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Wilstar Innovate is an impact investment platform based in Oslo, Norway, founded as part of the Wilstar AS organization, which is owned by the Awilhelmsen Group. Established with a focus on social impact, Wilstar Innovate operates alongside Wilstar Social Impact, emphasizing finance-first investments that align with strategic business goals. The organization aims to create long-term value through investments in visionary social entrepreneurs and sustainable disruptors across various sectors.
Wilstar Innovate has evolved to include two distinct platforms: Wilstar Innovate, which focuses on finance-first impact investments, and Wilstar Social Impact, which emphasizes philanthropic and grant-style investments. The organization has a global investment reach, targeting sectors such as education, women's empowerment, marine conservation, and climate technology.
As of now, Wilstar Innovate has established itself as a key player in the impact investment space, leveraging its affiliation with the Awilhelmsen Group to enhance its investment strategies and outcomes. The firm is committed to generating competitive financial returns while fostering positive disruption in the industries it invests in.
Wilstar Innovate prioritizes investments in disruptive sustainable technologies and innovative solutions that contribute to social and environmental change. The platform seeks to generate competitive financial returns while fostering positive disruption in sectors such as climate tech, healthcare, AI, and fintech. The firm is particularly interested in projects that align with its finance-first approach, ensuring that investments not only yield financial gains but also create meaningful societal impacts.
The organization looks for visionary social entrepreneurs and sustainable disruptors who demonstrate a commitment to long-term value creation. Wilstar Innovate's investment strategy encompasses various stages, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Growth Equity, allowing it to support companies at different points in their development. The firm operates globally, reflecting its ambition to address pressing social and environmental challenges through its investments.
Wilstar Innovate has invested in several notable companies, including:
While specific additional portfolio companies were not detailed, Wilstar Innovate is known for supporting visionary social entrepreneurs and environmental change-makers globally. The firm focuses on companies that align with its mission of creating sustainable solutions and driving social impact.
Paulina Rider Wilhelmsen - Founder / Board Member. Paulina has a strong background in impact investing and social entrepreneurship, contributing to the strategic direction of Wilstar Innovate.
Francesca Wilhelmsen - Co-Founder / Board Member. Francesca brings expertise in sustainable business practices and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment philosophy.
Solveig A. Wilhelmsen - Co-Founder / Board Member. Solveig has a background in finance and impact investing, focusing on aligning investments with social impact goals.
Agnes Wilhelmsen - Board Member. Agnes contributes her experience in governance and strategic oversight to the board.
Emily Rider Wilhelmsen - Programme Manager / Board Member. Emily manages programs that support social entrepreneurs and oversees the impact measurement framework.
Carl Oscar Wilhelmsen - Board Member. Carl Oscar provides insights into the maritime industry and its intersection with sustainable practices.
Astrid Sørgaard - Board Chair. Astrid leads the board in strategic decision-making and governance.
Marcus Bleasdale - Managing Director. Marcus oversees the investment strategy and portfolio management, focusing on achieving financial and social returns.
Hanne Mork Gentzel - Investment Director. Hanne is responsible for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities aligned with the firm's mission.
Jean-Guillaume Marquaire - Investment Director. Jean-Guillaume focuses on due diligence and portfolio management, ensuring alignment with impact goals.
To pitch Wilstar Innovate, founders should submit their proposals through the official website at wilstar.no. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market analysis, and how the startup aligns with Wilstar's impact investment strategy.
Founders are encouraged to provide detailed information about their team, product, and growth plans. While there is no specified response time, it is advisable to follow up if no communication is received within a reasonable timeframe. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Wilstar operates two main investment platforms:
These platforms allow Wilstar to address a wide range of social and environmental challenges through targeted investments and support for social entrepreneurs.
As of March 2026, Wilstar Innovate continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on investments that align with its mission of driving social and environmental change. The firm recently supported Alotta in raising NOK 63.5M to accelerate its international growth.
Wilstar Innovate has also been active in forming partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to social impact, enhancing its ability to support portfolio companies effectively.
What are Wilstar Innovate's investment criteria?
Wilstar Innovate focuses on disruptive sustainable technologies and innovative solutions that contribute to social and environmental change. The firm seeks to invest in sectors such as climate tech, healthcare, AI, and fintech, prioritizing projects that align with its finance-first approach.
How can founders pitch to Wilstar Innovate?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the official website at wilstar.no. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and how the project aligns with Wilstar's impact investment goals.
What makes Wilstar Innovate different from other investors?
Wilstar Innovate distinguishes itself by its finance-first impact investment strategy, which aims to generate competitive financial returns while fostering positive disruption in various sectors. This dual focus on financial performance and social impact sets it apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of Wilstar Innovate's investments?
Wilstar Innovate operates globally, with a particular emphasis on sectors that address social and environmental challenges. The firm has a diverse portfolio that spans multiple continents.
What kind of support does Wilstar Innovate provide to its portfolio companies?
Wilstar Innovate adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic support and access to a network of partners, including industry leaders and organizations focused on social impact. This support is designed to help companies achieve their growth objectives while maintaining their commitment to social responsibility.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Wilstar Innovate?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Wilstar Innovate invests across various stages, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Growth Equity, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs of the startup.
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