiūtė, with a background in advising startups and managing VC funds; Marijus Andrijauskas, an entrepreneur and technologist with international experience; and Tadas Gudauskas, an acceleration expert with a background in investment consulting and economic development. The fund evolved to fill a gap in the Baltic startup ecosystem by providing rapid funding decisions and deep operational support, leveraging the founders’ prior experience and networks to accelerate startup growth[1][3][5].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Combines fast, early-stage funding with equity-free grants for idea-stage startups.
• Network Strength: Strong connections within the Baltic tech community and access to early market opportunities.
• Track Record: Experience backing over 100 founders and a portfolio of 33 companies since inception.
• Operating Support: Offers pre-acceleration and acceleration programs that provide hands-on mentorship, strategic guidance, and fundraising support.
• Founder-Centric Approach: Prioritizes founders’ time and needs with fast responses and honest feedback, building true partnerships rather than just transactional investments[1][3][5].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

FIRSTPICK rides the growing trend of early-stage tech investment in emerging European ecosystems, particularly the Baltics, which are gaining recognition for fintech, SaaS, and deeptech innovation. The timing is favorable due to increasing global interest in Baltic startups and supportive local government programs like Lithuania’s INVEGA fund. FIRSTPICK’s rapid investment pace and acceleration programs help startups capitalize on these market forces, fostering innovation and contributing to the maturation of the regional tech ecosystem. Its focus on impact technologies and fintech aligns with broader digital transformation trends worldwide[1][3][5].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, FIRSTPICK aims to continue scaling its portfolio companies toward unicorn status by deepening its acceleration programs and expanding its network. Trends such as increased digitalization, embedded finance, and deeptech breakthroughs will shape its investment focus. As the Baltic startup scene grows in prominence, FIRSTPICK’s influence is likely to expand beyond the region, positioning it as a key player in early-stage European venture capital. Its founder-first philosophy and fast decision-making model may set new standards for VC engagement in emerging markets[1][3][5].