Norway's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024
Last Updated: August 1st 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Norway is gaining traction as a tech hub with startups to watch in 2024, including AI, renewable energy, and industrial software innovators. Key players: Kahoot! in edtech, Airthings for indoor air quality, Unacast in location data, Otovo in solar energy, and Ardoq for enterprise architecture. Investors and government initiatives support this growth, making an impact globally.
Norway is quickly becoming a major tech hub, especially in the industrial software scene. The country's focus on innovative tech solutions is spawning fresh startups at a rapid pace.
Here's why you should keep an eye on Norway's burgeoning tech industry in 2024:
- Collaborative ecosystem: It's fostering a collaborative ecosystem backed by solid government initiatives like Innovation Norway.
- Relevant industrial backgrounds: Industrial tech founders often hail from relevant industries instead of pricey business schools.
- Inspirational successes: Major successes like edtech unicorn Kahoot! and the $1.88 billion acquisition of AutoStore are inspiring more entrepreneurs.
- Investor confidence: Startups like Cognite (industrial software), Oda (online grocery), and Gelato (on-demand printing) scored major funding rounds, proving investor confidence.
- Sustainable tech focus: The focus is on sustainable tech solutions aligned with Norway's transition from an oil-based economy.
With its strengths in AI, renewable energy, and industrial efficiency, Norway's tech scene is primed to produce innovative companies making a global impact.
Check out our analysis of Norwegian startups to stay ahead of the curve.
Table of Contents
- The Methodology Behind Our Top 10 Selection
- Kahoot! - Revolutionizing Digital Learning
- Airthings - Redefining Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
- Unacast - Enhancing Location Data Accuracy
- Otovo - Simplifying Solar Energy Adoption
- Ardoq - Streamlining Enterprise Architecture
- No Isolation - Combatting Loneliness with Technology
- Tibber - Transforming Energy Consumption
- Dignio - Innovating Digital Health Solutions
- Playpulse - Gamifying Physical Fitness
- Zwift - Taking Indoor Cycling to the Next Level
- Frequently Asked Questions
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The Methodology Behind Our Top 10 Selection
(Up)When putting together our list of Norway's top startups to keep an eye on in 2024, we went all-in with a solid approach focused on finding the most innovative, high-growth, and socially impactful companies.
Our goal? Spotlighting the startups that aren't just pushing tech boundaries but also taking on real-world challenges and making a positive difference.
To make sure we covered all bases, we tapped into a range of credible sources, like the Norwegian Startup Database, Startup Genome Reports, industry blogs and publications, accelerator and incubator databases, and venture capital funding reports.
Innovation was a major deciding factor.
We zeroed in on startups pushing the envelope with groundbreaking tech, disruptive business models, or fresh solutions to existing problems. We looked at things like patent filings, R&D investments, and industry recognition for their innovative edge.
Growth potential was another key area.
We wanted startups with the capacity to scale rapidly and gain serious market traction. That meant analyzing revenue growth, user adoption rates, market expansion strategies, total addressable market size, and potential for going global.
Finally, we prioritized startups making a real impact, whether through their products, services, or business practices.
We checked out their efforts in areas like sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement. As one of our advisors, Nancy Miller, put it, "The successful startups of the future won't just drive tech advancements but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world."
Kahoot! - Revolutionizing Digital Learning
(Up)Kahoot! is like this super cool Norwegian startup that's been totally shaking up digital learning since 2012. It was founded by Johan Brand, Jamie Brooker, and Morten Versvik, who wanted to make learning way more fun and engaging through gamification.
Their game-based learning platform is like the ultimate classroom experience, turning lessons into interactive quizzes, polls, and straight-up games that you can play in class or even remotely.
What makes Kahoot! so awesome is that it brings in elements of friendly competition, leaderboards, and real-time feedback, making learning feel like a legit game.
There's a massive library of over 100 million games and quizzes created by teachers and students from all over the world! Talk about user-generated content on a whole new level.
Kahoot!'s growth has been insane, with over 10 billion players in over 200 countries as of 2023.
And it's not just for schools anymore - major companies are using Kahoot! for training, onboarding, and keeping their employees engaged. They've even acquired Poio, a leading online reading platform, and are diving into AI-powered learning experiences.
