Top 12 Business Networking Investors in the Nordics
Top 12 Business Networking Investors in the Nordics
The business networking industry in the Nordics is vibrant and evolving. It encompasses a wide variety of companies focused on connecting professionals and promoting collaboration within the business environment. These firms range from tech startups offering innovative networking platforms to established players providing events and consulting services. With the rise of remote work and digital communication, there is a growing demand for tools that facilitate networking opportunities online. Additionally, there’s an increasing focus on inclusivity and diversity in business networking, reflecting Nordic values. The industry is expected to further expand as businesses seek advanced solutions to foster connections and enhance growth.
The investors listed here represent a mix of venture capital and private equity firms, headquartered primarily in Stockholm, Sweden, and Helsinki, Finland. Established between 1865 and 2018, these firms vary in size, from smaller teams to large organizations with thousands of employees. In 2024, the group collectively executed deals contributing to the expansion of the business networking market, revealing their ongoing commitment to innovation and professional connections.
Top 12 Business Networking Investors in the Nordics
1. EQT Group
- Website: eqtgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 30
- LinkedIn: eqt-partners
EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Notable transactions include their investment in Voilà, a Berlin-based company that raised €8.8 million to accelerate its European expansion, highlighting EQT's focus on growth and networking in the tech sector. Additionally, their involvement in FoodHack, which secured funding for an investment platform aimed at people and planetary investing, showcases EQT's commitment to innovative business networking solutions. Their acquisition of Adamo Telecom Iberia further emphasizes their interest in telecommunications, a critical component of business networking.
2. Almi
- Website: almi.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: almi-ab
Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notable transactions include their investment in DOSPACE, which raised 7.8 million in capital to accelerate growth, indicating a focus on innovative solutions that could be relevant to business networking. Additionally, Almi has participated in various funding rounds for companies like Netrounds and Appliedgroup Nordic, which may also have implications in the networking space. These investments reflect Almi's commitment to supporting diverse sectors, including those that intersect with business networking.
3. Nokia
- Website: nokia.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1865
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: nokia
Nokia Corporation, founded in 1865 and based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, is a leading telecommunications and technology solutions provider. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Nokia specializes in networking technology and digital transformation, offering a wide range of products and services that include cloud infrastructure, mobile networks, and security solutions. Notably, Nokia has been involved in several significant transactions that enhance its position in the business networking sector. For instance, the acquisition of Avvenu in 2007 aimed to bolster their networking capabilities, while the acquisition of DeepField in 2016 was intended to enhance network and service automation through real-time analytics. Furthermore, the acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent in 2015 for €15.6 billion significantly expanded Nokia's market presence and capabilities in mobile equipment manufacturing, making it a key player in the networking industry.
4. Talent Venture Group
- Website: talentventuregroup.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: talent-venture-group
Talent Venture Group is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in HR and Talent Tech, investing in early-stage startups that aim to improve the hiring process and foster better employer-employee relationships. Notable transactions include investments in Nova, which focuses on innovative hiring solutions, and Future Talent Council, which aims to enhance workforce development and networking among professionals. Their portfolio also includes UBI Global, Agentum, and KarriärFöretagen, all of which contribute to the business networking landscape by providing platforms and services that facilitate connections in the talent acquisition and HR sectors.
5. Creandum
- Website: creandum.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: creandum
Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies. They provide venture capital investment, strategic support, and networking opportunities to startups across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. Notably, Creandum has participated in several relevant transactions, such as Good Monday, a workspace management company that raised $4M to expand its operations, highlighting their interest in business networking solutions. Additionally, their investment in Syft, a flexible staffing app, further demonstrates their commitment to supporting platforms that enhance business networking and operational efficiency. Creandum's business model focuses on nurturing companies from seed to IPO, leveraging their expertise and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed.
6. Vendep Capital
- Website: vendep.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: vendepcapital
Vendep Capital is a venture capital firm based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in B2B SaaS investments across the Nordics and Baltics, providing funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage software companies. Vendep Capital focuses on supporting startups from pre-seed to series A stages, leveraging their expertise and networks to drive growth. Among their notable transactions, they led a €1.2M funding round for Brella, a networking application for business events, showcasing their commitment to the business networking sector. Additionally, they have invested in other SaaS companies like Agileday, which, while not directly a networking platform, contributes to the broader B2B ecosystem. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their active role in fostering innovation and growth in the technology and networking industries.
