Nordic Capital
Nordic Capital aims to drive transformative growth in its portfolio companies through deep sector knowledge and operational capabilities. Their vision is to continue developing market-leading businesses, be the preferred partner for motivated business owners and management teams, attract top talent, and contribute positively to society. They emphasize a selective investment approach, focusing on companies with high growth potential and avoiding reliance on external economic factors. Value creation is driven primarily by sales growth, supported by a strong operational framework. Their approach involves close collaboration with portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance and structured support through various phases of growth.
Norrsken Accelerate
Norrsken invests in founders building solutions to global systemic challenges, emphasizing scalable impact alongside financial returns. The organization operates multiple independent funds with tailored geographical and stage focuses, fostering a global community of innovators aligned with sustainability and social progress.
Norrsken Evolve
Norrsken Evolve is a pre-seed fund focused on supporting early-stage founders in Europe who are building resilient and sustainable solutions to address critical global challenges. The firm aims to turn crisis into opportunity by investing in companies redefining industries like energy, manufacturing, transportation, construction, food production, healthcare, information security, and democratic safeguards. They believe Europe has the science, innovation, talent, and investor demand to foster the next wave of global technology leaders. They target founders who understand the severity of current challenges and are determined to create a positive impact on the world. Norrsken Evolve provides capital, a world-class in-person program, and a strong network to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes that economies, industries, and ways of living must evolve in the face of unprecedented risks, and the founders they back will lead this evolution. They seek visionary entrepreneurs capable of building companies that can positively impact 1 billion lives across the globe and have the potential to grow into impact unicorns. Their investment strategy focuses on pre-seed stage companies with the potential to revolutionize various sectors and address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. They are looking for companies that will redefine how we generate energy, rebuild manufacturing, move goods, construct buildings, produce food, treat our sick, secure our information, protect democracy, and safeguard our societies from climate disruption. Norrsken Evolve aims to lead the evolution necessary for Europe to step up and address the challenges the continent is facing. They invest in founders with a focus on building a resilient and sustainable future for Europe, providing them with the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals and make a significant positive impact on the world.
Norrsken Foundation
Norrsken Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and leveraging technology for positive global change. They operate on the belief that entrepreneurs and technology are powerful forces capable of addressing some of the world's most pressing issues. Their approach involves building an ecosystem where founders can access the resources they need to build businesses focused on solving significant challenges. They are creating hubs, or 'Houses', in various locations around the world like Stockholm, Kigali, Brussels, Barcelona, and Amsterdam to support these founders and investors. Norrsken aims to support and cultivate companies that can have a meaningful and positive impact. They are focused on companies that are addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty. They also appear to be concerned with the mental health and wellbeing of people, as mentioned on the homepage. The foundation seeks to create a network effect where founders can connect with investors and other support systems to help scale their businesses, and is dedicated to the concept of impact investing that prioritizes creating positive impact alongside financial returns. Their commitment to impact is evident in their 'Impact 100' initiative, although the specifics are not detailed. They also actively support a number of portfolio companies within their network. They aim to create a model that can be emulated, highlighting Sweden as an example of successful impact investing. Ultimately, they hope to support entrepreneurs building scalable businesses to solve the world's most pressing problems. Norrsken acknowledges the challenges of balancing growth with sustainability and addressing issues such as addiction, obesity, and mental health. They aim to support and promote entrepreneurs that can create solutions to these pressing societal issues, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. The foundation's ultimate goal is to create an ecosystem where businesses can thrive while simultaneously addressing some of the world's most significant problems.
Partnerinvest Norr
Partnerinvest Norr is a venture capital firm focused on investing in small and medium-sized growth companies with strong entrepreneurial teams in the Norrbotten and Västerbotten regions of northern Sweden. They invest across industries as long as the business model is scalable, preferably with international potential. The firm aims to contribute to regional growth by providing capital and active ownership, working in collaboration with other investors. Their investment horizon is 3-7 years, with potential exit strategies including industrial sales, secondary sales to new investors, or buyouts by the founders. Partnerinvest Norr operates funds financed with structural funds from the EU, co-financed by Norrlandsfonden, Region Norrbotten and Region Västerbotten. The first fund closed in Autumn 2023, fund two is in the management phase, and fund three is actively making new investments. They seek driven entrepreneurs with scalable ideas and a clear national or international market potential, based in Norrbotten or Västerbotten. The firm provides financial capacity to support companies in several stages of their development, with initial investments typically ranging from 1-3 million SEK, and up to 10 million SEK in total. They contribute not only capital but also active ownership and board work, without becoming the majority shareholder. Partnerinvest Norr aims to be a partner for entrepreneurs, offering access to their extensive regional network and experience. Partnerinvest Norr actively looks for co-investors to join them in backing companies in Northern Sweden. Their name suggests their focus; they search for investment oppurtunities that will return good revenue. These other investors are private, such as other venture capital firms or angel investors.
