Copenhagen has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, with industry leaders like Axcel, Polaris Private Equity, and Maj Invest Equity driving investment strategies in the Nordic market. These firms leverage the city’s robust financial ecosystem, strategic geographic position, and deep talent pool to identify and transform promising mid-market companies. For professionals seeking to connect with like-minded leaders in private equity and M&A, explore our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Axcel
Investment Style: Axcel focuses on investing in Nordic mid-market companies, emphasizing growth-oriented buyouts. They partner with management teams to drive strategic and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Axcel’s portfolio includes IsaDora (cosmetics), Frontmatec (automation solutions for the food industry), and Mountain Top Industries (automotive accessories).
Founding Date: 1994
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately €2.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Christian Schmidt-Jacobsen, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and oversees the execution of its investment process.
- Christian Frigast, Executive Chairman: Provides strategic direction and supports the firm’s growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exxit 59, a leading Nordic provider of temporary modular space solutions.
- Driconeq, a manufacturer of drilling equipment, was sold to Mincon Group.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Conscia, an IT infrastructure company focusing on networking and security solutions.
- Current investment in Phase One, a digital imaging technology company.
Office Locations:
- Copenhagen (Headquarters): Copenhagen, Denmark
- Additional Offices: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway
Website: www.axcel.dk
Quote: “Our deep-rooted understanding of the Nordic market and commitment to working closely with management teams are what set us apart.” – Christian Schmidt-Jacobsen, Managing Partner
Polaris Private Equity
Investment Style: Polaris specializes in investing in mid-sized Nordic companies with strong growth potential. They focus on creating value through strategic partnerships and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Polaris’ portfolio includes Sortimo (vehicle equipment for mobile work solutions), Designers Company (design industry), and Twoday (computer programming services).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €1.8 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Jan Johan Kühl, Managing Partner: Drives the strategic direction and oversees the overall investment process at Polaris.
- Erik Bertelsen, Partner: Focuses on portfolio management and value creation across Polaris’ investments.
Recent Exits:
- A-TEX, a global provider of label and packaging solutions, sold to Trimco Group.
- IT Relation, a Danish IT outsourcing company, acquired by Hg Capital.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Twoday, which provides business-critical IT services and solutions.
- Designers Company, a Danish design firm focusing on sustainable design products.
Office Locations:
- Copenhagen (Headquarters): Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: www.polarisequity.dk
Quote: “Our strong network and insights into the Nordic market enable us to unlock growth potential and create value for our stakeholders.” – Jan Johan Kühl, Managing Partner
Maj Invest Equity
Investment Style: Maj Invest Equity focuses on small and medium-sized companies in Denmark, promoting growth and long-term value creation through active ownership and strategic involvement.
Portfolio Companies: Maj Invest’s portfolio includes All Remove (property services), HT Bendix (supplier of furniture components), and House of Code (app development agency).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €1 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Jørgen Lindegaard, Chairman: Provides strategic leadership and oversees investment activities.
- Anders Praefke, Partner: Leads investment strategies and operational improvements in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Scan Global Logistics, an international logistics provider, sold to AEA Investors.
- Conscia, a leader in IT infrastructure and security solutions in the Nordics.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in House of Code, an app development agency.
- HT Bendix, a leading supplier of furniture components in Denmark.
Office Locations:
- Copenhagen (Headquarters): Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: www.majinvest.dk
Quote: “We believe in the power of active ownership and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable growth and long-term value.” – Jørgen Lindegaard, Chairman
Nordic Capital
Investment Style: Nordic Capital focuses on investing in healthcare, technology & payments, and financial services sectors in Europe. They aim to create value by transforming businesses through strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Nordic Capital’s portfolio includes ERT (pharmaceutical services), Max Matthiessen (financial advisory), and Signicat (digital identity solutions).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 150
Assets Under Management: Approximately €15 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Karl Åberg, Partner: Leads investments in healthcare and drives strategic initiatives in portfolio companies.
- Fredrik Näslund, Partner: Focuses on investments in technology and financial services sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Britax, a child safety product manufacturer, sold to EQT Partners.
- Resurs Holding, a Nordic retail finance group, listed on the public market.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Signicat, a digital identity solutions provider.
- Conscia Group, focusing on IT infrastructure and security.
Office Locations:
- Stockholm (Headquarters): Stockholm, Sweden
- Additional Offices: Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki, Finland; Oslo, Norway; London, UK; New York, USA
Website: www.nordiccapital.com
Quote: “We focus on sectors where we have extensive expertise and can leverage our experience to transform companies and deliver sustainable growth.” – Karl Åberg, Partner
FSN Capital
Investment Style: FSN Capital focuses on investing in Northern European mid-market companies with the potential for growth and operational improvements. They employ a partnership-based approach to create value.
Portfolio Companies: FSN Capital’s portfolio includes Netcompany (IT services), Gram Equipment (ice cream machinery), and Holmbergs (safety products).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately €2.2 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Kim Henriksson, Partner: Specializes in developing and implementing value creation strategies across the portfolio.
