The child development center industry in the Nordics focuses on providing quality early childhood education and care through preschools, daycare centers, and educational technology. Companies range from large educational providers, like Academedia, to innovative EdTech startups emphasizing interactive learning. The sector prioritizes child safety, curriculum development, and skill enhancement to nurture young minds. Notably, trends show increased investment in digital solutions and parent engagement platforms, allowing for personalized child development. Statistics indicate a growing demand for high-quality programs as parents recognize the value of early education in fostering foundational skills, setting up the industry for continued evolution.


This list highlights 16 prominent investors actively engaged in the child development center sector across the Nordics. These investors embody a mix of corporate entities, venture capitalists, and private equity firms, headquartered primarily in Stockholm and Oslo. Founded between 1986 and 2017, the firms range in size from small, agile teams to large investment groups. For 2024, these investors collectively reported 67 deals, targeting companies specializing in education and childcare. Their strategic interest showcases their diverse approaches to supporting the growth and innovation within this essential industry.


Top 16 Child Development Center Investors in the Nordics


1. Academedia

  • Website: academedia.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: academedia

AcadeMedia AB, founded in 1996 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a leading education provider that offers a wide range of educational services, including preschool, primary, secondary, and adult education. The company serves approximately 200,000 individuals annually, emphasizing quality and development opportunities across various educational institutions. Notably, Academedia has made several strategic acquisitions in the preschool sector, including Touhula Päiväkodit in 2024, Espira in 2014, Pysslingen in 2011, Stepke in 2017, and Joki Kinderbetreuung in 2016. These acquisitions reflect Academedia's commitment to enhancing its operations in the child development center space and expanding its footprint in the early childhood education market.


2. 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 multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the education sector, including Touhula Varhaiskasvatus Oy, where they became the majority owner, and Academedia AB, which focuses on educational services. Additionally, they have supported Dukes Education Group through credit facilities, further demonstrating their commitment to the education industry. These transactions highlight EQT's strategic interest in child development and education, making them a relevant player in this field.


3. 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. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has participated in various transactions, including a significant investment in Zcooly, an EdTech startup that raised over SEK 20 million to support its growth and product development. This investment highlights Almi's engagement in sectors that are relevant to child development and education, alongside other investments in technology and tourism sectors.


4. 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 in technology-enabled companies, providing capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane focuses on digitalization and decarbonization trends, primarily targeting technology companies looking to enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to the child development sector, including investments in Babyshop, a retailer specializing in children's products, and Zcooly, an EdTech startup that raised significant funding to develop educational games for children. These investments demonstrate Verdane's engagement in the child development space, making them a potential investor for child development centers.


5. Polaris Private Equity


Polaris Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on mid-sized companies in the Nordic region through tailored investment strategies that include private equity, flexible capital, and public equity. Polaris partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements, helping these companies realize their full potential. Notably, Polaris has made significant investments in the child development sector, including the acquisition of Pysslingen, a company involved in childcare services, and Hitowa Holdings, which provides childcare support services. Additionally, their investment in BabySam, Denmark’s leading baby equipment retailer, highlights their engagement with products and services that cater to families and children, reinforcing their commitment to the child development industry.


6. Sparkmind.vc

  • Website: sparkmind.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sparkmind-vc

Sparkmind.vc is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in the learning sector, investing in innovative educational technology startups to transform learning experiences. In 2024, Sparkmind.vc participated in a Series A funding round for Tiney, which raised over $9 million, indicating their commitment to supporting child development initiatives. Additionally, they have invested in Kide Science, a Finnish edtech startup focused on enhancing learning experiences for children, which raised €1.5 million in a seed round and €1 million in a bridge financing round. Their investment in Lexplore, a Swedish EdTech firm, further demonstrates their focus on educational growth. Overall, Sparkmind.vc provides funding and expertise to businesses in the education industry, making them a relevant player in the child development center space.


7. 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 diverse investment strategies aimed at achieving sustainable returns. Notably, CapMan has made significant investments in the child development sector, including the acquisition of Espira, a company focused on early childhood education, and HopLop, a children's indoor play center chain that has experienced substantial growth and internationalization. These transactions highlight CapMan's commitment to enhancing value in the child development space, leveraging its expertise to drive growth in businesses that support children's development and recreational activities.


8. Nordic Capital

  • Website: nordiccapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nordic-capital

Nordic Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including healthcare and technology, with a strong focus on creating long-term value and sustainability in its portfolio companies. Notably, Nordic Capital has made significant investments in the child safety sector, including the acquisition of Britax, a leading manufacturer of child car seats, in 2010 for approximately $717 million. They also acquired Britax Childcare Holdings Ltd, further solidifying their presence in the child safety market. In 2015, Nordic Capital Fund VII acquired a majority stake in Max-Inf, a China-based manufacturer of child restraint systems, enhancing their relationship with Britax and expanding their reach in Asian markets. These transactions highlight Nordic Capital's commitment to investing in companies that contribute to child safety and development, making them a relevant player in this industry.


9. Albert

  • Website: hejalbert.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: albert-ab

Albert is an educational technology company based in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 2015. It specializes in interactive learning applications for children aged 2-16, providing a variety of subjects and exercises aimed at making learning enjoyable and effective. Albert operates on a subscription model, catering primarily to families seeking engaging educational content for their children. In recent years, Albert has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its offerings in the educational sector. Notably, it acquired Jaramba for 10 million SEK, focusing on educational content for younger children (ages 2-5). Additionally, Albert acquired Holy Owly for approximately $2.4 million, and Film och Skola for $7.2 million, both of which enhance its portfolio in child-focused educational resources. These transactions highlight Albert's active role in the child development space, reinforcing its relevance as an investor in this industry.


