The leadership development training industry in the Nordics is rapidly evolving, catering to a wide array of organizations seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. Companies in this space range from established educational institutions to agile tech startups, offering programs, workshops, and innovative platforms designed to build effective leaders. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of resilient leadership in a changing work environment, the demand for tailored training solutions is rising. Interesting trends include a shift towards digital learning modalities and a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence and soft skills development, shaping the future of leadership training.

This list features 19 prominent investors in the Nordic leadership development training sector, including private equity, venture capital, and corporate players. Headquartered primarily in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, these firms range in size from a handful of professionals to thousands of employees. Founded between 1814 and 2017, these investors amassed varied deal counts in 2024, reflecting their strategic engagement with the training industry. Through targeted investments, they support startups and established firms alike, enabling growth in leadership development initiatives.

Top 19 Leadership Development Training 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. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in Learnster, which raised significant funding in 2018 and 2019. Learnster is an educational technology platform that focuses on personalized learning experiences, which are crucial for leadership development. This investment highlights Almi's engagement in sectors that contribute to professional growth and leadership training, making it a relevant player in this space.

2. 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. Sparkmind.vc has been involved in several notable transactions, including funding for companies like Wonderwerk, which raised $2.5 million to expand its operations and enhance data analytics, and CanopyLAB, which secured $1.5 million to improve its educational offerings. Their investments are primarily aimed at businesses in the education industry, which often intersect with leadership development training, making them a significant player in this space.

3. 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 private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by managing a wide array of investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the education sector, such as their recent acquisition of Universidad Europea, a leading private higher education platform in Spain and Portugal. This investment aims to enhance existing and new campuses and improve digital initiatives, which are crucial for leadership development. Additionally, EQT's previous transactions, while not directly related to leadership training, demonstrate their capability to invest in sectors that can influence leadership and professional 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 prominent education provider serving approximately 200,000 individuals annually. The company offers a wide range of educational services, including preschool, primary, secondary, and adult education. In recent years, AcadeMedia has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the education market. Notably, in October 2023, they acquired Berghs School of Communication, a well-known institution in the private adult education sector, which had a turnover of approximately SEK 84 million in 2022. This acquisition enhances AcadeMedia's capabilities in adult education, potentially including leadership development training. Additionally, their acquisition of KompetensUtvecklingsInstitutet Sverige in 2013 further demonstrates their focus on expanding educational services that may encompass leadership training. Overall, AcadeMedia's strategic investments in educational institutions suggest a commitment to quality and development opportunities, aligning with the goals of leadership development training.

5. 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 looking to enhance their market position and operational efficiency. Notably, Verdane has made significant investments in the education and training sector, including the acquisition of Eduhouse, a company that likely contributes to leadership development. They also invested in Studytube, a Netherlands-based learning platform that raised $30 million to finance the acquisition of Springest, further emphasizing their involvement in the learning and development space. Additionally, their funding of Auntie Solutions, which offers psychological support to corporate employees, highlights their interest in employee development and well-being, which are critical components of effective leadership training.

6. Bts

• Website: bts.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: bts

BTS is a consulting firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1986, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. The firm specializes in strategy execution, leadership development, and talent management, providing tailored solutions to enhance business performance and adapt to market changes. BTS has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its offerings in leadership development and corporate learning. Notably, they acquired AVO Vision, a leading South African company specializing in corporate learning and development, to strengthen their presence in the African market. Additionally, their acquisition of Sounding Board, Inc. reflects their commitment to enhancing leadership training solutions. Other acquisitions, such as Netmind and SwissVBS, further expand their digital learning capabilities, which are increasingly important in the leadership development context. Overall, BTS is positioned as a key player in the leadership development training industry.

7. 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 invested in Leapsome, a Berlin-based people management platform that raised $60 million in Series A funding. This investment aims to accelerate Leapsome's international growth and enhance its people enablement platform, which is crucial for leadership development and training. Additionally, Creandum has participated in various funding rounds for startups like Doinstruct and Visibly, although these companies are less directly related to leadership training. Overall, Creandum's involvement in the people management sector through Leapsome highlights their potential relevance to leadership development training.

