Top 18 Educational Research Services Investors in the Nordics
Top 18 Educational Research Services Investors in the Nordics
The educational research services industry in the Nordics focuses on enhancing learning experiences and outcomes through innovative technology and research. Companies in this sector range from startups to established firms, offering solutions such as digital learning platforms, assessment tools, and educational content. The industry is thriving, with investments flowing into technology that fosters engagement and personalized learning. Insights reveal a growing demand for tools that facilitate online education, spurred by recent global shifts towards digital and remote learning. As educational needs evolve, so too does the industry's potential for growth and transformation.
This list features 18 prominent investors in the Nordics’ educational research services sector. They are a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities based in cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki. The firms vary in size, from multinational corporations to niche venture capitalists, catering to companies focused on education innovation. Founded between 1889 and 2018, these investors have made significant strides in 2024, with total deal counts reflecting a strong interest in transformative educational technologies. Whether through direct investments or strategic acquisitions, their commitment is shaping the future of education in the Nordic region.
Top 18 Educational Research Services 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. 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 educational sector, including Studybee, which raised funds in multiple rounds (2017 and 2019) to develop its educational technology platform. Additionally, Almi's investment in Strawbees, a company that promotes creative learning through building and coding, further highlights their focus on educational innovation. These transactions demonstrate Almi's commitment to fostering growth in the educational research services industry.
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 based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions in the educational research services context, EQT acquired Academedia AB, a leading education provider in Sweden, in June 2010. They also invested in Nord Anglia Education, a global operator of premium international schools, indicating their commitment to the educational sector. Furthermore, their acquisition of Springer Science+Business Media in 2009 highlights their involvement in the publication of educational and academic content, reinforcing their relevance in the educational research services industry.
3. Business Finland
- Website: businessfinland.fi
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 26
- LinkedIn: business-finland
Business Finland is a public entity established in 2018 that supports Finnish companies in their growth and internationalization efforts. It offers funding, consulting services, and market opportunities to help businesses innovate and succeed in global markets. The organization plays a crucial role in promoting trade, tourism, and foreign investment in Finland. Notably, Business Finland has been involved in several transactions relevant to the educational research services sector, including a grant of approximately $29.9 million to Aalto University, which is known for its research and innovation in education. Additionally, Business Finland participated in funding rounds for Kide Science, an edtech startup that raised a total of €3.2 million, indicating its support for innovative educational solutions. Furthermore, it provided a grant of $302,703 to Lyfta, a company focused on educational content and learning experiences. These transactions highlight Business Finland's active role in supporting educational research and development.
4. 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 serves approximately 200,000 individuals annually. The company offers a comprehensive range of educational services, including preschool, primary, secondary, and adult education. AcadeMedia has been actively expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of the Swedish Education Group, which enhances its position in the upper secondary school and adult education markets. In 2023, AcadeMedia acquired Winford College BV, further extending its reach in the Dutch education sector. Other notable acquisitions include Plusgymnasiet, Stepke, and Espira, all aimed at strengthening their educational offerings and operational capabilities. These transactions reflect AcadeMedia's commitment to quality education and development opportunities for students across various educational institutions.
5. 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, Finland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in the learning sector, investing in innovative educational technology startups to transform learning experiences. Sparkmind.vc has been actively involved in several notable transactions, including leading a €5 million funding round for Lexplore, a Swedish EdTech firm, aimed at accelerating its growth in Western Europe and beyond. Additionally, they have invested in Kide Science, a Finnish startup, through multiple funding rounds, including a €1.5 million seed round and a €1 million bridge financing round, both focused on expanding the company's international reach and enhancing its educational offerings. Their portfolio also includes investments in School Day and Freeed, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting businesses in the education industry.
6. 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, focusing on digitalization and decarbonization trends. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, primarily targeting technology companies that seek to enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Among their notable transactions in the educational research services context, Verdane has invested in Schoolido, which focuses on educational resources, and Qbtech, which specializes in ADHD diagnostic software. They also acquired a significant stake in Lingit, a company that offers multilingual literacy support for dyslexics, and participated in funding rounds for Zcooly, an EdTech startup aimed at enhancing educational experiences. These investments highlight Verdane's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the educational sector.
