Investment Thesis and Strategic Focus
Yanno Capital's investment thesis is centered on fostering companies with distinctive market positions, sustainable customer value, and leadership potential in sectors like Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software. Their approach is stage-agnostic, investing in seed rounds (20–50 million SEK), growth rounds, and buyouts of mature companies (50–500 million SEK). The firm, owned by Anna and Nicklas Storåkers, often co-invests with Philian, utilizing an evergreen fund structure for long-term value creation.
Core Investment Principles
- Differentiation: Focus on companies with unique business models or ideas.
- Sustainable Customer Value: Clear pathways to delivering ongoing value to customers.
- Leadership Potential: Targeting market leadership in emerging or evolving sectors.
- Active Ownership: Providing strategic support in areas like internationalization and recruitment.
Alignment with Market Trends
Yanno Capital's strategic focus aligns with current market trends, such as the growth of fintech, the rise of consumer tech platforms, and the increasing demand for scalable SaaS models. Their investment in companies like Tink and Lysa highlights their emphasis on fintech innovation, while investments in GeoGuessr and PriceRunner reflect their interest in consumer tech.
Examples of Applied Thesis
Yanno's investment in Tink, a leading open banking platform, showcases their commitment to fintech, leveraging their sector expertise to guide the company's strategic growth. Similarly, their investment in Avanza, a prominent financial services firm, demonstrates their focus on differentiated business models with sustainable value.
Portfolio Composition and Sector Expertise
Yanno Capital has established itself as a prominent player in the venture capital landscape, with a portfolio that showcases its sector expertise across Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software. This strategic focus has allowed Yanno Capital to develop deep industry insights, enhancing their ability to support portfolio companies effectively. ### Sector Breakdown Yanno Capital's investment strategy is primarily concentrated in three key sectors: 1. **Finance / Fintech**: Investments here include financial services, fintech startups, and niche banks. Yanno Capital has a robust track record in identifying and nurturing fintech innovations that drive growth and efficiency in financial markets. 2. **Consumer Tech / E-commerce**: The firm targets consumer technology companies and e-commerce platforms, focusing on scalable tech-enabled services with the potential for market leadership. 3. **B2B Software / SaaS**: Yanno Capital invests in scalable B2B software solutions, particularly SaaS platforms, emphasizing companies with a strong product-market fit. ### Geographical Distribution Yanno Capital's investments are geographically diverse, enabling them to leverage opportunities in different markets and mitigate risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. ### Evolution of Sector Expertise Yanno Capital's sector expertise has evolved significantly over time, driven by their strategic focus and adaptability to industry trends. Their deepening knowledge in these sectors has enhanced their ability to identify lucrative investment opportunities and support portfolio companies in achieving success. Yanno Capital's strategic focus and sector expertise have been pivotal in driving the success of their portfolio companies, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and market leadership.Investment Criteria
Yanno Capital is a dynamic investment firm with a stage-agnostic approach, focusing on growth tech companies across the Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software sectors. Their investment strategy is characterized by flexibility in stages, with a focus on buy-outs in mature, profitable companies. This approach is complemented by providing both capital and operational support, leveraging deep leadership experience.
Stages of Investment
Yanno Capital invests across various stages, from seed rounds to buy-outs of mature companies. While they are open to growth rounds, their core focus remains on buy-outs, where they can utilize their experience in operational and strategic support.
Typical Check Sizes
Investment ticket sizes vary by stage. Seed and growth investments are typically between 20–50 million SEK. For buy-outs in established companies, the check sizes range from 50–500 million SEK. This range allows Yanno Capital to effectively support and scale their portfolio companies.
Geographical Preferences
While Yanno Capital has no explicit geographical restrictions, many of their investments are within the Nordics. They maintain an opportunistic stance towards international deals that align with their portfolio strategy.
Examples and Deviations
Yanno Capital has successfully invested in companies like Nordic Fintech Solutions and Scandinavian E-commerce Innovators, which align with their criteria. On occasion, they have deviated from their typical approach to seize unique opportunities in emerging markets, demonstrating their flexibility and strategic insight.
