Top 16 Interior Design Investors in the Nordics
Top 16 Interior Design Investors in the Nordics
The interior design industry in the Nordics reflects a blend of functionality and aesthetics that prioritizes sustainability and innovation. This sector features a variety of companies, including furniture makers, architectural firms, and materials suppliers, who collaborate to create environmentally-conscious spaces. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards adaptable designs, with an emphasis on multifunctionality and durability, meeting the evolving needs of both residential and commercial clients. Nordic designers often draw inspiration from nature, leading to a unique style characterized by minimalism and simplicity. As eco-friendly solutions gain traction, the industry frequently explores biophilic designs that integrate natural elements indoors.
In 2024, a varied group of investors shaped the interior design sector across the Nordics. These investors, including private equity firms, corporate entities, and venture capital firms, primarily hail from major urban centers such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo. With sizes ranging from small teams to large organizations, their founding years often span several decades, indicating established reputations. Deal activity peaked in 2024, with significant investments indicating strong interest in companies like ASSA ABLOY Group and Nobia, as they navigate and capitalize on emerging design trends amidst a rapidly evolving market.
Top 16 Interior Design Investors in the Nordics
1. Nobia
- Website: nobia.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: nobia-ab
Nobia AB, founded in 1996 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a prominent kitchen furniture manufacturer specializing in custom built-in kitchens and related products. The company serves both consumers and businesses, providing comprehensive kitchen design and installation services across several European countries. Nobia has a strong brand portfolio that allows it to deliver high-quality kitchen solutions. Notably, Nobia has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its market presence, including the acquisition of CIE plc and Commodore Kitchens in 2015 for a total of GBP 28 million. This move aimed to strengthen Nobia's position in the UK kitchen market and improve earnings per share and operating margins. Other significant acquisitions include Novart Oy in 1997, Norema AS in 2000, and ewe Küchen Gesellschaft m.b.H. in 2005, all of which contribute to Nobia's extensive expertise and influence in the kitchen design sector, a key area of interior design.
2. 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, particularly in technology-enabled companies, and provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale. Verdane has been actively involved in the interior design sector through several key transactions. They led a $5M funding round for Hem, a design company based in Stockholm, which highlights their commitment to supporting innovative design solutions. Additionally, Verdane's investment in NORNORM, a subscription-based furnishing service, reflects their interest in sustainable and circular models in the interior design space. They also invested in Bemz, a company that designs sofa covers for IKEA sofas, further showcasing their engagement with interior design products. Overall, Verdane's focus on digitalization and decarbonization trends aligns with the evolving landscape of the interior design industry, making them a relevant investor 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 (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several companies within the interior design context, including Resize Design, which focuses on design solutions, and Beleco, a furniture company that raised $1,851,925 in a seed round in 2019. Other investments include IsoTimber and Forgotten Key, which, while not exclusively interior design-focused, contribute to the broader design and construction sectors. Almi's diverse portfolio and specific investments in design-related companies suggest a relevant interest in the interior design industry.
4. ASSA ABLOY Group
- Website: assaabloy.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 21
- LinkedIn: assaabloy
ASSA ABLOY Group is a leading security solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in locks, doors, gates, and entrance automation. Founded in 1994, the company has established itself as a leader in the security industry through a strong focus on innovation and a diverse product portfolio. In recent years, ASSA ABLOY has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its offerings in the commercial and residential markets. Notably, the acquisition of MAB, an Italian market leader in door closers, and Senior Architectural Systems, a UK-based manufacturer of aluminium fenestration solutions, highlight their commitment to expanding their product range in areas that are crucial for interior design. Additionally, the acquisition of Frameworks Manufacturing and Lawrence Hardware further demonstrates their strategy to enhance their market presence and product offerings, which are relevant to the design and functionality of interior spaces.
5. FSN Capital Partners
- Website: fsncapital.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: fsn-capital
FSN Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including services, green transition, industrials, and technology, with a focus on driving growth and transformation in its portfolio companies. Notably, FSN Capital has made significant investments in companies relevant to the interior design industry, such as the acquisition of HusCompagniet, a company involved in home construction and design, and Fibo-Trespo, which manufactures wall and ceiling panels. These transactions highlight FSN Capital's engagement in sectors that intersect with interior design, catering to institutional investors and pension funds seeking sustainable returns.
6. Accent Equity
- Website: accentequity.se
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: accent-equity-partners-ab
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 to create sustainable growth and superior returns. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Lunawood, a leader in thermally modified timber, which is significant for building materials used in interior design. Additionally, the acquisition of Belid, a company likely involved in lighting solutions, further emphasizes Accent Equity's engagement in sectors relevant to interior design. Other transactions include the acquisition of STENI AS, a Norwegian façade panel company, and East.dk ApS, which may also relate to design and aesthetics in building and interior applications. Overall, Accent Equity's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position it as a player in the interior design industry.
7. 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, founded in 1896. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the company serves professional builders across Europe, offering a wide range of heavy construction materials, including timber and eco-labelled products. STARK Group emphasizes sustainability and provides builders with valuable insights and product knowledge to support their construction projects efficiently. Notably, STARK Group has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the interior design market, including the acquisition of Kakeldaxgruppen AB and Centro Kakel & Klinker AB, both specialists in tiles, and the acquisition of FagFlis and FF Kakel AB, enhancing its presence in the ceramic tiles market. These transactions reflect STARK Group's commitment to expanding its offerings in areas that are crucial for interior design, thereby positioning itself as a relevant investor in this industry.
