SISU

Sisu is an incubation fund that works with prospective founders at what it calls "day minus one" — before a company is formed — with the stated aim of helping them build companies. Its support covers the decisions made during roughly the first two years of company formation, including cofounder pairing, fundraising, brand identity development and establishing a foundation for long-term value creation.

The fund positions itself as founder-friendly: it states that it does not consider itself a cofounder of the companies it backs and does not take board seats. After an initial two-year period, Sisu says it moves into a more traditional advisory role while continuing to support the startup.

Founding story

Sisu was founded by Ari Mir, described as an entrepreneur with over twenty years in the technology sector who has founded three venture-backed companies, two of which generate over $100 million in annual revenue and employ more than 1,000 people. The name comes from the Finnish word "sisu," denoting determination and resoluteness in the face of adversity, which the fund links to the entrepreneurial mindset.

Business model

Sisu provides guidance and support to aspiring founders free of charge and without commitment until all parties agree on a promising opportunity; at that point Sisu makes a small investment and formally provides twelve months of comprehensive support, subsequently transitioning to a traditional advisory role. It does not take board seats or a cofounder role.