Alkupääoma

Alkupääoma is a Finnish term used in business finance to refer to the initial capital required to start a company, project, or venture. It covers one-time costs and the early operating needs before the business becomes self-sustaining. Typical items include purchases of fixed assets (equipment, vehicles, premises improvements), licenses and registrations, initial inventory, product development, marketing, and working capital to bridge the gap until revenue starts.

The amount depends on the business model and industry. Startups commonly raise alkupääoma from founders’ own savings, loans, angel investors, venture capital, grants, or crowdfunding. In accounting terms, the funds contributed by owners at formation form share capital or contributed capital and are recorded in owners’ equity.

Alkupääoma differs from käyttöpääoma (working capital), which covers day-to-day operations after the business has started. While alkupääoma is a one-time infusion to reach the break-even point, käyttöpääoma fluctuates with sales, receivables, and payables.

Planning guidance typically includes estimating initial cash needs for several months of operation, factoring in a contingency, and aligning the amount with the anticipated burn rate and revenue timeline. In practice, founders seek sufficient alkupääoma to reach a milestone (e.g., first sale, prototype completion) without immediate cash shortfalls.