Copenhagen-based Nine Realms Venture Capital has secured a €50 million commitment from the European Investment Fund (EIF) for its latest fund, Fund I K/S, which targets a total of €200 million. The fund is dedicated to supporting early-stage companies within the supply chain technology sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact. The investment is part of the EIF’s broader strategy under the European Commission’s InvestEU program to foster innovation and sustainable development across Europe.

EIF’s Strategic Investment in Nine Realms

The EIF’s €50 million investment in Nine Realms’ Fund I K/S marks a significant endorsement of the venture capital firm’s focus on the intersection of supply chain technology and sustainability. This commitment aligns with the EIF’s mission to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe, particularly those engaged in sectors critical to the green transition.

Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the EIF, highlighted the often-overlooked role of supply chains in addressing climate challenges. Falkstedt emphasized that optimizing supply chains, particularly in reducing carbon footprints and improving logistics for perishable goods, presents substantial opportunities for environmental gains. The EIF’s investment is intended to support these efforts by backing Nine Realms’ initiatives to drive innovation in this crucial sector.

Focus Areas and Market Impact

Nine Realms Venture Capital’s Fund I K/S is poised to address key challenges in the supply chain technology sector, with a specific focus on environmental sustainability. The fund will target early-stage companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and significant environmental impact, particularly in areas such as transportation technology, industrial decarbonization, and the Blue Economy.

The majority of the fund’s investments will be concentrated within the European Union, with at least 70% of the capital allocated to EU-based companies. Germany, a key market for Nine Realms, will receive particular attention, with the firm planning to establish a local office to support its operations in the region. This focus is part of Nine Realms’ strategy to bridge the gap between European and American ecosystems in the supply chain technology space, where Europe currently lags in terms of venture funding despite being home to a significant portion of the world’s large logistics companies.

Leadership and Vision

Nine Realms is led by a team of experts with deep experience in both supply chain management and venture capital. The firm’s Managing Partner, Sune Stilling, previously served as the Managing Partner of Maersk’s Venture Arm, Maersk Growth, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a leader in early-stage supply chain investment. Under his leadership, Nine Realms is uniquely positioned to identify and support transformative technologies that optimize efficiency, enhance resiliency, and drive sustainability within global supply chains.

Stilling expressed enthusiasm for the EIF’s investment, noting that it validates Nine Realms’ vision of supporting technologies that not only improve supply chain operations but also contribute to significant environmental improvements. He emphasized the firm’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future for global supply chains, leveraging their expertise and network to nurture the next generation of innovators in this €7 trillion market.

The €50 million investment from the EIF into Nine Realms Venture Capital’s Fund I K/S represents a crucial step in advancing supply chain innovation with a focus on sustainability. As Nine Realms continues to target a €200 million close for the fund, its efforts will play a vital role in addressing the environmental challenges associated with global supply chains. With a strategic focus on Europe and a commitment to supporting transformative technologies, Nine Realms is poised to make a significant impact on the future of supply chain management, driving both efficiency and environmental stewardship in this essential sector.