Norrsken

Norrsken <3 Europe Alright people - it’s time for Europe to build its own future, with sustainability and clean technology at the core. Europe has so much going for it. It is home to a thriving ecosystem of impact startups and investors. Our people are happier and healthier than almost anywhere else, we have world-class talent, top-tier R&D and policy leaders committed to an ambitious climate and sustainability agenda. That is why we’re proud to partner with #Sustainablehub to create Norrsken Brussels, a state-of-the-art physical hub and community, to bridge the gap between those who are building Europe’s future and those who are shaping its policies. Located in an architectural landmark building in the European quarter of Brussels, our vision is a platform to spotlight and amplify Europe’s most impactful builders and thinkers. A permanent representation of sustainability and entrepreneurship to the EU - right on the doorstep of the European Parliament. Europe is perfectly positioned to lead the transition to the next economy, one that is designed with the best for both people and planet at heart. We have no time to waste - so let’s get started. This is the first step on a new and exciting journey. If you’d like to join forces to amplify the voices of sustainability and entrepreneurship in the EU - get in touch! We would love to collaborate with you. Read more and apply for membership here: norrsken.org/brussels

What’s next for the city of Stockholm? Stockholm is a global capital. It ranks high on every index: innovation, education, well-being, sustainability, equality. It’s clean, open, pro-fika, quietly ambitious, and full of people shaping the future. But for a city with so much going for it, Stockholm often shows up quietly on the world stage, despite having every reason not to. That’s why, today, we’re initiating a new not-so-lagom collaboration. Together with Stockholm Business Region, Development and Innovation Region Stockholm, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, the Stockholm School of Economics (Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness), and the Swedish Institute, we’re setting out to explore and define Stockholm’s identity. The goal is to build a shared, clear, and inclusive platform for companies, creatives, public leaders, and citizens shaping Stockholm’s future. Throughout the year, we’ll open up spaces for dialogue, ideas, and co-creation. Want to get involved? Reach out to Pelle Tamleht, Head of Nordic Marketing & Partnerships at Norrsken. Stockholm Business Region Stockholms Handelskammare Development and innovation Region Stockholm Stockholm School of Economics Center for Wellbeing Welfare and Happiness Norrsken Svenska institutet #Stockholmsidentiteten

Calling all circular startups! ♻️ Norrsken Barcelona teamed up with Santander Bank and the Oxentia Foundation to help scout and select the 12 most innovative startups & scaleups in the circular economy space — as part of the Santander X Global Challenge | Circular Economy, with €120,000 up for grabs. Think you’re onto something that can outsmart waste, rethink resources, or rewrite the rules of production? Let’s see it. Apply before May 9th, and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dsUMeT2u

The world is in a f*ck-around-and-find-out-era. According to Prof. Dr. Martin R. Stuchtey, it won't be over until we stop viewing nature as credit we owe because of the harm we caused. Instead, we should treat it like equity — an asset that can generate future returns for everyone. Watch the full video of Dr. Stuchtey speaking at Impact Week 2024 in the comments. Want to join the conversation? Impact/Week 2025 ticket applications are now open at norrsken.org/impactweek.

Entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for good, when everyone has the opportunity to build and innovate. Over the past month, the HER/O event series gathered founders, investors, and allies under one roof, culminating in the Female Investor Dinner alongside Altor Equity Partners last week. Thank you to every participant, speaker, partner (Altor Equity Partners, PwC) and sponsor (Squarespace, Danske Bank) for pushing boundaries, sharing insights, and strengthening a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A big milestone for European tech and digital sovereignty! evroc has just raised over €50M in its Series A, backed by blisce/, Giant Ventures, EQT Ventures, and Norrsken VC. Their mission? To build a secure, sovereign, and sustainable cloud and AI platform for Europe. This funding will fuel the launch of an AI factory in France and secure land for a flagship AI data center in Stockholm, pushing Europe’s cloud future forward. Congratulations Mattias Åström and the entire evroc team! (TechCrunch article linked in the comments)

Someone who understands how to craft and share transformative ideas is Chris Anderson, Head of TED Conferences. As he puts it: “Inspiration isn’t something you aim for—it naturally follows authenticity, passion, and courage. During Impact/Week 2024, Chris Anderson and our founder Niklas Adalberth discussed why genuine curiosity sparks far deeper impact than simply ‘trying to inspire.’ Watch the full conversation: https://lnkd.in/dZT4wHQj Be part of the conversation at Impact/Week 2025: norrsken.org/impactweek

Calling all early-stage founders shaping the future of food: The EAT Global Call for Startups is now open. We’re partnering with EAT to support pre-seed to Series A ventures that accelerate net-positive technologies and solutions capable of transforming food systems at scale. Winners pitch at the EAT Stockholm Food Forum in October, unlocking investor networks, residency opportunities, and global support from Antler, Katapult, and Norrsken. “The time for bold solutions is now,” says Dr. Gunhild Anker Stordalen, Co-founder and Executive Chair of EAT. We couldn’t agree more. 🌍 Hungry for change? Submit your application by April 30 at globalcall.tech

Sweden’s leadership in diversity and inclusion isn’t self-sustaining—it’s a decision we keep making. Wednesday night, that choice was clear. Thank you to everyone who joined this year’s first Impact Meetup at Norrsken House Stockholm for an evening of urgency, honesty, and action. As some step back, and others step forward. Founders, they build. Akira Science, Braive, and Charly took the stage, proving that D&I isn’t just an ideal—it’s business done right. On stage, Lauri Robbins Ericson (Acumen), Sophia Wikander (Microsoft), Alexandra Karnig (Charly), and Katarina Lundahl fd Bergkvist (Swedish State Secretary) laid out the state of diversity and inclusion today. Unpacking the tension between progress and retreat in big tech, policy, and startups—and what real action looks like. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the key takeaways and a link to Acumen’s “Pathways to Growth” report: https://lnkd.in/dUCyXtGd Special thanks to Squarespace, Danske Bank, Fredrik Lindblad, PwC, and Altor Equity Partners for enabling this event.

"I dream of carbon-sequestering cellulose that can be spun into clothing,” says Nicolaj Reffstrup, co-founder of GANNI. Why does it matter? A single wash of polyester clothing can shed 700,000 microplastic fibers—a stark reminder of fashion’s environmental toll. That’s why Nicolaj and his team at GANNI are tracking over 30 breakthrough material startups, helping them commercialize solutions that could transform the textile industry at scale. Want the full story? Watch Nicolaj’s talk from Impact/week 2024 with Joan Jofra here https://lnkd.in/dPAVNFcx to learn more about how new materials might just redefine “sustainable fashion.” And if you want to go from dreaming about, to supporting this transformation firsthand, save your seat at Impact/Week 2025—the global summit where innovators, investors, and changemakers converge to shape a more sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/d8b2e4zs