FORWARD.one has launched a €200 million Fund III to back early-stage industrial tech startups across Europe, with a strong focus on the Nordics. The fund targets breakthroughs in climate tech, robotics, automation, semiconductors, and quantum technologies, areas where the region’s technical universities provide a strong talent pipeline. FORWARD.one has already made its first Fund III investment in Denmark and previously backed Collo (Finland) and AlixLabs (Sweden). With plans to invest in 25–30 companies over the next few years, the firm aims to accelerate commercialization of deeptech innovations emerging from Northern Europe’s industrial and research hubs.
The new vehicle, Fund III, will back early-stage companies developing breakthroughs in climate tech, robotics, automation, semiconductors, and quantum technologies—areas where Nordic universities and research institutions play a leading role. Initial investments will range between €1–3 million, with reserves for follow-ons.
“Fund III gives us more capacity to support Europe’s most ambitious innovators. The fact that we have already secured the majority of our target commitments shows strong belief in our strategy and the opportunities ahead in industrial tech,” said Riemer Smink, Managing Partner at FORWARD.one.
The fund’s first Nordic deal has already been completed in Denmark, marking the start of a broader regional expansion expected to include 25–30 portfolio companies across Europe over the next three to four years. FORWARD.one’s previous Nordic investments include Collo (Finland) and AlixLabs (Sweden), both from its second fund.
“Our partnership with FORWARD.one has been great; their hands-on approach and relentless ambition have truly accelerated our progress,” said Jonas Sundqvist, CEO of AlixLabs.
The firm’s growing activity in the Nordics builds on Europe’s established industrial base, with deep expertise in semiconductors, robotics, and sensors. FORWARD.one sees the region’s technical universities as key sources for talent and deal flow.
“The third fund of FORWARD.one is a great addition to the Nordic ecosystem with their industry and deeptech focus,” added Mikko Huumo, Investment Manager at SEB. “We have invested with FORWARD.one in both the Nordics and elsewhere in Europe, and we appreciate their commercial focus on technical innovations.”
Founded in 2017 in Amsterdam, FORWARD.one has quickly become one of Europe’s best-performing industrial tech investors, known for its pragmatic, commercialization-driven approach. The firm previously recorded strong returns from exits such as Sensorfact (acquired by ABB) and Mayht (acquired by Sonos).
“Our strategy remains unchanged: invest early, help scale fast, and drive exits through our network and hands-on support,” said Beau-Anne Chilla, Partner at FORWARD.one. “With Fund III we will help founders commercialize breakthrough technologies into products that benefit society, while continuing to deliver top-tier returns for our investors.”
As governments across the region double down on technological sovereignty and climate resilience, the fund’s launch underscores growing confidence in Nordic-led deeptech innovation as a driver of Europe’s next industrial chapter.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/forward-one-launches-its-third-fund/
