News

Trio Impact Invest launches new fund to accelerate early-stage deep tech ventures

Trio Impact Invest has reached the first closing of a new fund backing early-stage, research-driven ventures that turn world-class science into global impact. Backed by a mandate and co-financing from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) and the European Regional Development Fund, as well as support from private investors, the fund addresses a critical financing gap for research-intensive ventures in their earliest phases, starting in Sweden.

The fund is built on the extensive experience and deep insight into the innovation ecosystem, both locally and internationally, that the three universities’ investment arms possess. By combining public financing with private expertise, it creates a strong platform for identifying and investing in high-potential research-driven businesses. With speed and know-how as competitive advantages, the fund is designed to accelerate the growth of the next generation of deep tech companies, both in Sweden and beyond.

““We are proud to reach this milestone and open the fund for investments that accelerate Sweden’s most groundbreaking technologies. A warm thank you to everyone who shares our vision and makes this possible. With our unique model, we can identify and support promising companies at the very earliest stages, where capital is often scarce, and provide smart, purposeful funding without requiring co-investors. This makes us fast and flexible in backing research-intensive companies with great potential, companies that can create solutions with real societal impact and the vision to change the world.” – Siimon Vaske, CEO, Trio Impact Invest

Reducing Early-Stage Risks Through Research Proximity

Deep tech ventures are highly capital intensive in their early phases. By remaining close to the research, Trio Impact Invest is able to manage risks in a more sustainable and long-term way. The combination of funding, industry expertise, business know-how, and established networks allows companies with unique competitive advantages to grow systematically.

The fund builds on the proven track record of the investment arms in developing research-based ventures. It also benefits from strong networks created through co-investments with players including Navigare Ventures, Industrifonden, and the EIC. With an established pipeline already in place, Trio Impact Invest is ready to invest immediately—taking the next natural step in scaling Swedish deep tech innovation.

Strong Backing from Key Stakeholders

““Stockholm is one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation hubs, and this initiative highlights the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and investors. Through this joint effort, we can transform research into competitive companies that contribute to both growth and societal value.”– Anders Söderholm, President, KTH

““Scania is proud to support Trio Impact Invest as the fund opens a new channel from Sweden’s world-leading universities to industry. The partnership gives us early access to groundbreaking deep tech ventures and accelerates solutions that strengthen our customers’ competitiveness and the transition to a sustainable transport system.”“, säger “– Jessica Persson, Head of VC and M&A, Scania.

“Det finns ett stort behov av mer kapital och kompetens för forskningsbaserade bolag i tidiga skeden. Därför är det roligt att de tre holdingbolagen nu tar ett gemensamt initiativ och reser en fond – en satsning som ger ny kraft till ekosystemet och nästa generations deep tech-bolag“– David Sonnek, CEO Navigare Ventures.

With a strong pipeline and strong backing from academia, industry, and investors, Trio Impact Invest expects to announce its first investments soon.

Background & Collaboration

• The university alliance Stockholm Trio – Karolinska Institutet, KTH, and Stockholm University – was formed to strengthen the internationally leading research and education environment in the Stockholm region.

• Trio Impact Invest is jointly owned by the investment arms within the Stockholm Trio. The three companies (Karolinska Institutet Holding AB, KTH Ventures AB and SU Holding AB) all have extensive experience investing in early-stage deep tech companies and collaborate with leading players in the ecosystem.

• Fund manager role – Trio Impact Invest has been appointed as the fund manager for regional venture capital in Stockholm through a public procurement process by Tillväxtverket, with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.

• Capital gap – There is a clearly identified gap in funding for early-stage, research-intensive companies. The fund is designed to address this gap through a unique structure: it is pari passu cleared at the fund level, allowing investments to be made directly without relying on co-investors.

For more information, please contact:
Siimon Vaske, VD Trio Impact Invest, E-post: info@tii.vc

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