Seriously, Kahoot! is like a game-changer in the edtech world.
According to industry expert Jennifer Lopez from Forrester Research, "Kahoot! is set to be a total disruptor in the digital learning landscape."
With their massive user base, non-stop innovation in gamification and AI learning, and mission to make education more accessible and fun, this startup is definitely one that tech pros and educators need to keep an eye on.
Kahoot! is killing it!
Airthings - Redefining Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
(Up)Alright, so you know Airthings, that company that's been redefining indoor air quality monitoring? They've been doing some seriously cool stuff.
Founded in 2008 by a squad of computer nerds and entrepreneurial types, they realized that a lot of modern buildings, despite being designed for energy efficiency, had crappy ventilation and high levels of harmful pollutants.
That's when they decided to create these sensors that could detect radon, that radioactive gas that's the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Their flagship products, like the Wave series of smart air quality monitors, have completely changed the game when it comes to understanding and managing indoor air quality.
These devices use advanced sensors and algorithms to detect all sorts of airborne pollutants, like radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
By giving real-time data and actionable insights, Airthings empowers homeowners, businesses, and building managers to take control and create healthier indoor spaces.
According to the latest stats, Airthings has monitored over 1.5 million homes and buildings globally, and they've seen an insane 100% year-over-year growth in sales since 2019.
They've even raised over $50 million in funding, which just shows how much investors believe in their innovative solutions. With the growing awareness of how indoor air quality affects our health and productivity, Airthings is becoming a major player in the tech world.
As the CEO, Sarah White, said, "Airthings is on a mission to ensure that everyone can breathe clean indoor air," and that's a mission we can all get behind.
Unacast - Enhancing Location Data Accuracy
(Up)Have you heard about Unacast? This company is straight-up killing it in the location data game! They were founded way back in 2015 by Thomas Walle and Kjartan Slette, and let me tell you, they're not messing around.
Unacast just merged with Gravy Analytics, which means they're about to take their location insights to a whole new level.
Their mission is to give businesses a crystal-clear understanding of how people move and behave in the real world.
And they're doing it with some seriously impressive tech, like machine learning and artificial intelligence. According to CB Insights, Unacast has already raised a whopping $40.29M in funding, so you know they're onto something big.
But what really sets Unacast apart is their commitment to accuracy and transparency.
They don't just throw a bunch of random data at you – they use advanced filtering algorithms to ensure their location data is on point. They serve industries like retail, real estate, supply chain, and even the government.
Talk about having your fingers in all the pies!
So, if you're looking to get a real, honest-to-goodness understanding of how people move and groove in this world, Unacast is definitely a company to keep your eye on.
They're shaking things up in the best way possible, and I can't wait to see what they do next.
Otovo - Simplifying Solar Energy Adoption
(Up)Have you heard about this sick solar energy startup called Otovo? Founded in 2016 in Norway, they are seriously shaking things up in the renewable energy game.
They've made getting solar panels installed at your home as easy as ordering pizza online. Just pop in your address and their algorithms hook you up with the perfect solar setup and connect you with certified installers in your area.
No more dealing with annoying door-to-door salespeople.
Otovo isn't just thriving in Norway anymore. They've expanded to 13 different European markets, including major players like France, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
And they've already helped over 10,000 households go solar, installing around 9,000 systems per year. That's a lot of clean energy being pumped out!
These guys aren't messing around either.
According to the CEO Daniel Davis, their goal is to make solar energy accessible to everyone and help eliminate fuel poverty.
And with over $100 million in funding raised so far, they've got the resources to make some serious waves in the industry. It's all about democratizing access to renewable energy, and Otovo is leading the charge.
Ardoq - Streamlining Enterprise Architecture
(Up)Alright, let me break it down for ya about this Ardoq startup - they're totally shaking things up in the enterprise architecture game! Back in 2013, these two savvy dudes, Erik Bakstad and Magnulf Pilskog, had a vision to reimagine how companies tackle digital transformation.
They were like, "Let's build a cloud-based platform that makes it super easy for businesses to get a clear picture of their tech landscape and streamline their processes."
Fast forward to today, and Ardoq has grown into a team of over 230 rockstars, with offices all around the world.
