
Ferd
Description
Ferd is a prominent family-owned Norwegian investment company, headquartered in Lysaker, with a rich history tracing back to the Tiedemanns tobacco company. Established on principles of responsible ownership and long-term value creation, Ferd has evolved into a diversified investment firm with significant holdings across financial investments, industrial operations, and venture capital. A distinctive aspect of Ferd's philosophy is its deep commitment to social entrepreneurship, actively supporting initiatives that generate both financial returns and positive societal impact. This dual focus underscores their holistic approach to investment, aiming for sustainable growth beyond mere financial metrics.
Ferd Capital, the venture arm of the group, is specifically dedicated to investing in high-growth companies, primarily within Norway and the broader Nordic region. They target businesses with strong potential for scalability and market disruption, typically engaging in early-stage to growth equity rounds. Ferd Capital's typical first cheque size ranges from NOK 20 million to NOK 100 million, which translates to approximately $1.87 million to $9.35 million USD based on recent exchange rates. This substantial investment capacity allows them to provide meaningful capital to promising startups, often participating in follow-on rounds to support continued expansion. Their portfolio includes well-known Nordic success stories, demonstrating their ability to identify and nurture future market leaders.
Beyond capital injection, Ferd emphasizes active ownership and strategic guidance, leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to assist portfolio companies. The company's overall financial strength is substantial, with total assets reported at NOK 46.5 billion (approximately $4.3 billion USD) as of their 2023 annual report, providing a robust foundation for their investment activities. Ferd's long-term perspective and dedication to responsible investing make them a strategic partner for entrepreneurs seeking not just funding, but also a committed ally in their growth journey, aligning financial objectives with broader societal contributions.
Investor Profile
Ferd has backed more than 56 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 16 rounds, about 29% of its total and boasts 26 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Private Equity, Post Ipo Equity rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Norway, Sweden, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, Manufacturing.
- Typical check size: $1.9M – $9.3M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (27%)
- Private Equity (23%)
- Post Ipo Equity (11%)
- Undisclosed (9%)
- Series A (9%)
- Series B (7%)
- Series C (7%)
- Seed (5%)
- Secondary Market (2%)
Country Focus
- Norway (59%)
- Sweden (13%)
- United States (9%)
- United Kingdom (5%)
- Germany (4%)
- Denmark (4%)
- Finland (4%)
- Singapore (2%)
- Switzerland (2%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Mobile
- Health Care
- Renewable Energy
- Biotechnology
- Retail
- Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
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