Two early-stage funds, different paths from technical promise to growth
Footprint Fund I focuses on scalable climate impact; North Karelia’s second fund ties early capital to regional activity.
An early-stage founder can need more than capital: technical support, commercial introductions or an investor close to the company’s operating base. Footprint Fund I and North Karelia Growth Fund II offer distinct combinations of those resources.
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Mandates at a glance
| Fund | Capital milestone | Initial investment | Where it invests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footprint Fund I | €76m final close in 2026 | €0.5–2m | Northern Europe |
| North Karelia Growth Fund II | €10m fund launched in August 2026 | €100,000–300,000 | North Karelia or companies building significant regional operations |
Footprint: sustainability in the business model
The Footprint Firm backs pre-seed and seed companies whose commercial growth directly expands their sustainability contribution. Its Article 9 fund spans energy, climate technology, biosolutions, circular economy, the built environment, and food and agriculture.
The investment team draws on the firm’s wider advisory expertise. Its support covers commercial development, technical research, finance, governance and impact measurement, pairing early capital with help as founders turn a technical proposition into a scalable business.
North Karelia: an operating connection to the region
Redstone’s second North Karelia fund plans to back around 15–20 companies over five years, with reserves for follow-on financing. Its focus includes semiconductors and photonics, defence and dual-use technology, and energy transition solutions.
Companies must be based in North Karelia or build significant operations there. The investor group includes the City of Joensuu, regional businesses and the University of Eastern Finland, giving the fund a clear connection to the local research and commercial ecosystem.
Match the next milestone
For a climate founder, fit with Footprint starts with how the business creates measurable impact as it sells more. For a technical founder considering North Karelia, the company’s regional operating plans are central alongside the technology. Both are early-stage routes, with different cheque sizes and different sources of practical support.