Pente Capital
Pente Capital operates as a venture studio, investing in and accelerating businesses that promise a better future. They focus on building and investing in brands inspired by creating a kinder and more sustainable world, where design is central to quality. They aim to support entrepreneurs with big ideas, helping them build strong, distinctive brands that move the world forward. Their vision is of a world where life's luxuries are redefined, emphasizing happiness, inner peace, health, and kindness. They seek to partner with creative agents of positive and aesthetically appealing change. The firm is particularly interested in businesses that are redefining life's luxuries as design being the central determinator of quality, showcasing a commitment to innovation and aesthetics. They aim to catalyze change with radical, empathetic visions for a sustainable future, indicating a focus on companies that address environmental and social challenges. Overall, Pente invests in entrepreneurs and operators who aim to build great businesses and is interested in a new generation of businesses building a kinder and more sustainable world.
Polar Structure
Polar Structure is a purpose-driven investor and company founder focused on developing and owning infrastructure for a sustainable future. They aim to be the partner of choice in shaping the future of global infrastructure by addressing the need for major investments in energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructure. Their approach involves building long-term collaborations between private actors and public entities (government, municipalities, and regions). They select investments based on their value-add and potential to enable the transition to a sustainable society. They offer "Infrastructure-as-a-Service," providing the know-how, competence, and capital needed to develop, manage, and finance necessary infrastructure investments. They address challenges like the lack of railway system maintenance and electricity grid power and distribution problems. Their investment approach is holistic, prioritizing projects that strengthen resilience, build more efficient transport systems, and enhance economic competitiveness. They invest in both new companies that develop and own resilient and sustainable infrastructure and in deep technology companies with expertise that accelerates infrastructure development. They have a responsible and evergreen ownership structure enabling the transition for both private and public sectors. Digital solutions and connectivity are strongly emphasized to drive resource efficiency and impact throughout the portfolio, addressing the infrastructure sector's historically low digitalization levels. Polar Structure differentiates itself by combining innovation and entrepreneurship with a long-term and responsible ownership model. They are willing to take on early-stage development risk at scale and focus on rapid execution, supported by their Centre of Excellence, which provides centralized best-practice sharing and business development across the portfolio. They emphasize building relationships with politicians and decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels to understand and address the challenges of transformational change, and they also partner with fast-moving corporates and suppliers in the infrastructure sector. Ultimately, Polar Structure aims to contribute to transforming cities and communities by investing holistically in infrastructure from ports to end customers or connected cities, to make them sustainable and more efficient. They actively initiate the development of new infrastructure assets through partnerships with both private and public stakeholders.
RECAPEX
RECAPEX operates as a partner to owners and management of companies aiming to capitalize on opportunities created by the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Their core focus is on bridging the gap between international technology companies and the Nordic market, as well as scaling up Nordic ventures. They position themselves as "digital nerds" with a passion for digital change and technological advancements, while maintaining a strong foundation in metrics and financials. RECAPEX aims to ensure that Nordic citizens have access to a world-class ecosystem of digital products and services, promoting a more efficient, sustainable, and fulfilling life. Their strategy involves several key service areas. Firstly, they assist international technology companies in expanding into the Nordic region, leveraging the region's tech-savviness. Secondly, they help Nordic ventures scale their operations. Thirdly, RECAPEX provides digital strategy consulting to established companies, enabling them to leverage digital and technology-driven initiatives. They also emphasize knowledge sharing, highlighting the benefits of the Nordic region for international businesses. RECAPEX's approach is deeply rooted in their experience in the Nordic market. They have been involved in establishing various offerings, with a significant focus on technology, and have experience representing incumbents, entrepreneurs, and international technology players. This positions them as having a comprehensive understanding of the Nordic business ecosystem and its challenges. The firm seems to function primarily as consultants and advisors, though investments are alluded to.
