The timber harvesting industry in the Nordics is a critical sector rich with opportunities, driven by sustainable forestry practices. Companies range from large corporations to innovative startups, engaged in everything from timber production to advanced machinery for harvesting and processing. With a strong focus on sustainability, many Nordic businesses are embracing technology to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. The trend is also leaning towards the development of renewable materials, promoting eco-friendly construction solutions. Notably, the region's abundant forests—covering over 70% of Sweden and Finland—position the industry for a robust future as the global demand for timber surges.


This list features 13 influential investors in the Nordic timber harvesting sector, showcasing a mix of private equity firms, corporate entities, and venture capitalists. Hailing from major cities like Stockholm and Helsinki, these investors vary in size, many employing hundreds to thousands. Established over decades—some as far back as the early 1900s—these firms engaged in 2024 with a total of over 30 deals, reflecting their commitment to sustainable investments within the timber industry. Their strategies reveal multifaceted approaches to growing both established companies and promising start-ups.


Top 13 Timber Harvesting Investors in the Nordics


1. 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, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness. Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the timber harvesting industry, including an investment in Nordic Forestry Automation, which raised $979,591 in a Series A funding round in July 2023. This company focuses on automating processes in the forestry sector, indicating a direct link to timber harvesting. Additionally, Almi participated in a funding round for Södra, a prominent forestry cooperative, further solidifying its involvement in the timber industry. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting businesses within the forestry sector, making it a relevant investor in timber harvesting.


2. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Accent Equity aims to create sustainable growth and superior returns for its clientele across various sectors. Notably, the firm has been involved in significant transactions within the timber context, including the acquisition of Lunawood in December 2019. Lunawood is a leader in thermally modified timber, and under Accent Equity's ownership, the company is expected to continue its international growth. Additionally, Accent Equity has made investments in Eco Log Sweden, which, while not explicitly detailed, suggests a connection to the timber industry. These transactions highlight Accent Equity's engagement with timber-related businesses, reinforcing its relevance in the timber harvesting sector.


3. Stora Enso

  • Website: storaenso.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: stora-enso

Stora Enso Oyj, founded in 1998 and based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, is a prominent corporate investor in the forest industry, specializing in renewable materials and products. The company offers a diverse range of solutions, including packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, catering to various sectors such as food, consumer goods, and construction. Stora Enso emphasizes sustainability and innovation, aiding customers in transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives. Notably, in 2024, Stora Enso acquired the Junnikkala sawmill company for EUR 137 million, enhancing its timber harvesting capabilities. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for the biotech company Arevo AB, although this transaction is less directly related to timber harvesting. Overall, Stora Enso's strategic investments and acquisitions underscore its significant role in the timber industry.


4. Addtech Customised Solution


Addtech Customised Solution is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in high-tech products and services for the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Founded in 1906, the company operates through a decentralized model with 150 independent group companies, focusing on sustainable growth and entrepreneurship. In recent years, Addtech has made significant investments in the timber industry, including the acquisition of 80% of Nordautomation Oy, a Finnish company that specializes in log handling equipment for the wood industry, announced on September 11, 2018. Additionally, Addtech acquired 86% of Valutec Group AB, a leading manufacturer of timber kilns, for SEK 620 million, announced on February 21, 2020. These transactions highlight Addtech's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the timber sector, making it a relevant player in the timber harvesting industry.


5. 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. In December 2023, CapMan expanded its focus into the timber harvesting sector by acquiring Dasos Capital Oy, an asset management company that specializes in sustainable timberland investment, for approximately EUR 41.6 million. This acquisition is expected to enhance CapMan's assets under management by around EUR 630 million, further solidifying its commitment to natural capital investments and the timber industry.


6. 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. In 2022, Creandum co-led a €5.8 million seed funding round for Timberhub, an Amsterdam-based B2B platform for timber materials. This investment highlights their commitment to fostering innovation within the timber industry, as Timberhub aims to accelerate engineering growth and drive the digital transformation of timber-related processes. Creandum's business model focuses on nurturing companies from seed to IPO, leveraging their expertise and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed, including those in the timber sector.


7. Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd


Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd, founded in 1689 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a corporate investor specializing in outdoor power equipment. The company is well-known for its innovative solutions in forest, park, and garden maintenance, offering a diverse range of tools such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, and robotic mowers. Notably, Husqvarna has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its market presence, including the acquisition of Yazoo/Kees in 1999 and the assets of Dixon Industries in 2006 for approximately USD 34 million. These transactions reflect Husqvarna's commitment to expanding its product offerings and enhancing its position in the outdoor equipment market, which includes tools relevant to timber harvesting. Their focus on high-performance equipment aligns with the needs of professionals in the timber harvesting industry, making them a significant player in this sector.