- Espen Pløen, Managing Partner: Oversees the firm’s investment processes and strategic direction.
Recent Exits:
- Lagkagehuset, a premium bakery chain, sold to Nordic Capital.
- Atrium Ljungberg, a real estate company, exited through a public listing.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Holmbergs, a provider of safety products.
- Netcompany, a leading IT services company.
Office Locations:
- Oslo (Headquarters): Oslo, Norway
- Additional Offices: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Munich, Germany
Website: www.fsncapital.com
Quote: “We believe in a hands-on approach, working closely with management to drive growth and create value in our portfolio companies.” – Espen Pløen, Managing Partner
SEB Private Equity
Investment Style: SEB Private Equity focuses on lower mid-market buyouts and expansion capital investments in Northern Europe. They emphasize partnership-driven growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: SEB’s portfolio includes Netel (network infrastructure services), Elos Medtech (medical technology), and Tacton Systems (software solutions).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately €1 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Pär Hedberg, Head of Private Equity: Provides leadership and strategic direction for SEB’s private equity activities.
- Johan Linder, Investment Manager: Focuses on deal origination and value creation in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Elos Medtech, a medical technology company, sold to EQT Partners.
- Netel, a provider of network infrastructure services, exited through a public listing.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Tacton Systems, a software solutions company.
- Elos Medtech, focusing on medical technology solutions.
Office Locations:
- Stockholm (Headquarters): Stockholm, Sweden
- Additional Offices: Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki, Finland; Oslo, Norway
Website: www.sebgroup.com
Quote: “Our approach is centered around partnering with management teams to unlock growth potential and drive value creation.” – Pär Hedberg, Head of Private Equity\
VIA Equity
Investment Style: VIA Equity focuses on technology and service industries, investing in Nordic mid-market companies with growth potential. They provide strategic support and operational expertise.
Portfolio Companies: VIA Equity’s portfolio includes EnviDan (environmental consulting), Netop (communication software), and Adform (digital advertising technology).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately €900 million
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Christian Sagild, Managing Partner: Oversees strategic initiatives and guides investment strategies.
- Andreas Skytt, Partner: Focuses on value creation and operational improvements within portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Adform, a digital advertising technology company, sold to GRO Capital.
- EnviDan, an environmental consulting firm, exited to Aarsleff Group.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Netop, a communication software provider.
- EnviDan, focusing on environmental solutions and consulting.
Office Locations:
- Copenhagen (Headquarters): Copenhagen, Denmark
- Additional Offices: Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.viaequity.com
Quote: “Our expertise in technology and service sectors enables us to drive transformation and growth in our portfolio companies.” – Christian Sagild, Managing Partner
Seed Capital
Investment Style: Seed Capital specializes in venture capital investments in early-stage technology companies in Denmark. They focus on scalable business models and support strong, innovative teams.
Portfolio Companies: Seed Capital’s portfolio includes Trustpilot (review platform), Vivino (wine app), and Lunar (banking app).
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately €600 million
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Lars Andersen, Managing Partner: Drives the strategic direction and oversees investments in early-stage companies.
- Ulla Brockenhuus-Schack, Managing Partner: Focuses on identifying scalable business models and supporting innovative teams.
Recent Exits:
- Trustpilot, a leading review platform, listed on the public market.
- Vivino, a popular wine app, sold to The Wine Group.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Lunar, a fintech company providing banking solutions.
- Vivino, focusing on wine discovery and purchasing.
Office Locations:
- Copenhagen (Headquarters): Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: www.seedcapital.dk
Quote: “Our strong network and expertise in technology and scalable business models help us drive growth and success for early-stage companies.” – Lars Andersen, Managing Partner
North-East Venture
Investment Style: North-East Venture focuses on early-stage venture capital investments in Nordic tech companies. They emphasize scalable, innovative solutions and provide strategic guidance.
Portfolio Companies: North-East Venture’s portfolio includes Mofibo (e-book subscription service), Simple Feast (meal kit delivery), and Too Good To Go (food waste app).
Founding Date: 2011
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately €300 million
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Jacob Brøndum, Managing Partner: Provides strategic guidance and supports innovative solutions in early-stage companies.
- Mikkel Beck, Partner: Focuses on scalable business models and growth opportunities in the Nordic region.
Recent Exits:
- Mofibo, an e-book subscription service, sold to Storytel.
- Too Good To Go, a food waste app, secured funding from Blisce.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Simple Feast, a meal kit delivery service.
- Mofibo, focusing on e-book and audiobook subscriptions.
Office Locations:
- Copenhagen (Headquarters): Copenhagen, Denmark
Website: www.north-east.vc
Quote: “We are committed to supporting innovative entrepreneurs and scalable solutions in the Nordic tech ecosystem.” – Jacob Brøndum, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Copenhagen’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic investors. The city’s robust ecosystem of financial expertise and international connections positions it as a key player in Nordic market transformations. As firms adapt to changing economic conditions, their ability to identify and nurture potential will remain crucial.
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