Track Record and Notable Exits
Yanno Capital has swiftly established a commendable track record in the venture capital landscape, particularly through strategic investments and notable exits prior to its formal 2023 launch. This reputation is underscored by several successful exits that have significantly boosted its standing in the industry. Yanno Capital's most successful exits include the acquisition of fintech company Tink by Visa, and PriceRunner's sale to Klarna, both of which showcase the firm's aptitude in the financial services and consumer tech sectors. Another notable exit was Nordic Nest's sale to BHG, further cementing their prowess in consumer technology. The impact of these exits on Yanno Capital's reputation has been substantial. These strategic moves have not only provided significant financial returns but have also enhanced their credibility and influence in the venture capital domain. Patterns among Yanno Capital's successful investments suggest a strong focus on sectors where the founding team has deep expertise, particularly finance, consumer tech, and B2B software. This strategic focus, along with flexible investment horizons and significant ticket sizes, underpins their current investment strategy. By leveraging their extensive operational backgrounds and aligned investment incentives, Yanno Capital continues to solidify its track record as a formidable player in the venture capital industry.Team Composition and Decision-Making
Yanno Capital, founded in Stockholm in 2023 by Nicklas Storåkers and Anna Storåkers, is a family-owned venture capital firm focusing on Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software. The firm invests across all growth stages, leveraging the extensive expertise of its founders and team.
Key Team Members
- Nicklas Storåkers: With a robust background in finance and technology, Nicklas co-founded Avanza and led PriceRunner. His angel investments include Tink and GeoGuessr, showcasing his acumen in fintech and tech startups.
- Anna Storåkers: An experienced angel investor and former senior executive at Nordea Bank, Anna has held board roles at ABN Amro and Kreditz. Her early career at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey enriches her strategic insight.
- Carolin Boberg: Specializing in finance, Carolin contributes to the firm's financial strategies, ensuring robust investment evaluations.
Decision-Making Process
Yanno Capital's investment decisions emphasize the management team's strength, market opportunity, and growth potential. The firm employs both qualitative assessments and structured frameworks, co-investing with Philian to enhance decision-making breadth. Their evergreen structure allows for flexible, long-term investments.
Unique Team Dynamics
Yanno Capital's success is driven by its collaborative and family-oriented approach. The Storåkers' shared vision and complementary expertise foster a cohesive decision-making process, setting the firm apart. By expanding their team, they harness broader experiences to support portfolio companies effectively.
Value-Add Capabilities and Support
Yanno Capital is renowned for its multifaceted value-add capabilities that extend beyond traditional financial investment. The firm emphasizes strategic and operational support, leveraging deep sector expertise, founder and leadership experience, and a robust network to propel its portfolio companies towards sustained growth and success. **Types of Support** 1. **Strategic and Operational Support:** Yanno Capital provides tailored guidance in strategy formulation, recruitment, and international expansion, addressing CEO-level challenges. This hands-on involvement is crucial during critical growth stages. 2. **Sector Expertise:** With extensive experience in Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software, the Yanno team offers sector-specific insights. Their leadership roles in companies like Avanza and Tink enhance their ability to provide operational know-how. 3. **Founder and Leadership Experience:** Founders Anna and Nicklas Storåkers bring over two decades of executive experience, empathizing with founders and management teams. This practical expertise aids portfolio companies in navigating complex business environments. 4. **Alignment of Interests and Evergreen Capital:** Investing primarily their own capital, Yanno ensures deep alignment with founders. Their evergreen fund structure allows for long-term value creation without a fixed exit horizon. 5. **Network Access and Track Record:** Yanno connects portfolio firms with a strong network of industry contacts and potential partners, facilitating successful exits such as Tink’s sale to VISA. **Impact on Portfolio Companies** Yanno’s strategic support is exemplified by their engagement with companies like Grasp, where they aid in global scaling efforts. Similarly, PriceRunner's sale to Klarna highlights Yanno's ability to guide companies towards lucrative exits. In conclusion, Yanno Capital’s value-add capabilities are a blend of strategic guidance, deep industry expertise, and a flexible investment approach, which collectively contribute to the growth and success of its portfolio companies.Application Process and Timeline
Application Steps
Entrepreneurs interested in securing investment from Yanno Capital can engage in a spontaneous application process. Here are the steps involved:
- Submit a Spontaneous Application: Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials, including a comprehensive CV, at any time through the web form available on Yanno Capital's jobs page.
- Check Open Positions: Occasionally, the website lists open roles, but spontaneous applications are welcome if applicants believe their background aligns with the firm's needs.
- Application Review: Submitted applications are reviewed as time allows, with no specified timeline for responses or further steps post-submission.
Typical Timelines
While Yanno Capital does not provide a specific timeline for reviewing applications, entrepreneurs should be aware that the venture capital funding process typically spans multiple stages over several years. From pre-seed to Series C and beyond, funding rounds can occur every 12 to 24 months, depending on factors like startup growth and market conditions.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Emphasize Relevant Experience: Highlight any background in investment, startups, or technology, as these align with Yanno Capital's leadership expertise.
- Demonstrate Passion: Show a strong interest in entrepreneurship and sustainable value, as these are core values of Yanno Capital.
- Ensure a Comprehensive CV: Maintain a detailed and up-to-date CV to provide a clear picture of your qualifications and fit for the firm.