8. 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. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, primarily targeting technology-enabled companies that are poised for scaling. Verdane emphasizes digitalization and decarbonization trends, providing capital and hands-on support to enhance operational efficiency and market position for its clients. Notably, Verdane has made significant strides in the timber harvesting context through its acquisition of Maskinklippet.se and Hylte Jakt och Lantman, aiming to establish a leading Nordic niche e-tailer in forestry, gardening, hunting, and outdoor products. This transaction highlights Verdane's engagement with the forestry sector, showcasing their ability to diversify their investment portfolio while still maintaining a connection to timber-related industries.


9. Nordic Waterproofing AB


Nordic Waterproofing AB is a corporate investor based in Sweden, specializing in waterproofing solutions for buildings and infrastructure. Founded in 1904, the company offers a range of products including waterproofing materials, prefabricated elements, and installation services, primarily serving construction companies and property developers. In 2022, Nordic Waterproofing expanded its operations by acquiring Annebergs Limtræ A/S through its Danish subsidiary Taasinge Elementer A/S. This acquisition, which secured 100% ownership of Annebergs Limtræ, aims to enhance Taasinge Elementer's value chain by ensuring its own production of glulam components, which are crucial for sustainable building solutions. This strategic move highlights Nordic Waterproofing's engagement in the timber industry, particularly in the context of engineered wood products. Additionally, they acquired Gordon Low Ltd, a UK-based specialist in lining solutions and waterproofing membranes, further diversifying their portfolio but not directly related to timber harvesting.


10. Sca

  • Website: sca.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sundsvall, Västernorrland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1929
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: sca-ecosystem

Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (SCA) is a corporate investor based in Sundsvall, Västernorrland, Sweden, founded in 1929. The company specializes in manufacturing a range of forest products, including pulp, packaging paper, sawn timber, and pellets. SCA serves various sectors, including packaging, construction, and energy, by providing sustainable materials and renewable energy solutions. A notable transaction in SCA's portfolio is the acquisition of the Latvian Forest Company, where SCA acquired 10,000 hectares of land, including 7,600 hectares of productive forest land, for SEK 260 million (€26.2 million) in April 2019. This acquisition highlights SCA's strategic focus on enhancing its forest resources to support its diverse product offerings and its active role in the timber harvesting industry.


11. Afry

  • Website: afry.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1895
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: afry

AFRY AB is a consulting and engineering firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1895. The company provides a wide range of services, including sustainability consulting, digital solutions, and project management across various industries. In 2021, AFRY made significant strides in the forestry sector by acquiring MosaicMill Oy, a company specializing in Smart Forestry digital solutions, as part of its strategy to become a global leader in this area. This acquisition highlights AFRY's commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in forestry operations. Additionally, they acquired Numerola Oy, a provider of digital solutions in wind power, further showcasing their focus on integrating technology into traditional industries. These transactions indicate that while AFRY operates in multiple sectors, they are actively engaging with the timber harvesting industry through innovative solutions.


12. Metsä Spring

  • Website: metsaspring.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: metsaspring

Metsä Spring is the innovation company of Metsä Group, a prominent forest industry company based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland. Founded in 2018, Metsä Spring focuses on investing in startups and innovations that enhance the production of renewable wood products, including pulp, paperboard, and tissue papers. The company emphasizes sustainability and efficient resource use in its operations. In 2023, Metsä Spring led a €3 million late seed funding round for the Finnish startup Fiberwood, which aims to develop and scale up production capabilities in the wood sector. Additionally, in May 2024, they participated in a Series A funding round for Fiberwood, raising over $8 million. These transactions highlight Metsä Spring's active role in supporting innovations that are relevant to the timber harvesting and wood product industries.


13. STARK Group

  • Website: starkgroup.dk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1896
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: stark-group-a-s

STARK Group is a prominent building materials distributor based in Frederiksberg, Denmark, serving professional builders across Europe. Founded in 1896, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and offers a wide range of heavy construction materials, including timber and eco-labelled products. STARK Group emphasizes sustainability, providing builders with insights and product knowledge to support their construction projects efficiently. In December 2022, STARK Group acquired three branches of Jewson from Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA for £740 million, which includes operations that are likely to involve timber products. This acquisition is expected to generate net sales of approximately £2.3 billion, further solidifying STARK Group's position in the building materials market, including timber.



Timber Harvesting Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
Stora EnsoHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland10001+19982
Addtech Customised SolutionStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500019061
CapManHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019894
CreandumStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50200317
Husqvarna (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., LtdStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden501-100016890
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
Nordic Waterproofing ABSweden501-100019040
ScaSundsvall, Västernorrland, Sweden1001-500019290
AfryStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+18951
Metsä SpringEspoo, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020181
STARK GroupFrederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark10001+18960


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