€76M Footprint Fund I Ignites Northern Europe's Climate Tech Revolution: 30 Startups to Watch

The European venture capital landscape has just received a significant boost with the final closing of the €76 million Footprint Fund I. Led by Copenhagen-based The Footprint Firm, this fund aims to propel 30 early-stage DeepTech companies in Northern Europe that are pioneering the green transition.



The Footprint Firm's strategic move comes at a time when the region is witnessing a surge in climate and DeepTech investments. Recent activity in 2025-2026 has seen notable fundraises, including Munich-based Ananda Impact Ventures securing €73 million for its fifth impact fund and London-headquartered 2150 closing €210 million for its second fund focused on climate-driven urban systems.



The Footprint Fund I has already made significant inroads, investing in 20 startups, with current investment tickets ranging from €500k to €2 million. Notable investments include Reel Energy, Kvasir Technologies, and Nordic Salt Cycle, among others. This fund is backed by prominent investors such as North-East Family Office, EIFO, Realdania, and Novo Holdings, underscoring the strong alignment with investors who value disciplined investing and deep sustainability expertise.



For everyday users, this could mean accessing more sustainable products and services that contribute to the global green transition. From an industry perspective, the emergence of mid-sized, specialist funds like Footprint Fund I is complementing larger climate funds, providing early-stage capital for innovative climate solutions. This shift could reshape how Europe approaches the green transition, leveraging its talent, research depth, and industrial base to build category-defining climate solutions.



The implications extend beyond the financial sector, as the success of these startups could influence policy and regulatory frameworks. With Europe aiming to lead the global green transition, the role of venture capital in supporting scalable and sustainable innovations becomes paramount. As The Footprint Firm doubles down on its mission to accelerate necessary change, the future of climate tech in Northern Europe looks increasingly promising.



The Footprint Firm's unique business model, combining advisory services with venture capital, allows for significant investment in all stages of a startup's journey. This integrated approach positions the firm as a catalyst for research-based and scalable sustainable innovation, strengthening its role in the European venture capital ecosystem.



In conclusion, the €76 million Footprint Fund I represents a critical milestone in Northern Europe's climate tech landscape. As the fund continues to deploy capital into promising startups, the region is poised to witness a surge in innovative climate solutions, driving the green transition forward and cementing Europe's position as a leader in sustainable technologies.