SEB Venture Capital
SEB Venture Capital, as part of the broader Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) group, aims to positively shape the future by providing responsible advice and capital. Rooted in a history dating back to 1856, with a DNA of innovation, entrepreneurship, and an international perspective, SEB focuses on enabling people and businesses to realize their ideas. They are committed to accelerating the transition towards a sustainable future for individuals, businesses, and society and strive to be a leading catalyst in the sustainability transition, aligning their strategy with the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. SEB supports its customers, which range from private individuals to large corporations and financial institutions, in their transitions and contributes to the development of the communities in which they operate. The firm's investment approach is deeply integrated with SEB’s role in society and the economy, supporting their customers through various phases of their lives and development stages of companies and institutions. Their commitment to trust and maintaining high standards of business conduct are of utmost importance. SEB's corporate governance framework includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities to manage and control business operations effectively. The firm leverages its presence in home markets such as Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as an international network spanning Brazil, China, India, and the US, to support customers doing business around the world. SEB is also part of the Wallenberg ecosystem, which has a long tradition of supporting people and companies and helping drive development. They focus on providing a broad range of financial services, especially to corporates and institutions in their home markets. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) serves as the highest decision-making body, where shareholders exercise their influence. The Nomination Committee is responsible for preparing and presenting proposals for the Board, auditors, and related remuneration. Through its various divisions, including Large Corporates & Financial Institutions, Corporate & Private Customers, Baltic, Life and Asset Management, SEB aims to add value across different customer segments and stages of development.
STING
STING is Sweden's leading startup accelerator, focused on helping early-stage startups achieve success faster. They provide strategic support, coaching, investor access, and a strong network to accelerate growth. STING's approach involves tailored coaching programs, access to a network of angels and investors, and the potential for investment, specifically targeting startups with ambitious goals. They actively support the transformation of climate innovators into growth companies through projects like Sting Climate Action, co-funded by the EU/ERDF, and foster innovation in healthcare via the Circle of Life Science project, collaborating with institutions such as Karolinska University Hospital to promote patient-centered care. STING also provides access to industry experts with real-world experience in sectors like ClimateTech, DeepTech, Health, and SaaS, aiding startups in refining their go-to-market strategies and navigating regulatory challenges.
STOAF III SciTech
STOAF III SciTech is a venture finance and competence house powered by business angels, investing in advanced technology and future fast-growing B2B companies with global market potential that create new industries and make a difference in the world. The firm focuses on B2B start-ups with strong technologies. Their methodology is based on research into Best Market Practices in Silicon Valley and aims to get a better accuracy in predicting start-up developments as well as designing investment conditions aiming at achieving a successful reach of value inflection points. After financing, their methods in Venture Management and Exit Optimization are applied. All competence partners are trained internally. They offer co-investment rights to their LPs, allowing them to differentiate their portfolios and weight their investments according to their preferences. STOAF leverages a business angel network and certified business angels to augment their investment process and provide support to portfolio companies. This combined approach enables STOAF to bring deep domain expertise and experience to the table. Stoaf has published methodological books which present the methodological findings (by Stoaf co-founder and General Partner, Associate Prof. Lennart Ohlsson).
Saminvest
Saminvest is a Swedish government-owned venture capital firm that invests in privately managed venture capital funds and business angel programs. Their primary goal is to stimulate the supply of private capital in areas of the capital supply chain where it is lacking. Saminvest often acts as an anchor investor, contributing to the establishment of new fund management teams and the growth of the Swedish venture capital ecosystem. They invest on commercial terms to attract co-investment from private capital. Saminvest prioritizes sustainability and actively promotes gender equality within fund teams. The aim is to enable more innovative companies to grow.
Scania Growth Capital
Scania Invest, the in-house global venture capital arm of Scania, focuses on accelerating the shift towards a sustainable transport future. They invest across all stages, from seed to late, providing not only capital but also leveraging Scania's core capabilities to drive value as long-term partners. The fund aims to support innovative technologies and visionary entrepreneurs that contribute to a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future within the transportation ecosystem. They believe in diversity as a key driver of success, bringing together different perspectives to build stronger, more resilient companies, and emphasize the strength of partnerships to drive stronger outcomes. Scania Invest strives to create a sustainable impact by supporting innovations that contribute to financial growth and environmental responsibility.
