FIRSTPICK, a Vilnius-based venture capital fund, has launched a new €25 million fund focused on early-stage investments.

Objective: Supporting Emerging Talents

The main goal is to support founders in the Baltics who don’t fit the typical VC mold, focusing on individuals with grit and innovative ideas, even without a background in FAANG companies or prestigious degrees. FIRSTPICK aims to recognize untapped potential and support local teams before they become widely recognized.

Successful Investments

FIRSTPICK has already demonstrated its ability to identify promising talents, as in the case of Emile Radyte, founder of Samphire Neuroscience, a company that offers science-backed support for women's well-being. Another example is Copla, a cybersecurity compliance company led by Aurimas Bakas, supported by FIRSTPICK from the early stages.

Focus on AI

The new fund will focus on the earliest stages of new startups throughout the Baltics, with a particular focus on high-potential areas such as AI-first software. The fund is backed by local entrepreneurs, angel investors, and founders of companies like Tesonet, Oberlo, and Kilo.

Institutional Support

The fund is also supported by Lithuania’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Lithuanian state-financed ILTE fund. This collaboration aims to ensure a consistent funding pipeline for high-growth-potential startups and to strengthen Lithuania’s innovation ecosystem in the long term.