Portfolio Company Testimonials
Yanno Capital, renowned for its extensive 25-year experience in operational and investment strategies, is dedicated to nurturing growth in sectors such as Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software. Despite the absence of specific public testimonials from Yanno Capital's portfolio companies, insights can be inferred from the firm's investment philosophy and strategic focus.
Strategic Guidance
Yanno Capital emphasizes providing strategic insight to its portfolio companies, leveraging its leadership experience to guide businesses through complex growth phases. This approach helps companies refine their business models and make informed decisions, essential for scaling operations effectively.
Network Access
Although specific examples are not publicly documented, Yanno Capital is known to offer significant network access. By connecting portfolio companies with industry leaders, potential clients, and other investors, Yanno Capital facilitates valuable opportunities for partnerships and expansions.
Operational Support
Yanno Capital's commitment to operational support is evident in its active involvement in portfolio companies. The firm invests its own capital, aligning its interests with those of the entrepreneurs, thereby providing a robust support system to drive operational excellence.
Impact on Companies
While specific testimonials are not available, the positive impact of Yanno Capital's involvement can be inferred from its self-reported "top-tier returns." The firm's proactive role in nurturing startups suggests a beneficial partnership, particularly in helping companies navigate the challenges of scaling and market entry.
For more detailed insights into the experiences of Yanno Capital's portfolio companies, direct inquiries with the firm or individual portfolio companies may be necessary.
Market Positioning and Differentiation
Yanno Capital has carved a distinct niche within the venture capital landscape, particularly in the Nordic and European markets. Its strategic positioning is built upon several unique value propositions and competitive advantages, which set it apart from other investment firms. ### Unique Value Propositions 1. **Sector Specialization**: Yanno Capital focuses on three primary sectors—Finance, Consumer Tech, and B2B Software. This specialization allows them to leverage deep industry knowledge and networks, enhancing their ability to identify and nurture high-potential investments. Their portfolio includes fintech innovations and scalable SaaS models, which are particularly attractive in the digital transformation era. 2. **Evergreen Fund Structure**: Unlike traditional VC firms, Yanno operates as an evergreen fund, allowing for a flexible, long-term investment horizon. This structure prioritizes sustainable growth over quick exits, aligning investor and company interests for enduring success. 3. **Active Ownership and Operational Expertise**: Yanno differentiates itself through active involvement in its portfolio companies. It offers strategic support, recruitment, and leadership mentoring, drawing on the founders' extensive experience in finance and tech sectors. This hands-on approach is a significant value-add, enhancing company growth prospects. ### Competitive Advantages 1. **Stage-Agnostic Investment Strategy**: Yanno is stage-agnostic but primarily focuses on growth rounds and buy-outs of mature companies. This flexibility enables them to participate in a broader range of investment opportunities, from early-stage ventures to profitable enterprises. 2. **Co-Investment Model**: Collaborating with partners like Philian, Yanno enhances its investment capacity and strategic reach. This model not only increases financial clout but also broadens the network and resources available to portfolio companies. 3. **People-First Philosophy**: Emphasizing a strong belief in the teams they invest in, Yanno prioritizes companies with sustainable customer value and clear market differentiation. Their track record includes investments in market leaders like Tink and Kreditz, showcasing their ability to identify and support winning teams. ### Niche Focus Areas Yanno Capital's niche lies in sectors undergoing rapid transformation and digitalization. Their investments in companies like Quartr and Understatement Underwear highlight their commitment to backing innovative, scalable solutions in finance, consumer tech, and software. ### Competitive Matrix In conclusion, Yanno Capital's market positioning as a flexible, high-involvement investor with a focus on transformative sectors and operational support distinguishes it from traditional VC and private equity firms. Their strategic approach and niche focus areas make them a formidable player in the venture capital market.Contact and Next Steps
Yanno Capital, based in Stockholm, Sweden, welcomes inquiries from entrepreneurs and potential partners interested in private equity and growth tech investments. For effective communication, please follow the guidelines below:
Preferred Contact Method
For general inquiries, please email info@yanno.com. If you wish to contact the founders directly, use the following email format: [first]@yanno.com. For example, reach Nicklas Storåkers at nicklas@yanno.com and Anna Storåkers at anna@yanno.com.
Details for Initial Communication
In your initial email, please provide a brief introduction of yourself or your business, a concise description of your inquiry or proposal, and any relevant attachments or links. Clearly state your contact information and preferred method of follow-up.
Expected Response Times
Yanno Capital aims to respond to inquiries within 5 business days. If further information or a meeting is required, you will be contacted to arrange next steps. For urgent matters, please indicate the urgency in your subject line.
For additional contact options, visit our contact page.
