We make rural regions
instrumental in sustainable
economic growth.
How?
1.
By ensuring that the smartest people and the best ideas become the natural and social advantage of rural regions.
2.
By discovering, validating and developing pioneering concepts through venture capital and longterm investments.
3.
By matching creativity, talent and technology with capital, network and proven track record.
Our story
With the challenging North Atlantic storms on our doorstep, we have created a determinded mindset. We firmly believe in sustainable economic growth.
Through investing in ideas and entrepreneurship, we help build resilient communities. Shaping robust enterprises along the coast of Norway.
Opportunity
The patterns of society are changing. Rural regions can become instrumental in sustainable economic growth.
Method
We move the best ideas forward through proven track record, dedicated capital and tailored expertise.
Great ideas and talent are the core of our model
Around this core, we build a robust and holistic network, ensuring that all stages of development from idea to product are given due consideration.
VYRD facilitates optimal financing of startups. During the process, we determine VYRDS investment share, and attract other investor groups as co-investors.
VYRD Team
Each case is allocated a VYRD Team tailored to fit the idea. The team validates the idea, the business model and the business plan, and functions as advisors throughout the process.
If necessary, the team can assume key roles within the company until personell is in place.
VYRD Network
Our extensive network is closely connected to the VYRD Team, and is activated where appropriate to execute the plan according to the strategy.
Our network includes serial entrepreneurs, CEOs, professional board members and other area experts, leading financial and educational institutions, as well as national financial support systems.
People from our network are able to function as board members, investors, and technological and commercial partners.
References
Over the last 10 years, the Måløy region has been a leading force in shaping the technological ecosystem in western Norway.
As investor and incubator, our goal has been to develop sustainable technology companies, and to build the skills needed to deliver next generation solutions and products to the market.
Our track record in building the companies and products on this slide prove that we deliver on our goal. Rural regions can become instrumental in sustainable economic growth.
Whereby
Whereby had its origin in the industrial and technology company Tandberg. In 2008 Tandberg had a presence in 90 countries and employed approx. 1500 people. This led to Norway often being referred to as Video Valley with a clear reference to Silicon Valley.
This was also the case for Whereby Holding AS, or Videonor AS as it was called at the time. The company was established in Måløy in 2010 and was among the first companies to offer a cloud-based solution for video calls and video conferencing. Working closely with our IT company LocalHost, the service was built from scratch and quickly became the standard for video conferencing service in Norway. The service was based on technology from subcontractors and was packaged and adapted for the end customer.
By early 2018, Whereby Holding AS acquired Telenors video service Appear.in. This gave the company a ‘self-developed’ technology with an exceptionally large customer base and thus, a greatly increased potential. Through 2018 and 2019, a number of comprehensive projects were launched with two simple goals in mind: acquire as many paying customers as possible and build a scalable organization equipped for growth.
With the pandemic of 2020, growth increased exponentially and the company sold the Videonor portfolio to Pexip to focus on Whereby. The company grew from 30 employees to 100. The company increased subscription revenues from ARR $ 2M to $ 10 + and the number of users from 10x in less than 12 months. The company has attracted expertise from some of the world’s leading technology companies and investors, making it even better equipped to achieve ambitious goals in the future.
The story of Whereby is still being written, and the future is bright.
Whereby
Whereby had its origin in the industrial and technology company Tandberg. In 2008 Tandberg had a presence in 90 countries and employed approx. 1500 people. This led to Norway often being referred to as Video Valley with a clear reference to Silicon Valley.
This was also the case for Whereby Holding AS, or Videonor AS as it was called at the time. The company was established in Måløy in 2010 and was among the first companies to offer a cloud-based solution for video calls and video conferencing. Working closely with our IT company LocalHost, the service was built from scratch and quickly became the standard for video conferencing service in Norway. The service was based on technology from subcontractors and was packaged and adapted for the end customer.
By early 2018, Whereby Holding AS acquired Telenors video service Appear.in. This gave the company a ‘self-developed’ technology with an exceptionally large customer base and thus, a greatly increased potential. Through 2018 and 2019, a number of comprehensive projects were launched with two simple goals in mind: acquire as many paying customers as possible and build a scalable organization equipped for growth.
With the pandemic of 2020, growth increased exponentially and the company sold the Videonor portfolio to Pexip to focus on Whereby. The company grew from 30 employees to 100. The company increased subscription revenues from ARR $ 2M to $ 10 + and the number of users from 10x in less than 12 months. The company has attracted expertise from some of the world’s leading technology companies and investors, making it even better equipped to achieve ambitious goals in the future.
