Finnish venture capital IPR.VC launches record €100m film & TV fund - beefs up team

Since 2015 when the first of its three investment funds launched to finance audiovisual content, IPR.VC has become a major partner to Finnish and international producers.

So far, the company co-founded by MD Timo Argillander and investment relations director Tanu-Matti Tuominen has raised €150 million from a wide range of investors including pension funds, institutions, non-profit organisations, with more than half of those investments already allocated.

The capital injections have evolved from single grants to Nordic films and series such as Tom of Finland, Netflix’s Bordertown, to slate partnerships with companies including major US indies A24, XYZ Films, and Helsinki-based animation studio Gigglebug.

Most recently, the venture capital firm has invested in XYZ’s sci-fi Dual, horror movie Svalta, shot in Finland this fall, Tommy Wirkola’s comedy The Trip starring Noomi Rapace and Aksel Hennie, and the Finnish Take Two Studios’ development slate.

Speaking to us, Argillander said his company has now achieved the first closing of its largest film and TV financing fund to date, and secured so far €60.5 million out of the targeted €100 million.

The appointment of Andrea Scarso as London-based partner and investment director marks a step further in IPR.VC’s ambitions. Scarso brings 12 year-experience at Ingenious Media where he worked on more than 250 film and TV financing deals, on projects such as Judy, Selma and The Descendants. He also served as executive producer on more than 45 projects such as Stephen Frears’ The Lost King and Oliver Stone’s docuseries JFK: Destiny Betrayed.

Discussing IPR.VC’s latest move, Argillander said: “Whilst industry models may change, we believe strongly in the enduring value of premium film and television content, in being a supportive partner for creatives and a trusted conduit to production for blue chip investors. “

“With our most ambitious fund to date, and one of the most experienced, respected and connected entertainment financiers in the business in Andrea joining the team, we could not be better placed to further evolve our investment strategy, and identify further projects and long-term slate-led partnerships that deliver for all parties.”

Argillander will be at the upcoming Content London on November 29, sitting on a panel about script financing.