Norrsken
Overview
Norrsken is a Stockholm-based impact investment organization that supports entrepreneurs tackling global challenges. Founded in 2016 by Klarna co-founder Niklas Adalberth, Norrsken operates as a foundation and a venture capital arm, Norrsken VC. It aims to leverage entrepreneurship to create positive impacts on society and the environment. Norrsken has raised over $700 million and manages Europe's largest early-stage impact fund. Its headquarters are in Stockholm, Sweden, with additional hubs in Kigali, Barcelona, and Brussels.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: Norrsken launched a €57 million fund named Norrsken Evolve, targeting early-stage, impact-driven startups across Europe. This fund aims to invest in biotechnology, renewable energy, logistics, and health technology, focusing on sustainability and resilience (EU Startups).
- July 2025: Norrsken invested €5 million in Biorce, a healthcare tech startup in Barcelona, to support its expansion into the US. Biorce aims to cut clinical trial times, reducing the financial and human costs of bringing new treatments to market (Invest in Spain).
- June 2025: Norrsken committed €300 million to European startups leveraging AI for solving climate, health, and societal challenges. This initiative aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the potential of AI to address urgent global issues (Impact Investor).
- June 2024: The organization published its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting significant milestones such as raising €5.7 billion in capital and creating over 300 new jobs. It emphasized the increasing importance of sustainability and transparency in impact investment (Norrsken VC).
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Founders | Niklas Adalberth |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | European Investment Fund, Saminvest |
| Industry | Venture Capital, Impact Investing |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 27 |
Early History
Norrsken was established in 2016 by Niklas Adalberth, a pioneering entrepreneur and co-founder of Klarna. With a vision to harness the power of entrepreneurship for social impact, Adalberth founded Norrsken to incubate and fund startups that address significant environmental and social challenges. The foundation quickly garnered attention for its innovative approach and commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The launch of Norrsken House, a collaborative startup hub in Stockholm, marked its first significant milestone, fostering a community of like-minded entrepreneurs focused on making a difference.
Company Profile and Achievements
Norrsken operates through a unique blend of philanthropic and venture capital activities. Its mission revolves around supporting startups that are committed to solving complex global challenges.
- Business Model: Norrsken combines venture capital investments with extensive support through their accelerator programs. It provides funding, mentorship, and a global network to early-stage startups.
- Major Achievements:
- Raised more than $700 million, focusing primarily on tech-driven solutions in the fields of climate, health, and societal issues.
- Launched several hubs, including in Kigali, to expand its reach and impact globally.
- Initiated the Impact/Return series, one of Europe’s largest gatherings for impact investors.
- Notable Projects: Norrsken’s Accelerator and its subsequent evolution into Norrsken Evolve demonstrates its commitment to nurturing startups that align with its impact goals. It has supported over 80 startups since 2021, fostering innovations in AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
Current Operations and Market Position
Norrsken continues to carve out a significant niche within the impact investing landscape. With its commitment to funding AI-driven solutions, the foundation positions itself at the forefront of sustainable and ethical technology investments. In 2025, Norrsken's increasing focus on AI for good highlights its strategic pivot toward emerging technological solutions that promise substantial societal benefits. By aligning its operations with environmental objectives and sustainability criteria, Norrsken has become a respected voice in using technology for positive change, influencing both policy and investor trends.
Conclusion
Norrsken Foundation's dedication to impact investing has positioned it as a leader in fostering technology-driven solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. By continually expanding its portfolio in alignment with sustainability and ethical considerations, the foundation not only contributes to financial growth but also pioneers the integration of social responsibility in the business sector. With ongoing initiatives targeting climate change, healthcare innovation, and societal betterment, Norrsken is set to drive meaningful change, potentially reshaping industries with its forward-thinking strategies. As global issues become increasingly complex and interwoven with technological advancements, Norrsken's approach serves as a model for balancing economic success with profound social impact.