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Norselab is a European impact asset management firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway. The firm focuses on creating a meaningful future by building a range of commercially attractive impact funds across various asset classes. Norselab aims to attract diverse sources of capital to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Currently, the firm manages three funds, including Meaningful Equity I and II, targeting growth equity and credit, with a total fund size of approximately $50 million.
Since its inception, Norselab has established itself as a key player in the impact investment space, emphasizing the importance of aligning investments with the UN SDGs. The firm operates under the SFDR Article 9 classification, which signifies its commitment to sustainable investments. Norselab has successfully deployed NOK 500 million (~$50 million) across 16 portfolio companies, demonstrating its active management and focus on impactful ventures.
Norselab invests in companies that contribute to industry transformation and systems change, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The firm’s investment strategies include growth equity, which aims to scale a concentrated portfolio of impact companies into global challengers, and credit, which combines yield performance with exceptional value opportunities. Norselab typically invests between $1 million and $5 million in each company, focusing on sectors such as climate, healthcare, consumer, biotech, and commerce.
The firm is guided by its Meaningfulness philosophy, which aligns its efforts with the UN SDGs and focuses on creating positive impacts through revenue-generating products and services. Norselab seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a clear alignment with these goals and can showcase net positive impact metrics. This approach not only enhances the potential for financial returns but also contributes to broader societal benefits.
Norselab's portfolio consists of 16 companies that exemplify its commitment to impact investing. Notable companies include:
These companies reflect Norselab's focus on sectors that drive positive environmental and social change, including renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. The firm’s portfolio has shown significant growth, with a reported revenue increase of 48% across its investments.
Erik Syvertsen, CFA - Chief Executive Officer, Partner. Erik has extensive experience in investment management and has led various notable deals in the impact sector.
Yngve Tvedt - Chief Investment Officer, Partner. Yngve specializes in growth equity investments and has a strong background in financial analysis and portfolio management.
Maria de Perlinghi - Chief Impact & Communications Officer, Partner. Maria focuses on aligning Norselab's investments with its impact goals and has a background in communications and sustainability.
Tonje Slorafoss - Group CFO, Head of Compliance. Tonje oversees financial operations and compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
Aksel Lund Svindal - Investment Partner, Growth Equity. Aksel brings expertise in scaling businesses and has a background in competitive sports, which informs his approach to investment.
Alexander Nøstvik - Investment Partner, Growth Equity. Alexander has a strong track record in identifying high-potential investments in the impact space.
Tom Hestnes - Managing Director, Credit. Tom leads Norselab's credit investment strategy and has extensive experience in fixed income markets.
Ole Einar Stokstad - Senior Portfolio Manager, Credit. Ole manages credit portfolios and focuses on maximizing returns while minimizing risk.
Line Tollefsen - Head of Credit Operations. Line oversees the operational aspects of Norselab's credit investments.
Shatthik Barua - Head of Risk, Credit. Shatthik is responsible for assessing and managing risks associated with credit investments.
Oda Standal - Impact Analyst. Oda evaluates the impact of portfolio companies and ensures alignment with Norselab's sustainability goals.
Inès van Tol - Impact Analyst. Inès supports the assessment of impact metrics and contributes to reporting on portfolio performance.
Lars Christian Bjørge - Head of Credit Sales. Lars focuses on developing relationships with potential investors in Norselab's credit funds.
Marte Ramstad - Communications Manager (currently on leave). Marte manages communications and public relations for Norselab.
Petter Blesvik Gandrud - Investment Analyst. Petter supports the investment team in analyzing potential opportunities and conducting due diligence.
To pitch to Norselab, founders should reach out via email at hello@norselab.com. It is important to include a concise overview of the business, highlighting its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the potential for positive impact. A well-structured pitch deck should detail the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections.
Founders can expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines may vary. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable review.
In March 2023, Norselab announced the successful deployment of NOK 500 million (~$50 million) through its first venture fund, which includes 16 portfolio companies. This milestone highlights the firm's active management and commitment to impact investments.
Additionally, Norselab launched its second growth fund, Meaningful Equity II, less than two years after the first fund, indicating its rapid expansion in the impact investment space. The firm also introduced the Meaningful Impact High Yield fund, the first Nordic impact-dedicated high yield fund, classified under SFDR Article 9.
What are Norselab's investment criteria?
Norselab focuses on companies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and demonstrate a net positive impact. The firm invests in sectors such as climate, healthcare, consumer, biotech, and commerce, with a check size ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Norselab?
Founders can reach out to Norselab via email at hello@norselab.com. It is advisable to present a clear alignment with the UN SDGs and provide metrics that demonstrate the potential for positive impact.
What makes Norselab different from other venture capital firms?
Norselab distinguishes itself through its commitment to impact investing, governed by its Meaningfulness framework. The firm not only seeks financial returns but also prioritizes investments that contribute to sustainable development and societal benefits.
What is Norselab's geographic focus?
While Norselab is based in Oslo, Norway, it invests primarily across Europe, particularly in the Nordic region. The firm emphasizes local companies that align with its impact investment strategy.
What is Norselab's post-investment involvement like?
Norselab adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, aligning operations with the UN SDGs, and leveraging its network to facilitate growth and impact. The firm actively engages with its portfolio to ensure alignment with its impact objectives.
What is the size of Norselab's funds?
Norselab manages a total fund size of approximately $50 million across its various investment strategies, including growth equity and credit.
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