7. Verdane
- Website: verdane.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: verdane-capital
Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. Specializing in growth equity investments, Verdane focuses on technology-enabled companies that are poised for scaling. They provide not only capital but also hands-on support to help businesses enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Tradedoubler in 2005, a company that plays a significant role in digital marketing and networking, and PerformIQ in 2014, which emphasizes performance management solutions. More recently, Verdane has invested in Jobylon, a recruitment platform that connects businesses with potential employees, further demonstrating their commitment to enhancing business networking capabilities. Their focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends positions them well within the evolving landscape of business networking.
8. Heartcore Capital
- Website: heartcore.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 2007
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: heartcorecapital
Heartcore Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs with both capital and guidance throughout their business journey. Heartcore operates globally and emphasizes building long-term relationships with founders to help them achieve their goals. Notably, Heartcore has invested in Tyba, a platform that raised $4.4 million in seed funding, which connects job seekers with employers, highlighting their interest in business networking. They also participated in the funding of HeyJobs, a German career platform that raised $47 million in Series B financing, further showcasing their engagement in the business networking space. Their diverse portfolio, including investments in companies like BLAST Premier and Reddit, reflects their broad interest in technology and innovation, while still maintaining a focus on platforms that facilitate professional connections.
9. Seed Capital Denmark
- Website: seedcapital.dk
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: seed-capital-denmark
Seed Capital Denmark is a venture capital firm based in Frederiksberg, Denmark, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in providing seed funding and advisory services to technology startups, focusing on sectors such as SaaS and Fintech. With a strong track record of successful investments, Seed Capital supports its portfolio companies from seed stage to exit. Notable transactions include their investment in Good Monday, a workspace management company that raised $4 million to expand and enhance product development, indicating their interest in companies that facilitate business networking. Additionally, they have invested in Airtame, which raised $1.4 million for a product launch, and Qvest, which raised $730,000 in a pre-seed round. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting innovative startups that may contribute to the business networking landscape.
10. EQT Ventures
- Website: eqtventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 28
- LinkedIn: eqt-ventures
EQT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage tech startups, providing not only financial support but also operational assistance to entrepreneurs. They leverage a global network of industry experts and resources to foster growth and innovation. Among their notable transactions, EQT Ventures led a $40 million Series C funding round for Handshake, a career network aimed at US college students, which highlights their commitment to investing in business networking solutions. Additionally, they participated in a $36 million Series B funding round for Knoetic, a company focused on enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement, further showcasing their interest in platforms that facilitate professional networking and collaboration.
11. VNV Global AB
- Website: vnv.global
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: vostok-new-ventures-ltd
VNV Global AB is a venture capital investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1996. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to innovative companies across various sectors, including Mobility and Digital Health. VNV Global aims to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in developing scalable and sustainable business models, emphasizing long-term profitability and the creation of strong market positions. Notably, VNV Global has been involved in significant transactions in the business networking context, such as their investments in Wuzzuf and Forasna, which are leading recruiting platforms in Egypt that raised $6 million in Series B funding. These platforms are designed to connect job seekers with employers, thereby enhancing professional networking opportunities. Additionally, their investment in Fika, a social and dating app, showcases their interest in platforms that facilitate social connections, further aligning with the business networking theme. Overall, VNV Global's diverse investment strategy and involvement in networking-related companies position them as a relevant player in the business networking investor category.
12. CapMan
- Website: capman.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: capman
CapMan Oyj is an investment management firm based in Helsinki, Finland, specializing in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and natural capital investments. Founded in 1989, CapMan serves institutional investors by providing access to a variety of investment strategies aimed at achieving sustainable returns. With a strong presence in the Nordic markets, CapMan leverages its expertise to manage funds and drive value creation for its clients. Notable transactions include investments in The North Alliance and Kokoc Group, both of which are companies that could be involved in business networking or related services. Additionally, their investment in MAYKOR, a significant player in IT services, further illustrates their engagement in sectors that may intersect with business networking.
Business Networking Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
| Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
| Nokia | Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland | 10001+ | 1865 | 3 |
| Talent Venture Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2018 | 0 |
| Creandum | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2003 | 17 |
| Vendep Capital | Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2016 | 5 |
| Verdane | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1985 | 7 |
| Heartcore Capital | Copenhagen, Denmark | 11-50 | 2007 | 17 |
| Seed Capital Denmark | Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark | 1-10 | 2004 | 5 |
| EQT Ventures | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2015 | 28 |
| VNV Global AB | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 1996 | 1 |
| CapMan | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 51-200 | 1989 | 4 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the business networking industry?
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