The Origin

Nicklas’ story as an investor stems from decades of entrepreneurial grit and seed-stage investing, mostly in emerging markets and emerging technologies. Needless to say, Nicklas has seen his fair share of epic failures but also managed to hit a couple of home runs along the way...

Looking back, it’s obvious that the main reasons for success have been luck and good timing. Sometimes, but not always, a small amount of talent has also been part of the equation.

The Thesis

Now that the world of venture investing is recovering from the hangover of ZIRP and grander-than-life startups aiming to “elevate the world’s consciousness”, it’s time to get back to the roots. While the past decade has seen some amazing returns from investments in gaming, apps, SaaS, and urban mobility, to mention a few, it’s unlikely that this will continue. 

Software has eaten the world, and the low-hanging fruits of low-tech tech investing have been picked. Now, “it’s time to build”. Translated to venture investing, this means a return to the spirit from when the VC industry was in its infancy. No more focus on applications and business model innovation, but instead investments in the enabling technologies that will fuel growth, prosperity, and sustainability for decades to come. 

For Nicklas, this means a focus on three pillars: Technology of intelligence, technology of matter, and technology of energy. 

To put it simply, AI, quantum and new forms of computing, nanotechnology and materials science, and energy production, distribution, and storage. Then, add a bit of space, infrastructure, and natural resources to the mix...

The Big Picture 

Besides managing his own investment portfolio, Nicklas is also a member of the investment committee of the EIC Fund, the 10 billion EUR deep-tech venture capital fund started by the European Commission. Since its inception in 2020, the fund has made more than 400 investment decisions, making it one of the most active VCs in the world.

The Pitch

If you’re running a seed-stage deep-tech startup with strong scientific roots in any of the above areas and at least a plan for how to build a defensible IP moat and take this to market, pitch Nicklas here. 

Please understand that from time to time, due to the high number of pitches received, Nicklas can’t reply to each and every proposal.