Top News

1. It’s been a big week for our HUBS. Our new Workbar opened at Digs (link) and we unveiled Mesh Nationaltheatret with Hall of Fame meeting rooms. (link) Check them out if you’re around.
2. Tech Town Hall #6: Funding Edition covered the downturn with a report by Morten Korsveien (link) and discussed potential solutions with VCs, investors & founders. (link)
3. NTSA (The Norwegian Tech Startup Association) a political initiative started by Mesh Community, StartupLab, StartupTRD and The Factory was launched at Arendalsuka. (link)
4. Hiring in the Nordics for Q1-Q2 has seen a drop in job postings by 25%. Conversely, number of applications has increased by 70% YoY, resulting in almost 3x more applications per job. (link)
5. DB Journey is on the trajectory of reaching more than 350 million NOK in turnover in 2023. Read more on what CEO Eric Bascle and founder Truls Brataas think. (link)
6. The Factory is broadening the focus of its funds beyond fintech for various reasons. (link)
7. Ludenso launches in the US in partnership with Books of Discovery and will enrich several books with AR including “Trail Guide to the Body” which has sold 1 million copies. (link)
8. Easee launched a new product after announcing major changes, including a 60 million NOK convertible loan, a company restructuring and Jonas Helmikstøl stepping down. (link)
9. How an accident led to the idea of the sleep clock by Selah Sleep, find out more through this interview with the founders. (link)
10. Discussions are underway to boost entrepreneurship in Western Norway by potentially establishing an early-stage fund. (link)

Latest on Funding

⛴️ Metizoft, shipping software, raised 160 million NOK from Nysnø and Dovetail (link)

🍗 TechBBQ, the company hosting the annual startup conference in Copenhagen, raised €4 million for further growth. Their next event is coming up in September. (link)

📚 Curipod, a platform to create interactive lessons, raised 48 million NOK through a capital expansion led by Reach Capital and joined by Sondo. (link)

🦾 Stavanger-based, Remora Robotics, building aquaculture robotics, raised 30 million NOK led by Grieg Kapital and Momentum. (link)

☀️ DREM raised €2 million from Peak. Founded by 3, one of whom is Otovo’s first employee Babak Tighnavard. byFounders and Tibber’s co-founder & CEO are involved as well. (link)

🚗 Gire Mobility raised 20 million NOK, led by Schibsted Ventures and joined by Møller and Danish Semler. (link)

🤝 Oslo’s DeckMatch, automating analysis and processes for VCs, raised €1 million co-led by Alliance VC and Skyfall Ventures. (link)

🎭 Cosgear, Strava for cosplay, has raised 8.45 million NOK through Folkeinvest (link)

🎁 Glede, digital gift cards, raised 6.5 million NOK from different investors including founders from Appfarm and the founder of Salesscreen Sindre Haaland. (link)

🎙️ Avantgarde, the tech recruitment company, raised 4.4 million NOK through Folkeinvest at a valuation of 35 million NOK. (link)

🚴 Playpulse, the gamified fitness bikes are sold to an international buyer. Details are not public. (link)

🥘 Danish company Shopbox acquires QuickOrder and Weorder, the digital ordering and POS solutions for restaurants. (link)

💻 Norwegian Viking Venture becomes largest shareholder with 9% in Danish SaaS company Penneo, a digital signing, workflow and compliance solution. (link)

💵 Modulize, platform for sustainability in the construction industry, is a part of the 3K6 fund that was launched by Investinor and KLP along with Shelterwood (link)

Latest on Talent

🌎 Looking for a new hire? The Hub has got your covered. Sign up here and post your job today. (link)

⏳ Karen Dolva on the initiative to cut hiring processes from 37 days to 3 days (link)

👩‍💻 Lauren Pedersen, former CMO at Airthings is now CMO at Omny (link)

👩‍💻 Monica Visconti-Patel is the new CMO at Ardoq (link)

🤝 Spense founder Jonas Lisgård steps down and Lars Vangen Jordet will take over. (link)