Scania Ventures and New Business
Scania Ventures and New Business, as part of the Scania Group, focuses on driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. Their investment thesis revolves around supporting technological innovation and smart transport solutions to create a world of mobility that is better for business, society, and the environment. This includes investing in companies that contribute to decarbonization, circular business models, and people sustainability within the transport sector. Scania is particularly interested in electrification, autonomous solutions, and innovative technologies that can shape the future of transport. They aim to create lasting value for all stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, and society, by providing profitable and sustainable solutions. Scania emphasizes partnerships and collaborations as essential for driving change. They actively seek to collaborate with customers, transport service buyers, energy suppliers, infrastructure providers, and industry peers. This collaborative approach allows them to leverage collective knowledge and resources to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transport solutions. The firm is also committed to managing its environmental and social impact across the entire value chain, ensuring that their investments align with their vision of sustainable development. Their focus on innovation is a key driver of their investment strategy. Scania actively develops new ideas and technologies through internal research and development, as well as through investments in external startups and innovative companies. They leverage new tools and ways of working to rapidly develop solutions that address the evolving needs of the transport industry. The firm's commitment to sustainability and innovation positions them as a leader in the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem. Scania’s strategy is rooted in a clear understanding of the evolving landscape of the transport industry. They continuously analyze future trends and challenges to identify investment opportunities that align with their long-term vision. Their focus on electrification, autonomous solutions, and connected services reflects their belief that these technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transport. Scania actively supports the development and commercialization of these technologies through investments, partnerships, and internal initiatives.
Scayl
Scayl aims to solve the debt funding challenges faced by Fintech lenders. They provide a platform that connects these lenders with a network of banks, offering scalable debt funding solutions. By streamlining the funding process, Scayl allows lenders to focus on their core business of originating and growing their loan portfolios. The platform offers flexibility in terms of asset class, credit product, jurisdiction, currency, and risk segments, giving lenders access to a wider range of funding options. Scayl's approach is designed to simplify debt funding, reduce the complexities of managing multiple bank relationships, and provide real-time monitoring and automatic reporting. Scayl addresses the 'dark sides' of Fintech lending, as highlighted in their blog posts, by offering a structured and efficient way for lenders to access capital, enabling them to scale responsibly. This involves offering standardized term sheets and simplifying the funding request process. By focusing on automation and reporting, Scayl provides lenders with the tools they need to manage their debt facilities effectively and adapt to changing market conditions and business needs. The core value proposition centers around three key aspects: scalable debt funding from banks, built-in flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs, and automatic reporting for real-time monitoring and efficient management. This combined approach aims to improve the efficiency and scalability of Fintech lending, addressing key pain points that the founders have identified in the industry.
Sciety
Sciety invests in life science and digital health companies with the potential to become market leaders and drive meaningful change. They focus on companies in the Nordic region and utilize a rigorous selection process grounded in deep industry expertise. Their investment engagement is long-term, emphasizing active ownership as a key to creating value for both the companies and the investors. Sciety aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for drugs, innovative medical technology, and digital solutions driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing lifestyle diseases, and more demanding healthcare consumers. They also note the opportunities stemming from the biotechnological revolution in areas such as precision medicine and genomics. Sciety Venture Partners brings together experienced investors, from private investment firms and family offices to specialised investment companies, with a strong track record. They actively co-invest with Nordic and European venture capital and corporate venture capital firms.
Spintop Ventures
Spintop Ventures is an early-stage technology venture capital firm based in the Nordics. They support teams on a mission to build great companies that leverage innovative, software-based technology. A core aspect of their investment philosophy is to back ventures that contribute to a long-term sustainable society. The firm looks to partner with entrepreneurs targeting global opportunities and willing to disrupt existing structures. Spintop emphasizes the importance of company culture and values, seeking out investments in companies built on strong human values, respect for individuals, and a collaborative team spirit. They view their role as an active, supportive partner, working closely with portfolio companies throughout their journey while recognizing the entrepreneurs as the leaders of the venture. Their approach is centered on building lasting relationships that extend beyond the investment period. Their investment philosophy revolves around backing 'rebels with an implementable plan,' emphasizing technology-driven rapid growth. Spintop positions themselves as long-term partners, fostering relationships well before any investment occurs and maintaining these connections throughout and beyond their formal engagement as investors. They leverage a network of proven entrepreneurs and executives from the technology sector to provide invaluable knowledge, experiences, and contact networks.
Stena Sessan
Stena Sessan focuses on creating long-term value through responsible investments in companies with development opportunities for future generations. The firm aims to be a long-term owner, supporting companies in their growth journey. The core strategy is centered around making investments that are sustainable and contribute positively to society, ensuring value creation for years to come. The investment approach emphasizes partnering with companies that have the potential for significant growth and positive impact, aligning their financial goals with broader societal benefits.
Subvenio Invest
Subvenio Invest is a venture capital firm that invests in rapidly growing B2B software companies, partnering with a network of independent investors to create company and shareholder value. They act as a bridge between these companies and smart capital, aiming to find companies with a proven recipe, efficiency, and a strong team. The firm looks for rapidly growing B2B software companies.
