Farvatn Venture

Farvatn Venture is a Norwegian early-stage investor that deploys capital through two channels: direct investments in startups and partnerships with venture funds. Its sector focus is defined by three themes - ocean and maritime technology, life sciences, and renewable energy. Alongside direct investments, the firm draws on connections built through angel networks and venture funds, giving it both balance-sheet exposure and access to a wider syndication base.

Geographically, the mandate runs across the Nordic countries and Silicon Valley. The firm began its venture investing journey in 2016, the same year its predecessor business was sold: JO Tankers, at the time one of the world's largest operators of advanced chemical tanker vessels, was divested after a century in industrial shipping. Farvatn Venture grew out of that family business, itself rooted in the JO Group, founded in 1915. The venture platform therefore carries a long industrial shipping lineage - earlier activity included timber freight and chemical tankers - into a portfolio now oriented towards startups.

Investment criteria include sustainability priorities set around life below water, health and well-being, renewable energy, and gender equality. The stated aim across both direct holdings and fund partnerships is to back companies making a positive imprint on the world.