Attract capital
Access to competent investors and high risk capital, particularly venture capital, is crucial for growing technology companies in Norway. Venture financing is an investment model where a fond invest in many companies and assumes only a few will succeed and pay off. In this way, venture financing paves the way for disruptive new technology, and the growth of new, innovative companies and industries.
Read the report from NVCA on investments in the first half of 2025.
KPMG published a report with top executives in Norway.
Oslo Science City and Copenhagen Economics on innovation in Oslo.
Our principles for policy on capital
Make it attractive for both Norwegian and international risk capital to invest in Norway
We need both national and international players to invest more in Norwegian companies and VC-funds.
Make it more attractive to invest in Norwegian startups and scaleups
There needs to be incentives for investors to choose unlisted, Norwegian companies. We need to introduce a change of culture, where we celebrate good investors.
Allocate public funding to Norwegian venture funds
We should be above the EU average of public investments in risk capital compared to GDP
Increase the access to risk capital immidiately
We have no time to loose and need to use existing infrastructures and funds to increase the flow of risk capital. Arrangements with matching can help the process.
NAST capital policy suggestions
Make it more attractive for individuals to invest in startups and scaleups
Expand and simplify today’s tax incentives for individuals in line with the SEIS and EIS schemes in the UK
introduce 50% tax relief for investments in startups for up to NOK 2 million per year
introduce 30% tax relief for investments in scaleups for up to NOK 10 million per year
allow existing shareholders to invest more than once in one company
Pension funds should allocate more of their investments in risk capital
Multiple pension funds are already today investing in risk capital. This is an important source to long-term investments, and NAST encourages pension funds to invest more of their portfolio in unlisted companies with a focus on fund-of-funds investments.
NBIM should be able to invest in unlisted stocks, including international venture capital and private equity (abroad)
Norway’s position on the international venture capital and private equity stage would greatly benefit from this. The repercussions, even if NBIM only invests outside of Norway, will strengthen the national investment scene and attract both international investors and talents.
Enable competent and resourceful investor ecosystems
Open for other company constructions than AS to make it easier manage funds from Norway
Change the law for foundations so foundations can invest and reinvest their gains
Introduce venture investments with a tax deduction (VIMS)
Establish a strategy for how we can use the Government Pension Fund Global to strengthen the venture scene in Norway
Ensure predictability
The taxes should be stabile, and NAST believes in a settlement across party lines. Predictability is key to build Norway’s reputation internationally
The government’s strategy for investments in risk capital need to have a long term perspective and be anchored in a wider vision to lift the technology sector