Outlast Ventures

High-Level Overview

Outlast Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on backing disciplined founders who build enduring companies that last beyond fleeting trends and market shifts. Their investment philosophy centers on thoughtful progress, prioritizing solving real customer problems with long-term impact rather than chasing hype. They invest primarily in the Baltics and Nordics, targeting sectors such as B2B SaaS, AI infrastructure and applied AI, digital health, fintech, deep tech, and hard science. With a fund size of €21 million, Outlast Fund provides initial investments ranging from €50,000 to €250,000 and reserves up to €1.5 million for follow-on funding to help startups scale rapidly. Their approach supports startups with a strong focus on substance and sustainable growth, contributing meaningfully to the regional startup ecosystem by nurturing companies that endure and evolve over time[2][4][6].

Origin Story

Outlast Fund was founded recently, with its fund officially opened in December 2024. The firm is headquartered in Riga, Latvia, with a presence in Stockholm, Sweden, reflecting its dual focus on the Baltic and Nordic regions. Key partners include Marija Rucevska and Egita Polanska, who bring local insight and venture expertise to the firm. The fund evolved with a mission to counteract the tech ecosystem’s tendency to reward speed over substance, emphasizing disciplined, long-term company building. Their leadership actively participates in regional startup events and investor forums, such as TechChill in Riga and investor speed dating in Stockholm, signaling a hands-on approach to ecosystem engagement and founder support[1][2][6].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Flexible initial ticket sizes tailored to the startup’s needs, with significant follow-on capital reserved to support scaling.
• Network Strength: Deep local connections in the Baltics and Nordics combined with global reach, enabling startups to access diverse markets and resources.
• Track Record: Early involvement in promising startups like Trace.Space, which raised €3.8 million in seed funding.
• Operating Support: Active participation in regional events and mentorship, emphasizing disciplined founder support and long-term company building.
• Sector Focus: Sharp expertise in B2B SaaS, AI, digital health, fintech, and deep tech, with openness to breakthrough innovation outside these areas if defensible IP and strong teams are present[1][2][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Outlast Fund rides the trend of sustainable, long-term value creation in tech, contrasting with the prevalent "move fast" mentality. The timing is critical as the Baltic and Nordic regions mature as innovation hubs, with increasing startup activity but a need for patient capital that supports enduring growth. Market forces such as rising interest in AI, digital health, and fintech align well with their sector focus. By backing companies that solve real problems with defensible technology and a focus on customer value, Outlast Fund influences the ecosystem by promoting resilience and depth over short-term hype, helping to elevate the regional tech scene’s global competitiveness[2][4][6].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Outlast Fund is positioned to deepen its impact by continuing to back startups that demonstrate discipline and long-term vision. Trends in AI, digital health, and fintech will likely shape their portfolio’s evolution, with increasing emphasis on applied AI and hard science innovations. Their influence may grow as they leverage their local expertise and global connections to help Baltic and Nordic startups scale internationally. The fund’s commitment to thoughtful progress and enduring company building suggests it will remain a key player in fostering sustainable innovation in the region, reinforcing its founding ethos of building to last[2][4].