Belgium

Artwod Raises €1.1 Mn to Help Visual Artists Improve Their Skills

Aug 21, 2026 | By Oliver Bennett

Artwod Raises €1.1 Mn to Help Visual Artists Improve Their Skills

Antwerp-based Artwod, a learning and community platform for visual artists, has raised €1.1 million in Seed funding. The company will use the new funding to launch a marketplace for creators, increase community engagement, and build stronger relationships with artists.

SUMMARY

  • Artwod has raised €1.1 million in Seed funding.
  • The Antwerp-based platform helps visual artists learn, practice, and improve their skills.
  • Founded in 2020 by Antonio Stappaerts, Artwod recently partnered with Wacom to offer personalised feedback and guided practice for digital artists.

The funding round was supported by Airbridge Equity Partners and ForsVC.

“As we witness AI performing remarkable things, we mustn’t forget that creativity isn’t only about the final output. You wouldn’t hire a robot to replace you on a family vacation and expect it to come back with your memories. The value is in experiencing it yourself. I think art is much the same.

“As humans, we have always felt compelled to create, through images, music, writing, film and countless other forms. That process is deeply personal. It gives us a sense of purpose, pride and a way to express who we are,” says Antonio Stappaerts, founder and CEO, Artwod.

“Artwod is one of those rare early-stage companies where the numbers and the community tell the same story. Antonio has built a product that genuinely helps people learn to draw, and his community knows it. The enthusiasm and loyalty we see from his users are not manufactured; they are earned, lesson by lesson. That combination of structured learning, authentic creator presence, and exceptional customer satisfaction is exactly the foundation we look for when backing a category-defining platform.” adds Rick van Boekel, Managing Partner Airbridge Equity Partners.

Artwod was founded in 2020 by Antonio Stappaerts, a former Creative Director and professional Concept Artist who has worked with companies such as Ubisoft and Sony Entertainment.

The idea for Artwod came from his own experience in the art industry. He believes artists improve through regular practice, useful feedback, repetition, and clear guidance.

Recently, Artwod partnered with Wacom, a popular drawing tablet brand. The partnership gives digital artists access to personalised feedback, guided practice, and clear steps to help them improve their skills.

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