The marine autonomous vehicles industry in the Nordics is at the forefront of maritime innovation, developing technologies that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Companies range from tech startups creating autonomous vessels to established marine solution providers focusing on underwater monitoring and navigation systems. Notably, regions like Norway and Finland are leveraging their maritime heritage to spearhead advancements in robotics and AI applications for ships and underwater vehicles. By 2030, the sector is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing demand for safer and more eco-friendly solutions in marine transportation and exploration.

This list showcases 14 notable investors with diverse backgrounds in the marine autonomous vehicles sector. Headquartered across Sweden, Norway, and Finland, these investors include corporate giants like Equinor and private equity firms like Ferd AS. Ranging from 11 to over 10,000 employees, their footprint is substantial, having been established from 1814 to 2017. In 2024, they collectively executed numerous deals, reflecting their strong commitment to funding innovation in marine technologies that are pivotal for the industry's growth.

Top 14 Marine Autonomous Vehicles 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 through tailored financial solutions. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies such as TBS Yard, which is involved in shipbuilding and marine technology, and Waves4Power, which focuses on wave energy solutions. These investments indicate Almi's engagement in the marine sector, although the specific focus on marine autonomous vehicles is not explicitly highlighted in their portfolio.

2. Katapult

• Website: katapult.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several relevant transactions in the marine autonomous vehicles context, including Open Ocean Robotics, which raised over $2 million in a venture round, and ACUA Ocean, which raised $285,000 in a pre-seed round. Additionally, they invested in Zeabuz, which raised $315,362 in a seed round. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the marine technology sector, particularly those related to autonomous vehicles and ocean sustainability.

3. Wärtsilä

• Website: wartsila.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 1834
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: wartsila

Wärtsilä Corporation, founded in 1834 and based in Helsinki, Finland, is a leading technology company specializing in innovative solutions for the marine and energy markets. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Wärtsilä focuses on enhancing operational performance and reducing environmental impact for its customers in the marine and energy sectors. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the marine industry, including the acquisition of Eniram in 2016, a company specializing in energy management and analytics solutions, which enhances Wärtsilä's digital offerings and performance optimization in marine operations. Additionally, Wärtsilä acquired Ships Electronic Services Ltd in 2019, which specializes in navigation and communication electronics, further strengthening its service capabilities in the marine market. These transactions highlight Wärtsilä's commitment to advancing technology in the marine sector, making it a relevant player in the marine autonomous vehicles industry.

4. Equinor

• Website: equinor.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA is a public entity based in Stavanger, Norway, operating primarily in the energy sector with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. Founded in 1972, Equinor is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. In recent years, Equinor has made significant investments in companies that are relevant to the marine autonomous vehicles sector. For instance, they led a $20 million Series B funding round for Vaarst, which specializes in computer vision and data management, technologies that are crucial for the development of autonomous marine systems. Additionally, Equinor's venture division participated in a funding round for ScoutDI, a company focused on drone inspections, which can be integral to marine operations. These transactions highlight Equinor's strategic interest in advancing technologies that can enhance efficiency and sustainability in marine environments.

5. Kongsberg Maritime

• Website: kongsberg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway
• Founded year: 1814
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: kongsberg-maritime

Kongsberg Maritime, a subsidiary of Kongsberg Gruppen, is a technology provider based in Kongsberg, Norway, specializing in advanced solutions for the maritime sector, among others. Founded in 1814, the company has a long history of innovation and collaboration with various stakeholders. Kongsberg Maritime has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the marine sector, including the acquisition of Hydroid in 2007, which specializes in autonomous underwater vehicles, and GeoAcoustics Ltd. in 2008, known for its underwater acoustics technology. More recently, Kongsberg acquired Naxys Technologies in 2023, further solidifying its position in underwater monitoring and environmental technologies. These transactions reflect Kongsberg's commitment to advancing marine autonomous vehicle technologies and enhancing operational efficiency in maritime operations.

6. 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 based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Eagle Marine Services, which operates a significant container terminal, and Tampnet, known for its offshore communication networks. These investments highlight EQT's engagement in the marine sector, particularly in logistics and communication, which are critical components for the development and operation of marine autonomous vehicles. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Bergen Engines AS and Rolls-Royce Power Systems reflects its broader interest in the energy and power systems that could support marine technologies.

7. Addtech AB

• Website: addtech.se
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1906
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: addtech-ab

Addtech AB is a technology solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1906. The company specializes in high-tech products and services across various sectors, including automation, electrification, energy, industrial solutions, and process technology. Addtech serves OEM manufacturers and end-users, helping them enhance operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions. Notably, in May 2023, Addtech acquired a 90% stake in Feritech Global, a company focused on bespoke technical solutions for the geotechnical subsea sector, which aligns with marine technologies. This acquisition aims to bolster Addtech's growth in the offshore wind power industry, indicating a strategic interest in marine applications. Other acquisitions, such as Penlink AB and Q-tronic, further demonstrate Addtech's commitment to expanding its technological capabilities, although they are less directly related to marine autonomous vehicles.