10. Nalka

  • Website: nalka.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: nalka

Nalka is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on developing independent companies in the Nordic and DACH regions, providing investment management and strategic support to small- and medium-sized businesses. Nalka emphasizes sustainable growth and responsible ownership. Notably, Nalka has made significant acquisitions in the child development sector, including Lekolar, which specializes in educational materials and supplies, and Barnas Hus, a retailer of children's products. These transactions highlight Nalka's engagement in the child development industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the growth and development of children.


11. Procuritas

  • Website: procuritas.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: procuritas-ab

Procuritas is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in private equity and growth capital investments, partnering with entrepreneurs and business owners to provide capital and strategic guidance aimed at achieving market leadership. Their portfolio spans various industries, including e-commerce and healthcare. Notably, Procuritas has made significant investments in the child-related market, including the acquisition of Lekolar, a provider of educational materials, and Polarn O. Pyret, a Swedish children's clothing provider. These transactions reflect their commitment to fostering long-term growth in sectors that support child development and education.


12. Kahoot!

  • Website: kahoot.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: kahoot

Kahoot! is an educational technology company founded in 2012 and based in Oslo, Norway. It offers a game-based learning platform designed to engage users through interactive quizzes and educational games. Kahoot! serves a diverse audience, including teachers, students, businesses, and families, providing tools that enhance learning and training experiences. The company operates on a subscription model, allowing users to access various features and content. Kahoot! has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its educational offerings, including:1. **Poio**: Acquired on May 14, 2019, for $6.5 million, Poio is a platform aimed at improving literacy skills, making it particularly relevant for early childhood education.2. **DragonBox**: Acquired on May 8, 2019, for $18 million, DragonBox is a math app that enhances children's understanding of mathematics, aligning with educational goals in child development centers.3. **Drops**: Acquired on November 24, 2020, for a total of $31 million, Drops focuses on language learning, further expanding Kahoot!'s educational resources for children.4. **Motimate**: Acquired on April 7, 2021, for approximately $26 million, Motimate provides employee engagement and learning software, which, while more focused on adult learning, indicates Kahoot!'s broader interest in educational technology.


13. Finnfund

  • Website: finnfund.fi
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: finnfund

Finnfund is a not-for-profit development financier and impact investor based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1980. The organization focuses on creating sustainable futures by investing in companies that address global development challenges, particularly in developing countries. Finnfund provides investment and advisory services to promote economic growth and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, they have invested in SPARK Schools, which raised $10 million in a Series C round in February 2021, aimed at enhancing educational access and quality. This investment highlights Finnfund's commitment to supporting educational initiatives that align with child development goals. Additionally, their involvement in other sectors, such as healthcare with Penda Health and CIM Sante, showcases their diverse investment strategy while still maintaining a focus on impactful projects.


14. Cni


CNI Advisory AB is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in funding and supporting entrepreneurial businesses across various sectors, focusing on creating sustainable shareholder value through capital and strategic guidance. Cni has been involved in several relevant transactions in the child development context, including Babyland Online Nordic, which raised funds in 2019 and focuses on children's products, and KidsBrandStore, which raised over $4 million in 2018, providing a platform for children's brands. Additionally, their investment in Mindler, an edtech firm, highlights their interest in educational initiatives, further aligning them with the child development sector.


15. Innovation Norway


Innovation Norway is a public entity established in 2004 that supports Norwegian businesses through financing, advisory services, and networking opportunities. They focus on fostering innovation and sustainable growth, particularly for startups and companies aiming for international expansion. Their services include grants, loans, and various business development programs. Notably, they have been involved in transactions relevant to the child development sector, such as providing a grant to VoxiKids, which raised $210,830 to develop educational tools for children. Additionally, they participated in a venture round for Leap Learning, which raised $516,000, indicating their interest in educational technology and child development solutions. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative projects that can positively impact child development.


16. Litorina

  • Website: litorina.se
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: litorina

Litorina is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in private equity investments in Nordic niche market-leading companies, focusing on well-managed, profitable businesses in the business services and consumer sectors. Litorina partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to provide capital, strategic guidance, and operational support to drive growth and value creation. Notably, Litorina acquired Leos Lekland on October 29, 2014, a prominent player in the child entertainment and development sector, which operates indoor play centers designed for children. This acquisition highlights Litorina's engagement in the child development space, showcasing their interest in businesses that contribute to children's growth and leisure. Additionally, they have invested in Klinikk For Alle, a leading provider of physical manual therapy in Norway, which, while not directly related to child development, demonstrates their broader investment strategy in health and wellness sectors.



Child Development Center Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AcademediaStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+19961
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
VerdaneOslo, Oslo, Norway51-20019857
Polaris Private EquityCopenhagen, Denmark51-20019984
Sparkmind.vcHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020172
CapManHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019894
Nordic CapitalStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-500198910
AlbertGothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden51-20020150
NalkaStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5020151
ProcuritasStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019860
Kahoot!Oslo, Oslo, Norway501-100020120
FinnfundHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland51-20019807
CniStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1020121
Innovation NorwayOslo, Oslo, Norway501-100020048
LitorinaStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019980


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