7. Sanoma
- Website: sanoma.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1889
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- LinkedIn: sanoma
Sanoma is a media and educational publishing company based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1889. It provides a diverse range of learning solutions and media content, including printed and digital learning materials and teaching platforms. Sanoma serves educational institutions and media consumers across multiple European countries. Notably, Sanoma has made several key acquisitions to strengthen its position in the educational sector. In 2022, it acquired Pearson Italia for over $205 million, enhancing its educational offerings in Italy. In 2020, it acquired Santillana Spain, a leading provider of K-12 learning materials, for EUR 465 million, further solidifying its presence in the Spanish educational market. Additionally, the acquisition of Iddink Group in 2019 for EUR 277 million and itslearning in 2019, which had net sales of approximately EUR 30 million, highlight Sanoma's strategic focus on educational platforms and services. These transactions underscore Sanoma's commitment to advancing educational research and services across Europe.
8. Inventure
- Website: inventure.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 9
- LinkedIn: inventure
Inventure is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2005. The firm focuses on backing ambitious Nordic and Baltic founders, providing venture capital investment and portfolio management services to early-stage tech startups. Inventure has been involved in several notable transactions, including investments in ThingLink, an image tagging platform that has raised multiple rounds of funding to enhance its SaaS offerings, including virtual reality annotation. They also invested in Stravito, a knowledge management solution that raised €12.4 million in Series A funding to expand globally and accelerate product development. These investments highlight Inventure's commitment to supporting innovative companies that contribute to educational research and technology.
9. 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. Notably, Creandum has participated in significant funding rounds for educational technology companies, including Kahoot!, which raised $17 million in a Series B round in 2018, and $10 million in a Series A round in 2017. These investments highlight Creandum's commitment to nurturing companies that enhance educational experiences and services. Additionally, they have been involved in funding unitQ, which, while not strictly educational, contributes to product development and market expansion that can benefit educational tools and platforms. Creandum's business model focuses on nurturing companies from seed to IPO, leveraging their expertise and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed, making them a valuable player in the educational research services landscape.
10. Nordic Makers
- Website: nordicmakers.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: nordic-makers-vc
Nordic Makers is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing both funding and advisory services to help startups navigate challenges and achieve growth. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the Nordic region, with a focus on innovative companies across various sectors. Notably, Nordic Makers has invested in educational technology companies such as Labster, which raised $21 million in a Series B round to enhance virtual lab experiences for students, and Aula Education, which aims to create a digital campus for educational institutions. Their participation in these transactions highlights their interest in the educational research services sector, making them a relevant player in this field.
11. Kahoot!
- Website: kahoot.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: kahoot
Kahoot! is an educational technology company based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2012. It offers a game-based learning platform designed to engage users through interactive quizzes and educational games, catering to teachers, students, businesses, and families. Kahoot! operates on a subscription model, providing access to various features and content. The company has made significant acquisitions to enhance its educational offerings, including:1. **Whiteboard.fi**: Acquired for $6 million, with performance-based elements, to enhance Kahoot!'s platform for teachers and expand its EdTech offerings.2. **Motimate**: Acquired for approximately $26 million, focusing on employee engagement and learning software, which complements their educational services.3. **DragonBox**: Acquired for $18 million, this math app acquisition is part of Kahoot!'s strategy to enhance its educational offerings in mathematics.4. **Clever**: Acquired for up to $500 million, this acquisition marks a significant step in enhancing Kahoot's presence in the US market and expanding its digital learning capabilities.5. **Poio**: Acquired for $6.5 million, further diversifying their educational tools.These transactions highlight Kahoot!'s commitment to improving educational experiences and research capabilities, making it a notable investor in the educational research services sector.
12. 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. The company specializes in interactive learning applications designed for children aged 2-16, providing a variety of subjects and exercises to enhance the learning experience. Albert operates on a subscription model, catering primarily to families seeking engaging educational content. In recent years, Albert has made significant acquisitions to expand its educational offerings, including the acquisition of Film och Skola for approximately $7.2 million, which aims to enhance its educational content. Additionally, Albert acquired Jaramba for 10 million SEK, focusing on educational content for younger children aged two to five, and Holy Owly for around $2.4 million. These strategic acquisitions reflect Albert's commitment to enriching its educational services and expanding its market presence in the educational research services sector.