8. Indutrade Life Science

• Website: indutrade.se
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that specializes in developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial solutions. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made strategic acquisitions relevant to the marine industry, such as Precision Products, which supplies piston rings to the marine engine sector. This acquisition aligns with Indutrade's strategy to build clusters of niche companies with specialized expertise, indicating a potential interest in marine technologies, including marine autonomous vehicles. Other acquisitions, while not directly related to the marine sector, showcase Indutrade's commitment to enhancing its portfolio with technically proficient companies.

9. A.P. Moller - Maersk

• Website: maersk.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Founded year: 1904
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: maersk-group

A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S is a leading logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in shipping and logistics services globally. Founded in 1904, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and provides comprehensive solutions for shipping, port operations, supply chain management, and warehousing. In recent years, Maersk has shown a keen interest in innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency, particularly in the realm of autonomous vehicles. They have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like ISEE, which develops self-driving yard truck solutions, and Einride, a Swedish startup focused on autonomous trucks. These investments reflect Maersk's commitment to integrating autonomous technologies into their logistics operations, thereby positioning themselves at the forefront of the evolving landscape of marine and logistics automation.

10. Volvo Group

• Website: volvogroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sweden
• Founded year: 1927
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: volvo-group

Volvo Group is a corporate investor based in Sweden, founded in 1927, specializing in the manufacturing of trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. The company is dedicated to providing efficient and sustainable solutions for the transportation and construction sectors. In recent years, Volvo Group has been actively investing in innovative technologies, including autonomous vehicle solutions. Notably, they participated in the Series B funding round for Peloton Technology, which is developing advanced automation solutions for commercial vehicles, including the world's first commercial two-truck driver-assistive platooning system. This involvement highlights Volvo Group's commitment to enhancing transportation efficiency and sustainability, making them a relevant player in the marine autonomous vehicles sector as well.

11. Ferd AS

• Website: ferd.no
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: ferd-as

Ferd AS is a private equity investment company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on creating lasting value through various business activities, including investment management, real estate development, and support for social entrepreneurs. Ferd AS has made significant investments in the marine technology sector, notably acquiring a 25 percent stake in General Oceans, an ocean technology group, which includes several leading companies in the field. This acquisition, announced on December 20, 2023, positions Ferd to enhance its expertise and funding for further developments in marine technologies. Additionally, Ferd participated in a financing round for Eniram Ltd, a maritime emissions control provider, and was involved in the Series A funding for Wind Catching Systems, a startup focused on offshore wind technologies. These transactions highlight Ferd's strategic interest in advancing marine technologies, including those related to autonomous vehicles.

12. Saab

• Website: saab.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1937
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: saab

Saab AB is a leading aerospace and defense company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1937. The company specializes in advanced military defense systems and civil security solutions, serving a global market with innovative technologies in aviation, radar, and missile systems. Saab operates in over 30 countries, focusing on enhancing security and defense capabilities worldwide. Notably, Saab has made significant strides in the marine autonomous vehicles sector through strategic acquisitions. In 2007, Saab acquired Seaeye Holdings Ltd, enhancing its underwater vehicle product portfolio and expanding its market presence in offshore and maritime security. More recently, in 2023, Saab acquired Blue Bear Systems Research, a UK-based provider of autonomous technologies, further solidifying its capabilities in autonomous systems and AI. These acquisitions reflect Saab's commitment to advancing its offerings in the marine domain, particularly in autonomous vehicles.

13. Lifeline Ventures

• Website: lifelineventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: lifeline-ventures

Lifeline Ventures is a Helsinki-based venture capital firm founded in 2009, specializing in early-stage investments in startups across various sectors. The firm focuses on providing financial backing and advisory services to resilient founders, helping them grow and scale their businesses. In 2024, Lifeline Ventures participated in a venture round for Seaber, a company that is likely involved in marine autonomous vehicle technology, indicating their interest in this sector. Additionally, they have invested in other technology-driven companies such as NewOrbit Space and Varjo, which, while not directly related to marine autonomous vehicles, showcase their broader investment strategy in innovative technologies.

14. 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. EQT Ventures connects startups with a global network of industry experts and resources to foster growth and innovation. Notably, EQT Ventures has made significant investments in Candela Technology AB, a Swedish company that designs electric hydrofoils and aims to revolutionize marine transportation with its electric-powered boats. In 2024, EQT Ventures participated in a Series C funding round for Candela, raising €24.5 million alongside other investors, and previously led a funding round that raised $20 million to support the mass production of Candela's electric ferry. These transactions highlight EQT Ventures' active role in the marine technology sector, particularly in promoting sustainable and innovative solutions for marine transportation.

Marine Autonomous Vehicles Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Katapult	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	11-50	2017	8
Wärtsilä	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	10001+	1834	0
Equinor	Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway	10001+	1972	6
Kongsberg Maritime	Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway	5001-10000	1814	1
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Addtech AB	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1906	9
Indutrade Life Science	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1978	14
A.P. Moller - Maersk	Copenhagen, Denmark	10001+	1904	4
Volvo Group	Sweden	10001+	1927	4
Ferd AS	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1998	0
Saab	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	10001+	1937	1
Lifeline Ventures	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	1-10	2009	14
EQT Ventures	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	2015	28

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