2022-09-11-dealroom.co-The_State_of_Nordic_Impact_Startups_2022_60页_2mb

Overview:
This report analyzes the Nordic impact startup ecosystem from 2015 to 2022, based on data from 1,489 startups and 1,667 funding rounds. It debunks common myths and highlights trends in impact startups and green growth, with a focus on sustainability, investment, job creation, and diversity.

Nordic Impact Startups:

• Total venture capital for Nordic impact startups reached $5.5B in 2021, with Sweden leading fundings.
• Impact investing accounts for ~25% of total VC investment in the region.
• Myth 1 is partially true: Nordic countries are strong but not global leaders, as the UK raised more funding.
• Myth 2 is false: Impact startups contribute significantly to job creation, with over 10% of all startup employment.
• Myth 3 is false: Valuations quadrupled since 2020, and there are now seven impact unicorns and many potential future ones.
• Myth 4 is true: Deep Tech impact startups show higher Series A conversion rates but faced caution in 2022 funding.
• Myth 5 is partially true: Nordic impact founding teams are more diverse than average, with marginally more mixed-gender teams.

Green Growth Startups:

• Green Growth investments are rapidly expanding, with Energy & Utilities and Transport & Mobility being the top sectors.
• Myth 1 is partially true: Green Growth peaked recently but is still strong in 2022, with higher Nordic investment than Europe.
• Myth 2 is true: About 82% of Green Growth funding goes to these two sectors.
• Myth 3 is partially true: Public funding supports early stages, but private capital is growing for scaling.
• Myth 4 is false: Venture capital provides most funding, closely followed by corporate investment.
• Myth 5 is false: Over 70% of Green Growth investment comes from domestic European sources.

Additional Insights:

• Job creation and valuation growth demonstrate that impact and green growth startups are significant players in the economy, challenging misconceptions about size, profitability, and sustainability.
• Both ecosystems show innovation trends influenced by regional strengths and global investments.

Methodology:
The report uses data from Dealroom, covering startups defined by UN SDGs or environmental focus, with valuations and fundings based on VC rounds and market data.