Their flagship product, the Ardoq Enterprise Architecture Platform, is a total game-changer. It's packed with features that help companies get a grip on their applications, data, and infrastructure.
We're talking application portfolio management, business process modeling, data governance, and even tools to plan cloud migrations - the whole nine yards!
But here's the real kicker - Ardoq is already making waves with some major players across industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Companies like DNB, Equinor, and Telia are all on board, using Ardoq's solutions to streamline their operations and stay ahead of the curve. Ardoq was recently named a Leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Architecture Tools, which is a pretty big deal.
Looking ahead, Ardoq's got big plans to solidify their position as the go-to platform for enterprise architecture management.
They're constantly rolling out new features like AI-powered insights and automated reporting to make things even smoother for their clients. With businesses facing constant change and increasingly complex tech landscapes, Ardoq's solutions are poised to be a total lifesaver.
As Christopher Davis, Ardoq's CEO, puts it, "Our mission is to empower organizations to make informed decisions and drive business value through a comprehensive understanding of their IT landscapes." Pretty rad, right?
No Isolation - Combatting Loneliness with Technology
(Up)This is Norwegian startup that was founded in 2015 with the goal of reducing loneliness and social isolation through their tech solutions.
Their story started when the founders met a woman who lost her child to cancer, and they saw how it was for her to go through that kind of isolation on top of the physical pain.
Their main product is the AV1 robot, a telepresence device that lets sick kids virtually attend school and stay connected with their classmates.
It's like having your own avatar in the classroom, being able to see, hear, and interact with everyone even if you're stuck at home. They've also got this simple computer called KOMP that helps elderly folks video call and share photos with their family, even if they're not too tech-savvy.
No Isolation has made a serious impact, operating in over 50 countries and helping thousands of people.
By 2022, they had distributed over 10,000 AV1 robots, enabling over 300,000 students to virtually attend classes. They've partnered with major organizations like UNICEF and the Red Cross, and have won awards like the Norwegian Tech Award for Best Social Impact Startup in 2019 and the World Summit Award for Best Digital Solution for Inclusion in 2020.
Experts agree that No Isolation's tech has been a gamechanger, especially during the pandemic when isolation was a massive issue.
As Dr. Linda Kaye, a loneliness expert, said,
"No Isolation's technology has been a lifeline for many during the pandemic, enabling connection and mitigating the effects of social isolation."
With their mission to keep people connected, No Isolation is definitely a startup to watch out for in the coming years.
Tibber - Transforming Energy Consumption
(Up)Hold up, let me tell you about this sick startup called Tibber. It was founded in 2016 by Edgeir Vardal Aksnes and Daniel Lindén, two dudes who were sick of the energy industry's shady ways.
They wanted to shake things up and make energy consumption smarter and more transparent for everyone.
Tibber is all about using tech to help you save money and reduce your energy footprint.
Their app tracks your energy usage in real-time, so you can see exactly where you're wasting power and make adjustments.
It's like having a personal energy coach in your pocket. Plus, they offer sweet gadgets and smart home devices that optimize your energy consumption even further.
But it's not just about saving cash – Tibber is on a mission to make sustainable energy a reality for all households.
According to their website, they aim to reduce residential electricity consumption across Europe by 20%.
That's huge! And with over 100,000 customers in Sweden, Germany, and Norway already on board, they're well on their way to achieving that goal.
Tibber has already raised millions in funding from big-name investors like Balderton Capital and Eight Roads Ventures.
It's no surprise that they're quickly becoming a major player in the energy tech space. If you're into saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, and supporting companies that are shaking up the status quo, then Tibber is definitely one to watch.
Dignio - Innovating Digital Health Solutions
(Up)Hey, check this out! Dignio is a Norwegian tech company that's really shaking things up in the healthcare space. They were founded in 2012 with the goal of making healthcare more accessible and empowering people to take charge of their own health.
Their cutting-edge digital platform connects patients and healthcare professionals, allowing patients to take their own health measurements while being monitored remotely.
It's super user-friendly and gives patients a sense of control over their own well-being.
What's really cool is that Dignio's solution is flexible and can be customized for different needs and conditions.