8. Priveq

• Website: priveq.se
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: priveq-investment

Priveq is an investment management and private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1983. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to companies across various sectors, with a history of investing in over 130 companies. Priveq focuses on helping businesses achieve their growth objectives through strategic guidance and financial support. Notably, they acquired Pilot Flight Academy, a commercial pilot training school in Oslo, Norway, which has a turnover of approximately $17 million. This acquisition highlights Priveq's engagement in the training and development sector, aligning with leadership development training initiatives. Other transactions include investments in companies like Frontit, 4C Strategies, Omegapoint, and Ljung & Sjöberg, although these do not directly relate to leadership training.

9. Talent Venture Group

• Website: talentventuregroup.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: talent-venture-group

Talent Venture Group is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2018. They specialize in HR and Talent Tech, investing in early-stage startups to enhance the hiring process and foster better employer-employee relationships. Notable transactions include investments in Future Talent Council, which focuses on developing future leaders, and Shortcut.se, which may contribute to talent development. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to improving talent management, making them a relevant player in the leadership development training space.

10. 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 a €12 million Series A investment in Howspace, a digital facilitation platform that enhances collaborative learning and development. This investment aligns with leadership development training as it supports tools that facilitate learning and team collaboration. Additionally, Inventure has invested in Bunch AI, which leverages AI for team dynamics and performance, further indicating their engagement in sectors that can impact leadership development.

11. 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 corporate investor based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1996. It is a leading software company specializing in cloud-based accounting, payroll, invoicing, and HR solutions, primarily serving small and medium businesses as well as public sector organizations. Visma has a strong presence in Europe and Latin America, operating through a network of entrepreneurial companies. Notably, Visma has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings in the leadership development training context. In 2019, they acquired PlusPort, a cloud-based learning and development solution provider, to strengthen their software offerings in the Netherlands and internationally. Additionally, in 2022, Visma acquired Mandü, a SaaS company focused on Employee Engagement and Performance Management, aiming to expand their HR product footprint in Latin America. These acquisitions reflect Visma's commitment to integrating leadership development and employee engagement solutions into their portfolio, positioning them as a significant player in the leadership development training industry.

12. 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 aims to help startups navigate the challenges of building successful businesses by connecting them with a global network of industry experts and resources. Notably, EQT Ventures has invested in companies relevant to leadership development training, such as Knoetic, which focuses on HR technology, and Beamery, a talent operating system that enhances talent management processes. Their investment in Unmind, a workplace mental health platform, further emphasizes their commitment to fostering environments that support effective leadership and employee well-being. These investments reflect EQT Ventures' strategic focus on sectors that align with leadership development training.

13. Hexatronic Group

• Website: hexatronicgroup.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
• Founded year: 1993
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: hexatronic

Hexatronic Group, founded in 1993 and based in Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden, is a corporate investor specializing in telecommunications and technology solutions, particularly in fiber optic and wireless infrastructure. With a workforce of 501-1000 employees, Hexatronic has made significant strides in enhancing its training capabilities through strategic acquisitions. In 2021, they acquired Mpirical Ltd., a UK-based telecoms technology training provider, which has been active in the telecom training market since 2002, offering a variety of online training courses. This acquisition aims to bolster Hexatronic's training offerings, especially in the rapidly evolving 5G sector. Additionally, in 2020, they acquired The Light Brigade Inc., a U.S.-based fiber-optic training provider, further expanding their reach and training capabilities in the U.S. market. These transactions highlight Hexatronic's commitment to leadership development and training within the telecommunications industry.

14. Trill Impact

• Website: trillimpact.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: trill-impact

Trill Impact is an impact investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, ventures, and microfinance. Founded in 2019, the firm is dedicated to creating measurable social and environmental impact while achieving competitive financial returns. Trill Impact's clients include institutional investors and businesses looking to invest in impactful initiatives. Notably, Trill Impact has invested in Karriere Tutor GmbH, a prominent digital training company, acquiring a majority stake to enhance leadership development through innovative training solutions. Additionally, they have partnered with Delivery Associates, focusing on supporting growth and collaboration with governments and leaders worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to leadership development. Trill Impact operates with a mission to align capital with positive change, making them a relevant player in the leadership development training space.