13. 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, and partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements in portfolio companies. Nordic Capital has a strong focus on creating long-term value and sustainability in its investments, catering primarily to institutional investors seeking sustainable opportunities. Notably, Nordic Capital has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Cint, an insights data technology company, which plays a crucial role in data collection and analysis relevant to educational research. Additionally, their investments in companies like Cytel, which focuses on pharmaceutical R&D, showcase their commitment to sectors that can indirectly support educational research through improved data and insights. Overall, Nordic Capital's diverse investment strategy and involvement in relevant sectors position them as a potential contributor to the educational research services landscape.
14. Visma
- Website: visma.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 16
- LinkedIn: visma
Visma is a prominent software company based in Oslo, Norway, specializing in cloud-based accounting, payroll, invoicing, and HR solutions. Founded in 1996, Visma serves small and medium businesses as well as public sector organizations, helping them automate and simplify their administrative processes. With a strong presence in Europe and Latin America, Visma operates through a network of entrepreneurial companies, each contributing to its innovative software offerings. Notably, Visma has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the educational sector, including the acquisition of PlusPort, a cloud-based learning and development solution provider, which enhances its software offerings in the Netherlands and internationally. This acquisition, along with others like Circle Software, which focuses on case management in the public sector, demonstrates Visma's commitment to expanding its influence in areas that support educational and administrative processes.
15. Alfvén & Didrikson
- Website: alfvendidrikson.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: alfvendidrikson
Alfvén & Didrikson is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in backing growth-oriented companies, particularly in the technology and health sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term partnerships with its investee companies and operates primarily in Northern Europe. Notably, Alfvén & Didrikson has made significant investments in the educational technology space, including a $20 million investment in Kognity, a Swedish EdTech company focused on improving learning for school students. They also supported Humly, which addresses teacher shortages in Sweden and the UK, showcasing their commitment to enhancing educational services. Additionally, they participated in a $42 million Series C funding round for Mentimeter, an audience engagement platform that can be utilized in educational settings. These transactions highlight their active role in the educational research services sector.
16. 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, including Praxilabs, which raised $150,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2018, and Impact Mapper, which raised $150,000 in a Seed round in 2017. Both of these companies are engaged in educational technology and research services, showcasing Katapult's commitment to supporting innovations in this sector. Additionally, they have invested in Processim Labs and Syrenna, further demonstrating their active role in nurturing startups that may contribute to educational advancements.
17. 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 and focuses on building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs. Heartcore has been actively involved in the EdTech sector, with notable investments including Luca, a Mexican EdTech startup that raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to enhance technology and product development. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds that support educational initiatives, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in educational research services.
18. Evli Growth Partners
- Website: egp.fi
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: evli-growth-partners
Evli Growth Partners is a venture capital fund based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in growth companies, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and support to help these companies scale effectively. They focus on fostering collaboration between investors and founders to drive sustainable growth. Evli Growth Partners operates primarily in the investment management sector, targeting innovative startups across various industries. Notably, they have invested in Perlego, a startup that applies the Spotify model to academic textbooks, raising $50 million in a Series B funding round. This platform currently serves 400,000 paying subscribers and collaborates with 5,000 education publishers, highlighting its relevance in the educational research services space. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Preply, an online language learning platform, which further emphasizes their engagement in the educational sector. Their investment in Happeo, which aims to enhance workplace collaboration, also reflects their broader interest in technology-driven solutions that can impact education and training environments.
Educational Research Services Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
| EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
| Business Finland | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 501-1000 | 2018 | 26 |
| Academedia | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 10001+ | 1996 | 1 |
| Sparkmind.vc | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2017 | 2 |
| Verdane | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1985 | 7 |
| Sanoma | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 5001-10000 | 1889 | 0 |
| Inventure | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 11-50 | 2005 | 9 |
| Creandum | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2003 | 17 |
| Nordic Makers | Copenhagen, Denmark | 1-10 | 2016 | 2 |
| Kahoot! | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 501-1000 | 2012 | 0 |
| Albert | Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden | 51-200 | 2015 | 0 |
| Nordic Capital | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1989 | 10 |
| Visma | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 10001+ | 1996 | 16 |
| Alfvén & Didrikson | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2010 | 0 |
| Katapult | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 11-50 | 2017 | 8 |
| Heartcore Capital | Copenhagen, Denmark | 11-50 | 2007 | 17 |
| Evli Growth Partners | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2018 | 3 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the educational research services industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the educational research servicesindustry, 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.
- Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
- ...and much more!
.jpg)
Trusted by 700+ companies
