SINTEF Venture AS

SINTEF Venture AS operates as the dedicated venture capital arm of SINTEF, one of Europe's largest independent research organizations, based in Trondheim, Norway. Established in 1996, its primary mission is to commercialize groundbreaking research results stemming from SINTEF and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The firm plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market application, aiming to create significant value through strategic investments in technology-driven startups. As an integral part of the SINTEF ecosystem, it leverages deep technical expertise and an extensive network to support its portfolio companies.

The firm's investment strategy is highly specialized, focusing exclusively on companies that are founded upon technologies developed within SINTEF or NTNU. This ensures a strong alignment with the parent organization's research strengths and a deep understanding of the underlying intellectual property. SINTEF Venture typically engages at the seed and early growth phases, often serving as the first institutional investor in these nascent ventures. Beyond providing capital, they adopt an active ownership approach, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to their vast scientific and industrial network, which is vital for early-stage technology companies.

SINTEF Venture manages several funds, including SINTEF Venture I, II, and III, with the latest, SINTEF Venture III, boasting a total capital of NOK 500 million (approximately USD 47.6 million). Their typical initial investment ranges from NOK 5 million to NOK 25 million, which translates to approximately USD 476,000 to USD 2.38 million. This initial commitment is often followed by subsequent investments as the companies mature and achieve milestones. Since its inception, SINTEF Venture has demonstrated a strong track record, having invested in over 70 companies, contributing significantly to the development of Norway's technology startup landscape.