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Key people at Walerud Ventures.
Walerud Ventures is a firm investing in pre-seed and seed-stage deep technology companies across the Nordic region. As "first investor, Last cofounder," the firm provides capital, advisory services, and operational engagement. Their strategic focus is on high-impact projects contributing to a "living planet" through advanced technical innovation.
Established in 2002, Walerud Ventures was founded by Jane Walerud, Bengt Walerud, and Caroline Walerud. It emerged from an insight into the need for hands-on, early support for complex technology. Jane Walerud's entrepreneurial pedigree, including early backing of Klarna, informs their active approach to nurturing nascent ventures.
The firm partners with early-stage deep tech startups seeking comprehensive support beyond financial investment to foster growth. Walerud Ventures envisions a future where impactful technological advancements, especially those with a positive environmental footprint, are effectively brought to market. They empower companies to achieve long-term potential and contribute to a sustainable global future.
Key people at Walerud Ventures.
Walerud Ventures is a Nordic venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments primarily in deep tech sectors that focus on sustainability and impact, often described as "deep tech for the living planet." Their mission centers on being the first investor and last cofounder, providing hands-on operational support to early-stage startups to help them scale successfully. Key sectors include health tech, sustainable energy, biotechnology, AI, 3D technology, fintech, and telecom. The firm’s approach emphasizes close collaboration with startups, often acting as advisors or part-time team members, which significantly impacts the Nordic startup ecosystem by nurturing high-potential deep tech ventures from inception[1][3][4][5][7].
Founded in 2002 and based in Stockholm, Sweden, Walerud Ventures is a family-owned investment firm led by angel investor Jane Walerud, her husband Bengt Walerud, and their daughter Caroline Walerud, who is also a tech entrepreneur (co-founder of Volumental). The firm evolved from angel investing into a focused venture capital fund with a strong emphasis on deep tech and sustainability. Their early involvement in startups and hands-on operational support has been a defining feature since inception, enabling them to help shape company strategy, team building, and sales from the earliest stages[2][3][5].
Walerud Ventures rides the rising global trend of deep tech and sustainability-focused innovation, which is increasingly critical due to climate change and technological disruption. Their timing is strategic as Nordic countries are leaders in clean tech, biotech, and AI, supported by strong government policies and a collaborative innovation ecosystem. By focusing on early-stage companies with high-impact potential, Walerud Ventures helps accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies that address planetary challenges, thus influencing the broader ecosystem by setting a standard for active, mission-driven venture capital[1][4][5].
Looking ahead, Walerud Ventures is well-positioned to capitalize on growing investor and market interest in climate tech, health tech, and AI-driven solutions. Their deep involvement model and family-driven ethos may allow them to maintain a competitive edge in sourcing and scaling transformative startups. As global demand for sustainable technologies intensifies, Walerud Ventures’ influence in shaping the Nordic deep tech ecosystem is likely to grow, potentially expanding their geographic reach and sector focus while continuing to prioritize impact and operational partnership.
Their commitment to being the "first investor, last cofounder" suggests a future where they deepen their operational role, possibly evolving into a hybrid venture studio model, further embedding themselves in the success of their portfolio companies[1][5][7].
Walerud Ventures has more than 26 tracked investments across 21 companies. The latest tracked deal is $500K Seed in Proception Inc in March 2025.
