Norrsken Foundation is a non-profit, non-religious, and non-partisan organization focused on supporting entrepreneurial ventures that aim to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as poverty, climate change, mental health, and pollution. Founded in June 2016 by Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of Klarna, the foundation is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with additional hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, and Barcelona, Spain. Since its inception, the foundation has raised several funds and operates notable co-working spaces known as Norrsken House. It has also established Norrsken VC, an independent investment firm.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | June 2016 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Founders | Niklas Adalberth |
| Revenue | ~$60 million (2024 approximate) |
| Key Investors | European Investment Fund (EIF), Folksam, AP1 |
| Industry | Social Entrepreneurship, Impact Investing |
| Number of Employees | ~169 |
Norrsken Foundation was established in 2016 by Niklas Adalberth with an initial personal donation of $20 million. The foundation quickly set its sights on fostering entrepreneurship aimed at creating meaningful societal impact. In 2017, Norrsken House was opened in a former tram depot in Stockholm, creating a co-working space designed to be the largest hub for impact entrepreneurs in Europe. This facility became central to Norrsken's operations, allowing it to host a variety of initiatives and programs aimed at catalyzing social entrepreneurship. Over the years, the foundation expanded its reach by establishing additional hubs in Kigali and Barcelona, furthering its mission to incubate and accelerate projects worldwide.
Norrsken Foundation's business model is centered around providing support to entrepreneurs and startups that contribute to solving global challenges. Its major achievements include:
As of June 2025, Norrsken Foundation operates with a robust global presence, managing operations across Europe and Africa. It continues to back startups that align with its mission through various initiatives, including the Norrsken VC, which focuses on clean technology, software, and manufacturing. Norrsken's strategic hubs in Stockholm, Kigali, and Barcelona serve as innovation centers, providing startups with essential resources and partnerships. Furthermore, by aligning its investments with the UN's SDGs, Norrsken maintains a competitive edge in the increasingly environmentally and socially conscious global market.
Norrsken Foundation stands as a linchpin in the social entrepreneurship sector, effectively merging impact-oriented goals with economic success. Its commitment to harnessing technological solutions for addressing global issues positions it uniquely within the philanthropic and investment landscape. Looking forward, Norrsken is poised to continue influencing the growth of impact-driven startups with its innovative approaches and substantial investments, especially in emerging technologies like AI, which offer promising avenues for solving complex societal challenges.