Swedbank Robur
Swedbank Robur is Sweden's largest fund manager with a clear mission: to deliver long-term returns while contributing to sustainable development. Their sustainability work began in the early 80s with the launch of their first environmental fund, and they aim to be a global leader in sustainable value creation. The firm actively exercises ownership in portfolio companies, voting on shareholder proposals and engaging in dialogues on climate, human rights, and corporate governance to strengthen the companies' long-term competitiveness and value creation. Their investment strategy involves a focus on active ownership and sustainability. They utilize tools like voting at shareholder meetings, participation in nomination committees, thematic dialogues, investor collaborations, and external engagement services to influence companies. They have thematic focus areas including climate, nature, human rights, and corporate governance, with dialogues conducted directly or through investor networks. Swedbank Robur also launches new funds that respond to evolving global dynamics, such as the Security and Defence fund, which invests in companies providing solutions for societal protection in areas like defense, cybersecurity, and civil preparedness, recognizing their growth potential amidst geopolitical tensions and cyber threats.
Swedish Energy Agency
Based on the provided website content, the Swedish Energy Agency (Energimyndigheten) appears to be a government agency focused on promoting efficient energy use, energy security, and sustainable energy systems. Their strategy seems to involve providing guidance, resources, and financial support to various sectors, including businesses, households, and the public sector, to improve energy efficiency and transition to cleaner energy sources. A key aspect is to encourage research and innovation in the energy sector. They focus on multiple pillars, including energy efficiency, energy preparedness, energy system analysis, research and innovation, climate, and statistics. These pillars support the overal strategy to drive the energy transition forward through a combination of policy implementation, financial incentives, and knowledge dissemination. The agency also seems to emphasize international collaboration and works towards achieving national and international energy and climate goals.
Södra Ädla
Södra Ädla is the investment arm of Södra, a forest owners’ association connecting thousands of forest owners in southern Sweden. Södra Ädla aims to capitalize on the changing landscape of forestry by investing in new business ideas, innovations, and solutions that accelerate the development of forestry in ways that benefit family-owned forests. Their goal is to build a diverse portfolio of investments that address opportunities and challenges within the forest sector, emphasizing startups and companies with business models contributing to the growth and profitability of forestry. They are particularly interested in companies with strong economic potential in the early stages of launching or expanding their sales. Södra Ädla prioritizes investments in areas such as new technology for more efficient forestry, gentle forest management methods, decision support tools for planning and action, solutions benefiting biodiversity, and services addressing climate change. The firm actively seeks co-investors who share their vision of innovative, future-proof forestry to accelerate growth, increase market impact, and ensure long-term profitability. Södra Ädla offers more than just capital; they offer expertise, Södra’s strong industry position, and access to a vast network of over 50,000 family forest owners. With 80 years of experience in small-scale forestry and a world-class industrial structure, they are positioned to help portfolio companies innovate and grow for the future of forestry. Södra Ädla aims to be a committed investment partner dedicated to helping companies scale their business within the forestry sector.
Tagehus
Tagehus invests in long-term, value-adding assets across real estate, wellness, and construction sectors. The firm emphasizes sustainable growth, digitalization (via Longrun Capital), and strategic partnerships (e.g., Hemtag for bathing/fitness infrastructure). Key focus areas include listed companies (e.g., Atrium Ljungberg, John Mattson), real estate development, and impact-driven ventures with climate and diversity goals.
Tioex
Tioex was created to democratize access to pre-IPO companies, providing both investors and shareholders more flexibility and control. They connect investors and shareholders through a regulated and transparent structure, creating a more dynamic and efficient private market ecosystem. Tioex achieves this by enabling investors to participate in secondary investment opportunities in top-tier pre-IPO companies, such as SpaceX, Anthropic, and Klarna, which were previously inaccessible to most individuals due to high investment amounts and limited availability. By pooling investors and forming special purpose vehicles (SPVs), Tioex lowers the barrier to entry, allowing smaller investors to participate in the potential upside of private tech companies. The firm aims to provide access to pre-IPO investment opportunities that are normally reserved for institutional investors or high-net-worth individuals. They focus on secondary investments, allowing shareholders in private companies to sell their shares before an IPO. This strategy benefits both the shareholders seeking liquidity and investors seeking access to high-growth private companies. Their investment approach involves identifying promising private tech companies with significant growth potential and structuring investment opportunities through SPVs. Tioex was founded by experienced tech entrepreneurs and investors who previously built venture-backed startups. Their frustration with the closed nature of private market investments led them to create Tioex, offering a streamlined model for accessing these opportunities. The founders also have the goal of helping Sweden's culture of ownership through equity investments.