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Ferd

Europe, Akershus, Norway, Lysaker

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
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Ferd frequently co-invest with?

NV
Europe, Hovedstaden, Denmark, Copenhagen
Co-Investments: 3
Innovacom
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 3
Ananda Impact Ventures
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Co-Investments: 1
Creandum
Europe, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, Stockholm
Co-Investments: 2
Idekapital
Europe, Oslo, Norway, Oslo
Co-Investments: 2
Viking Venture
Europe, Sor-Trondelag, Norway, Trondheim
Co-Investments: 3
Industrifonden
Europe, Stockholms Lan, Sweden, Stockholm
Co-Investments: 3
Northzone
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Teknoinvest
Europe, Oslo, Norway, Oslo
Co-Investments: 5
Innovations Kapital
Europe, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden, Göteborg
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Ferd often collaborate with?

RB
North America, Virgin Islands, United States
Shared Deals: 1
AL
Europe, Oslo, Norway, Oslo
Shared Deals: 1
JB
Europe, Oslo, Norway, Oslo
Shared Deals: 1
JB
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Ferd?

Kvist Solutions

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Kvist Solutions AS offers software for easier BREEAM certification, aiming to empower sustainable impact.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)Information TechnologySoftware
SeedFeb 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,361,977
wheel.me

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

wheel.me transforms anything into an autonomous mobile robot with minimal effort and without the need to alter its design or form.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation ManagementProduct DesignRetailRobotics
Private EquityApr 28, 2023
Amount Raised: $14,072,056
Nofence

Batnfjordsøra, More og Romsdal, Norway

Nofence is a system virtual fencing for grazing animals.

AgricultureAgTechInternet of Things
Series ANov 14, 2022
Amount Raised: $12,945,644
Ludenso

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Ludenso is a software developer of AR solutions for the education industry.

AnalyticsAppsAugmented RealityEducationMedia and EntertainmentPublishingSoftware
SeedOct 10, 2022
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
360 Logistics

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

360 Logistics is a total supplier of third-party logistics for online stores.

E-CommerceLogisticsSupply Chain Management
SeedJul 1, 2022
Wind Catching Systems

Lysaker, Akershus, Norway

Wind Catching Systems is an energy company that uses floating wind as a competitive energy source.

EnergyWind Energy
Series AJun 15, 2022
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Shoreline

Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway

The Wind SaaS Simulation and Workflow Management Platform

AnalyticsB2BEnterprise SoftwareGreenTechSaaSSimulation
Series BJun 8, 2022
Amount Raised: $7,500,000
Aidian

Espoo, Southern Finland, Finland

Aidian specializes in developing, manufactures, and markets diagnostic tests and test solutions.

BiotechnologyHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsManufacturing
Series UnknownMay 2, 2022
auticon

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

auticon offers a portfolio of quality management services.

Information TechnologySoftwareTest and Measurement
Series UnknownFeb 16, 2022
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
wheel.me

Oslo, Oslo, Norway

wheel.me transforms anything into an autonomous mobile robot with minimal effort and without the need to alter its design or form.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Innovation ManagementProduct DesignRetailRobotics
Private EquityDec 15, 2021
Amount Raised: $13,335,203