8. 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 HusCompagniet in 2015, a company focused on home construction, which aligns with interior design through its emphasis on residential projects. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Apleona in 2016, a firm that provides facility management and real estate services, further highlights their involvement in sectors that interface with interior design. Their investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, but their portfolio includes significant players in the construction and real estate sectors, which are integral to the interior design industry.
9. Altor Equity Partners
- Website: altor.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: altor
Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Notably, Altor has formed a new entity called Network of Design (NOD) and acquired companies such as String Furniture and Photowall, which are significant players in the interior design market. These acquisitions reflect Altor's commitment to investing in the design sector, alongside their broader investment strategies that include digital transformation solutions and tailored investment approaches.
10. 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, partnering with management teams and entrepreneurs to provide capital, strategic guidance, and operational support aimed at driving growth and value creation. Litorina focuses on well-managed, profitable companies primarily in the business services and consumer sectors. Notably, Litorina has made significant investments in companies relevant to the interior design industry, including the acquisition of ECO-Boråstapeter, a leading supplier of wallpapers, which had sales of approximately SEK 550 million in 2009. They also acquired CarpetVista, a prominent online carpet retailer, which reported annual sales exceeding SEK 200 million. These transactions highlight Litorina's engagement in the interior design market, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that enhance interior aesthetics and functionality.
11. Ratos
- Website: ratos.se
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1866
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: ratos
Ratos is a private equity investment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1866. The firm operates across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and consumer goods, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. Ratos aims to create value for its shareholders while addressing the diverse needs of its customer base. Notably, Ratos has made significant investments in the interior design context, including the acquisition of Gudrun Sjöden Design, which raised $17.8 million in funding, and Hafa Bathroom Group, which specializes in bathroom solutions. Additionally, Ratos acquired Flokk, a company that designs and manufactures office furniture, further emphasizing its involvement in the design sector. These transactions highlight Ratos's commitment to enhancing the interior design landscape through strategic investments.
12. Kinnevik
- Website: kinnevik.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1936
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: investment-ab-kinnevik
Kinnevik is a Stockholm-based investment company founded in 1936, known for partnering with innovative entrepreneurs across various sectors, including healthcare, software, marketplaces, and climate tech. They provide capital and operational support to help companies scale and create long-term value. Notably, Kinnevik has made significant investments in the home and living sector, particularly through their involvement with Westwing, a Munich-based e-commerce company specializing in home furnishings. Kinnevik led multiple funding rounds for Westwing, including a €30M venture capital funding round in 2015 and a €25M funding round in 2015, which helped the company enhance its growth plans in the home & living market. Additionally, Kinnevik participated in funding rounds for Mobly, a Brazilian home furnishings site, indicating their interest in expanding their portfolio within the interior design industry.
13. 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. The firm has a strong presence in the Nordic markets and leverages its expertise to manage funds and drive value creation for its clients. Notably, CapMan has been involved in several transactions relevant to the interior design industry, including the acquisition of Iconic Nordic Rooms in 2010, which focuses on Nordic design and decor. Additionally, they have invested in Finlayson, a company known for its textile products that often feature interior design elements. These transactions highlight CapMan's engagement with the interior design sector, making them a significant player in this space.
14. Sobro
- Website: sobro.se
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2007
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: sobro-ab
Sobro is a corporate investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing investment partnerships and business consulting services to strong entrepreneurs and management teams, fostering a positive corporate culture and facilitating growth across various sectors. Sobro operates by investing its own capital, allowing for flexibility in partnerships and support for businesses seeking to realize their visions. Notably, Sobro has been involved in several transactions relevant to the interior design context, including an investment in Tengbom, a prominent architectural firm, which plays a significant role in shaping interior spaces. Additionally, Sobro acquired Hässelby Blommor AB, one of Sweden's largest refined floristry companies, which caters to corporate clients and enhances interior environments through floral design. These transactions reflect Sobro's interest in businesses that contribute to the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces.
15. Maj Invest
- Website: majinvest.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: maj-invest
Maj Invest is an investment management firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in asset management and private equity. Founded in 2005, the firm focuses on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors across various sectors, including technology, life sciences, and energy transition. Notably, Maj Invest has made strategic acquisitions in the interior design space, including the purchase of Muuto in 2014 and a majority stake in ferm LIVING in 2020. These investments highlight their commitment to the interior design industry, alongside their broader investment strategy that emphasizes sustainability and responsible investing.
16. Intera Partners
- Website: interapartners.fi
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2007
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: intera-partners
Intera Partners is a private equity firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on growing and internationalizing Finnish and Swedish companies with revenues between €10-200 million. Intera Partners emphasizes responsible investing and building strong partnerships with business owners. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as the acquisition of Sitowise Oy and Normek Group, both of which are related to the construction and design sectors. Additionally, their investment in ARCO Architecture highlights their engagement in the interior design field, showcasing their capability to support companies that contribute to architectural and design innovation.
Interior Design Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nobia | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1996 | 0 |
| Verdane | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1985 | 7 |
| Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
| ASSA ABLOY Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 10001+ | 1994 | 21 |
| FSN Capital Partners | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1999 | 0 |
| Accent Equity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1994 | 4 |
| STARK Group | Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark | 10001+ | 1896 | 0 |
| EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
| Altor Equity Partners | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2003 | 6 |
| Litorina | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1998 | 0 |
| Ratos | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1866 | 0 |
| Kinnevik | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 1936 | 10 |
| CapMan | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 51-200 | 1989 | 4 |
| Sobro | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 2007 | 0 |
| Maj Invest | Copenhagen, Denmark | 51-200 | 2005 | 5 |
| Intera Partners | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 11-50 | 2007 | 2 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the interior design industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the interior designindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.With Inven, you'll also get to know:
- Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
- Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
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- ...and much more!
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