The story of Whereby is still being written, and the future is bright.
“The sale of Lefdal Mine Datacenter to Columbia Threadneedle marks a milestone for the technological environment in Måløy. We have transformed a discontinued mine into one of the most cutting-edge datacenters in the world. The fact that one of the largest investment funds in the US chose our region for their first investment in Norway is a game-changer for the future.”
Sindre Kvalheim
VYRD AS
Lefdal Mine
What: Datacenter / Infrastructure
When: 2009 – 2020
Role: Founder and incubator
Investment: 300 million
Through investing in ideas and entrepreneurship, we help build resilient communities. Shaping robust enterprises along the coast of Norway.
Lefdal Mine
What:
Datacenter / Infrastructure
When:
2009 – 2020
Role:
Founder and incubator
Investment: 300 million
Through investing in ideas and entrepreneurship, we help build resilient communities. Shaping robust enterprises along the coast of Norway.
“The sale of Lefdal Mine Datacenter to Columbia Threadneedle marks a milestone for the technological environment in Måløy. We have transformed a discontinued mine into one of the most cutting-edge datacenters in the world. The fact that one of the largest investment funds in the US chose our region for their first investment in Norway is a game-changer for the future.”
Sindre Kvalheim
VYRD AS
Our investments
Aivero offers a robotics service that simplifies 3D machine vision-based automation. Their solution is powered by their proprietary 3D depth compression and streaming software, enabling 3D perception applications to run natively in the cloud. This innovative approach is known as “smooth automation” because it’s accessible, affordable, and easy to use.
Blåmyra, located in western Norway, is a well-established design lab with expertise in placemaking, branding, and digital design. Their commitment to meticulous craftsmanship, compelling storytelling, and strategic precision results in enduring and functional design solutions. Blåmyra collaborates with a diverse range of commercial players, public institutions and ambitious startups, all driven by a shared goal of making a positive impact through design.
Eduplaytion, a Norwegian-based EdTech company, is meeting the growing demand for modern, interactive education. Their team of veteran teachers and skilled game developers is on a mission to create high-quality game-based learning solutions for both B2C and B2B markets. Their flagship product, Numetry, is an engaging math game for students aged 8-12, marking the beginning of their innovative journey in education.
Hiquid Food blended soups are freeze-dried whole foods tube feeding meals for patients with gastrostomy. Hiquid Food blended soups only contain powder from freeze-dried meat, fish, legumes, vegetables, fruits, berries, and herbs. The ingredients are carefully selected and combined to create a positive sensory experience, promote the enjoyment of food and to encourage communal meals with friends and family.
LocalHost is a trusted IT partner and strategic advisor, using technology to drive operational excellence for clients ranging from national corporations to local startups. They customize technology solutions to help clients work smarter and reach their goals. With a deep understanding of clients’ needs and a focus on security and efficiency, LocalHost ensures digital systems that work seamlessly, enabling clients to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Momentum is an investment firm that specializes in companies placing sustainability at the core of their business. They are committed to supporting ambitious and innovative teams, with a particular focus on the ocean industries, agriculture, and construction/property sectors. Momentum’s investments are aimed at driving sustainability and fostering growth in these vital industries while contributing to a more environmentally conscious future.
Måløy Adventure is a regional travel company dedicated to creating outstanding experiences in the Måløy region. They collaborate with local partners to enhance the area’s appeal, invest in local infrastructure and activities, offer group tours with transportation and equipment, and support cruise companies with on-site services. The company is owned by 27 local businesses, with the purpose to deliver the best possible travel experience to guests visiting the area.
Expand your culinary world from the edge of Norway. Måløy Spiskammers AS, through the delicatessen “KB77” and restaurant “Kadaver”, is a culinary haven offering a unique gastronomic experience on a remote island in Norway. KB77 provides gourmet delicacies and culinary expertise, while Kadaver offers a sophisticated urban dining experience. Their vision is to empower people with the inspiration and knowledge to expand their culinary horizons, contributing to economic growth in the region.
NetPartner is a store specializing in IT and mobile solutions. They are the preferred hardware supplier of LocalHost, offering a wide range of items, including mobile solutions, PCs, networking equipment, robust server solutions and gaming equipment. As an IT-provider, NetPartner provides assistance in selecting products and services tailored to each customers needs, ensuring a seamless IT-experience from start to finish.
