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Katapult is an investment company founded in 2016 by Tharald Nustad, based in Oslo, Norway. The firm focuses on impact tech startups, having invested in 169 companies across 47 countries. Katapult operates accelerator programs designed to support promising startups that tackle significant global challenges. In 2020, the organization established the Katapult Foundation to consolidate its non-profit initiatives aimed at building the impact community and promoting education around impact investment.
Since its inception, Katapult has screened over 19,500 startups, demonstrating a rigorous selection process. The firm has a team of approximately 47 employees spread across four continents, enhancing its ability to engage with diverse markets. Katapult's notable milestones include the launch of specialized initiatives like Katapult Ocean and Katapult Africa, which focus on ocean sustainability and climate-tech challenges in Africa, respectively.
Katapult invests primarily in early-stage tech startups that address significant global challenges. Their investment strategy encompasses several sectors, including climate-tech, ocean-tech, agri-food tech, ed-tech, and health-tech. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from EUR 150K to EUR 500K per company. Katapult aims to mobilize capital and resources to solve pressing issues while capitalizing on fast-growing markets.
The organization emphasizes alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in its investment thesis. Katapult also runs accelerator programs that enhance its investment efforts, providing startups with access to mentorship, resources, and a structured curriculum focused on impact strategy and measurement. The firm actively seeks founders who demonstrate a strong product-market fit and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
Katapult has invested in a diverse portfolio of 169 tech startups that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Notable initiatives include:
Some notable alumni from Katapult's portfolio include:
Katapult has also achieved notable exits, including:
Tharald Nustad: Founder & Owner. Tharald has extensive experience in impact investing and has led Katapult since its inception in 2016. He is committed to promoting sustainable technologies and solutions.
Anders Lier: Co-Founder. Anders brings a wealth of knowledge in entrepreneurship and investment, having co-founded multiple startups prior to joining Katapult.
Haakon Brunell: Co-Founder. Haakon has a background in technology and finance, contributing to Katapult's strategic direction and investment decisions.
Rajeev Kapoor: Co-Founder. Rajeev specializes in scaling startups and has a strong track record in operational management and growth strategies.
Startups interested in pitching to Katapult should submit their applications through the firm’s website at katapult.vc. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the startup's mission, market opportunity, business model, and impact metrics. Katapult prefers to receive warm introductions, but cold pitches are also accepted.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. It is advisable to be concise and focused in the pitch, highlighting the startup's alignment with Katapult's investment thesis and the potential for significant impact.
Katapult runs several accelerator programs designed to support impact-driven startups. The primary program is the General Accelerator, which focuses on a broad range of impact tech sectors. Each cohort lasts 90 days and includes intensive workshops, networking, and learning opportunities.
Katapult Ocean is a specialized initiative focusing on maritime, aquaculture, and ocean health startups. Katapult Africa accelerates climate-tech startups addressing challenges specific to the African continent. Each program screens over 1,000 applications, with an acceptance rate of 1-2%, ensuring a highly selective process.
In September 2025, Katapult announced the launch of a $75M Asia Ocean Fund in collaboration with OCTAVE Capital, aimed at supporting ocean sustainability initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2025, Katapult plans to open a new office in Singapore, further expanding its global presence and investment capabilities.
In February 2026, Katapult Africa will open applications for its 2026 cohort, continuing its commitment to accelerating climate-tech startups in Africa.
In November 2025, Katapult participated in a $2.25M Series A funding round for Flocean, a startup focused on innovative ocean solutions.
Additionally, Katapult has committed EUR 300M to AI initiatives across the Norrsken ecosystem, reflecting its dedication to advancing impactful technologies.
What are Katapult's investment criteria?
Katapult invests in early-stage tech startups that address significant global challenges, particularly in sectors aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The firm focuses on climate-tech, ocean-tech, agri-food tech, ed-tech, and health-tech.
How can startups apply for funding?
Startups can apply for funding through Katapult's website at katapult.vc. Interested parties can also reach out via email at hello@katapult.vc for inquiries.
What makes Katapult different from other venture capital firms?
Katapult's unique focus on impact-driven tech startups sets it apart. The firm not only invests capital but also runs accelerator programs that provide mentorship, resources, and structured support to help startups succeed.
What is the geographic scope of Katapult's investments?
Katapult invests globally, with a particular focus on Europe and Africa. The firm has also announced plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region with a new office in Singapore by 2025.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Katapult typically invests between EUR 150K and EUR 500K per company, depending on the stage and specific needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Katapult have?
Katapult provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through mentorship, access to networks, and follow-on investment capabilities. The firm emphasizes impact measurement and alignment with the UN SDGs.
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