Investing in the Future We Want to Live In
NordicNinja is a venture capital team made up of founders and operators who zero in on the big challenges the world faces today — from transportation and healthcare to a broad spectrum of digital infrastructure. Their mission? To shrink the massive carbon footprint that’s impacting the planet. They back founders with bold, ambitious missions, aiming to create real change. The focus is clear: Northern Europe, with investments typically in Series A and B rounds, ranging from €2 million to €8 million.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Here’s a quick snapshot of what NordicNinja brings to the table:
- Founded in 2019, with a sharp focus on sustainability, digital society, and deeptech sectors.
- 29 investments made so far, targeting startups that align with their vision.
- Investment size usually between €2-8 million, primarily in Series A-B stages.
- Operating mainly in Northern Europe, a hotbed for innovation and green tech.
- Recent highlights include leading a $23M Series B in Lightyear, a platform making investing smarter and fairer globally.
- Also led a $42M round in HIVED, an AI-powered parcel delivery startup revolutionizing logistics in the UK.
- Part of a new Dealroom report spotlighting €33B Japanese-linked funding into European startups since 2019.
What’s New in the NordicNinja World
Exciting developments keep rolling in. The latest joint report by Dealroom and NordicNinja shines a light on a record number of early-stage deals across a broader range of sectors. It’s a testament to the growing momentum in the startup ecosystem, especially in sustainability and digital infrastructure. NordicNinja’s leadership in major funding rounds, like those in Lightyear and HIVED, shows their commitment to backing game-changing companies that are shaping the future.
The Team Behind the Vision
From the Californian sun to the rising sun of Japan, NordicNinja’s team is a diverse, interdisciplinary group of founders, engineers, and financial experts. They’re all about helping founders scale globally. Managing partners like Marek Kiisa focus on moving people and goods with minimal environmental impact, while Tomosaku Sohara brings a passion for connecting companies to Japan’s market. Shinichi Nikkuni is all about deeptech partnerships, and Rainer Sternfeld focuses on digital infrastructure and sustainable transformation. The team also includes Claes Mikko Nilsen, who builds communities around future work and climatetech, and Taiga Ueta, who hunts for those unpolished diamonds that can transform industries toward zero emissions.
Driving Sustainable Transformation
NordicNinja’s investment philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability. They don’t just fund startups; they back solutions that tackle climate change head-on. Whether it’s reinventing logistics with AI or creating smarter investment platforms, their portfolio reflects a commitment to reducing carbon footprints and fostering a digital society that’s both innovative and responsible. This approach positions them as a key player in the green tech and deeptech arenas, pushing for a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Looking Ahead
With a strong foundation and a clear mission, NordicNinja continues to support founders who dare to dream big and act boldly. Their interdisciplinary team, strategic investments, and focus on sustainability make them a standout in the venture capital landscape. As they keep pushing boundaries and backing innovative startups, the future looks promising — not just for the companies they invest in, but for the planet as a whole.