Nivel, a Norwegian govtech startup established in 2019, empowers cities to efficiently manage escooters and other forms of micro-mobility. Through two-way data integrations with mobility operators, their tools enable cities to dynamically fine-tune parameters such as parking fees, restrictions, and speed limits, ensuring safe and orderly streets. With recent investments, Nivel is expanding globally with a growing team – shaping the future of smart cities.
Selah Sleep is a calm clock designed to improve sleep quality and ease of falling asleep, and optimize wake-up routines. It uses tailored light and soundtracks aligned with your biological rhythms for a smoother wake-up experience. Selah Sleep not only enhances your morning wake-up, it supports your entire sleep journey, from relaxation in the evening to morning routines. It also promotes leaving smartphones out of the bedroom to prevent unwanted mobile device usage in bed.
Skiwo is a dynamic software development company dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of skilled workers and optimizing large-scale business management. They offer a range of innovative solutions through two fully owned subsidiaries; Salita Interpretation and Translation Services and manymore.com Workforce Management Platform. Salita specializes in professional language services for Norwegian authorities and businesses, whereas manymore.com Workforce Management Platform automates workforce management.
Empowering Seafood Industry Excellence through Next-Gen Software. Tinga is at the forefront of transforming the seafood industry through its innovative software solutions. Tinga’s business suite caters to the unique challenges and demands of the seafood sector, offering features and capabilities designed to optimize communication, processes and boost productivity. With Tinga, seafood companies can navigate the complexities of their operations with ease, ensuring they operate at the peak of their potential.
Freedom to work from anywhere. Whereby is a global provider of both Software as a service (SaaS) and Platform as a service (PaaS) for video conferencing, presenting a user-friendly collaboration tool for those who want to conduct simple and reliable video meetings. All meetings are from your browser – no downloads, and no login for guests. Serving SMBs across various industries, Whereby believes in location-independent work. As a fully flexible remote team, they are on a mission to give people the freedom to work and live where they thrive.
Investor Team
Our investor team consists of experienced leaders from different companies.
As investor and incubator, our goal has been to develop sustainable technology companies, and to build the skills needed to deliver next generation solutions and products to the market.
They have all been instrumental in shaping the technology solutions that have come out of Måløy, and have been part of the process from startup to exit.
The purpose of the team is to validate startup teams, business ideas and evaluate business models and choices of technology.
The team prepares for foundation for decisions by the investor committee/bord of VYRD.
Investor Team
Our investor team consists of experienced leaders from different companies.
As investor and incubator, our goal has been to develop sustainable technology companies, and to build the skills needed to deliver next generation solutions and products to the market.
They have all been instrumental in shaping the technology solutions that have come out of Måløy, and have been part of the process from startup to exit.
The purpose of the team is to validate startup teams, business ideas and evaluate business models and choices of technology.
The team prepares for foundation for decisions by the investor committee/bord of VYRD.
Our Network
Since 2008 we have created 200 workplaces in IT and invested over 800 million kroner in technology in collaboration with other investors.
We are known for delivering on our promises and generating considerable ROIs for our owners.
As a result, we have a comprehensive network of key people, institutions and companies that take part in all stages of the process of building a successful company or product in cooperation with the entrepreneur.
Our Network
Since 2008 we have created 200 workplaces in IT and invested over 800 million kroner in technology in collaboration with other investors.
We are known for delivering on our promises and generating considerable ROIs for our owners.
As a result, we have a comprehensive network of key people, institutions and companies that take part in all stages of the process of building a successful company or product in cooperation with the entrepreneur.
Investor Community
Our Investor Community includes six of the strongest investor groups in Western Norway. We are joining forces to transform the best ideas along the cost into global unicorns.
What are we looking for?
Pioneering ideas with a positive societal and environmental impact
Determined start-ups with international ambitions
Dedicated investorgroups who share our values
What do we offer?
Knowledge: Active ownership, extensive and diverse expertise, thorough strategic processes and follow-ups.
Network: A unique portfolio and extensive investor and industri networks.
Capital: Longterm growth capital and value development
Press release
What are we looking for?
Dedicated environments investing their knowledge and capital to helt move the brightest ideas forward.
Connecting expertise, ideas and people to facilitate sustainable economic growth.
Get in touch to learn more.