15. 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. Kahoot!'s services cater to 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. Notably, Kahoot! has made significant acquisitions to bolster its offerings in the corporate learning space. In 2021, they acquired Motimate, an employee engagement and learning software provider, for approximately $26 million, which enhances their capabilities in employee training. Additionally, in 2020, Kahoot! acquired Actimo, a Copenhagen-based employee engagement platform, for an enterprise value of USD 26-33 million, further strengthening their corporate learning and engagement tools. These strategic moves reflect Kahoot!'s focus on enhancing leadership development and training solutions within organizations.

16. 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, part of Kongsberg Gruppen, is a technology provider based in Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway, specializing in advanced solutions for the defense, aerospace, maritime, and digital sectors. Founded in 1814, the company has a workforce of 5001-10000 employees and operates globally with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and collaboration with stakeholders. Kongsberg Maritime has made significant investments in enhancing its capabilities, including the acquisition of GlobalSim in 2008, which focuses on advanced simulation systems for training within the maritime sector. This acquisition highlights Kongsberg's commitment to improving training methodologies, which are essential for leadership development. Additionally, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace's acquisition of AIM Norway in 2019 further demonstrates their strategic focus on enhancing operational capabilities, particularly in aerospace maintenance, which may also involve leadership training aspects for personnel in the Norwegian Air Forces.

17. Sanoma

• Website: sanoma.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
• Founded year: 1889
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: sanoma

Sanoma is a corporate investor based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1889. As a media and educational publishing company, Sanoma offers a diverse range of learning solutions and media content, including printed and digital learning materials and teaching platforms. Their customer base includes educational institutions and media consumers across multiple European countries. Notably, Sanoma has made significant acquisitions in the educational sector, such as the acquisition of Pearson Italia in June 2022 for over $205 million, which enhances their educational offerings. Additionally, in December 2019, they acquired itslearning, an international learning platform provider, which had net sales of approximately EUR 30 million in 2018. This acquisition allows Sanoma to strengthen its position in the educational technology space, further supporting their commitment to providing effective learning solutions.

18. 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 to businesses across various sectors, including technology and consumer products. Altor focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners through tailored investment strategies and digital transformation solutions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of KaVo Kerr in 2005, which may involve leadership and operational strategies in the healthcare sector. Additionally, their investment in Wimp 2 Warrior, a mixed martial arts brand, highlights their interest in companies that are looking to build technology and attract top executives, which can be closely related to leadership development. Altor's investment in SATS GROUP further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that may benefit from leadership training and development initiatives.

19. Polaris Private Equity

• Website: polarisequity.dk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: 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 supporting mid-sized companies in the Nordic region through tailored investment strategies, including 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 companies such as ProData Consult, a consultancy that likely engages in leadership development and training, and 7N, an IT consultancy services company. These transactions reflect Polaris's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the companies they invest in, which may include leadership development initiatives.

Leadership Development Training Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Sparkmind.vc	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	1-10	2017	2
EQT Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
Academedia	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	10001+	1996	1
Verdane	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	51-200	1985	7
Bts	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1986	1
Creandum	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	2003	17
Priveq	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	1983	0
Talent Venture Group	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	2018	0
Inventure	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	11-50	2005	9
Visma	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	10001+	1996	16
EQT Ventures	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	11-50	2015	28
Hexatronic Group	Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden	501-1000	1993	0
Trill Impact	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	51-200	2019	1
Kahoot!	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	501-1000	2012	0
Kongsberg Maritime	Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway	5001-10000	1814	1
Sanoma	Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland	5001-10000	1889	0
Altor Equity Partners	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	51-200	2003	6
Polaris Private Equity	Copenhagen, Denmark	51-200	1998	4

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