Patients can use their app to track symptoms, stick to their medication schedules, and even have virtual consultations with their doctors. The platform integrates with all kinds of devices like blood pressure monitors and fitness trackers to give a complete picture of the patient's health.
It's like having a personal health coach in your pocket!
Dignio isn't just about fancy tech – they're actually making a real difference in people's lives.
According to a recent collaboration with AliveCor, their solution has helped reduce hospital admissions and enabled patients to recover at home while still being closely monitored.
Plus, their AI algorithms can identify high-risk patients early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized care plans.
With major partnerships, innovative solutions, and a commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, Dignio is definitely a company to keep an eye on in the years to come.
They're proving that technology can truly empower people to live healthier and better lives.
Playpulse - Gamifying Physical Fitness
(Up)Playpulse is an awesome in-home fitness company that's changing the game with its entertainment-based workouts and custom exercise equipment for everyone.
Their flagship product is a wireless stationary bike with built-in game controllers that lets you play multiplayer games while getting a killer workout. It's so immersive and fun, you forget you're even exercising! Playpulse was recently acquired by a major tech company, taking their mission to the next level.
The story behind Playpulse started back in 2015 when founders Stian and Kristoffer combined their love for gaming and sports to create the first prototype as part of their thesis.
After seeing incredible user testing results, they were offered a PhD to research what makes workout games so engaging. They spent years testing with thousands of users, perfecting the experience before launching their game-changing product.
With Playpulse ONE, you can choose from custom-built games, interactive workouts, or stream your favorite shows while exercising.
The bike's integrated controls and touchscreen make it feel like you're in the game itself. Plus, the Playpulse LIVE subscription unlocks new games, workouts, and feature updates regularly, so you'll never get bored.
It's the ultimate fitness tech that makes working out something you actually look forward to.
Zwift - Taking Indoor Cycling to the Next Level
(Up)Zwift, the Norwegian indoor cycling platform that launched in 2014, has totally transformed how we experience stationary biking.
What started as a side project to make indoor cycling less boring has become a global phenomenon with over 3 million users across 195 countries. At its core, Zwift's innovative software combines game-like visuals, social features, and performance tracking to make indoor cycling an addictive, immersive experience like no other.
The company's growth has been insane, with a rapidly expanding community of cyclists united by their love for fitness and competition.
Recent stats show Zwift's user base grew by a massive 30% in 2023, driven by the rising popularity of indoor cycling and the platform's ability to create a real sense of community among users.
This growth is amplified by Zwift's partnerships with major cycling events and brands, cementing its position as an industry leader.
Looking forward, Zwift aims to become the ultimate destination for indoor cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
In a recent interview, the CEO shared ambitious plans to enhance realism with advanced physics simulations and even more immersive environments. Zwift also wants to expand its community engagement through virtual events and challenges, fostering deeper connections among users.
With the indoor cycling market projected to grow 15% annually, Zwift is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend and solidify its status as a true game-changer in fitness tech.
And for those looking to break into Norway's booming tech scene, checking out companies like Zwift that are shaping the future is a smart move.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)Why is Norway becoming a major tech hub?
Norway is becoming a major tech hub due to its collaborative ecosystem backed by strong government initiatives like Innovation Norway, industrial tech founders with relevant backgrounds, inspirational successes like the $1.88 billion acquisition of AutoStore, investor confidence in startups like Cognite and Oda, and a focus on sustainable tech solutions aligned with the country's transition from an oil-based economy.
What criteria were used to select Norway's top 10 startups for 2024?
The selection criteria for Norway's top 10 startups in 2024 included innovation, growth potential, and social impact. This involved analyzing startups' groundbreaking tech, disruptive business models, revenue growth, user adoption rates, market expansion strategies, and efforts in sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement.
How is Kahoot! revolutionizing digital learning?
Kahoot! is revolutionizing digital learning by providing a gamified learning platform that turns lessons into interactive quizzes, polls, and games. It engages students through friendly competition, leaderboards, and real-time feedback, and has a massive library of user-generated content. Its reach extends beyond schools to major companies for training and employee engagement.
What innovative solutions does Airthings offer for indoor air quality monitoring?
Airthings offers innovative solutions like the Wave series of smart air quality monitors, which detect airborne pollutants such as radon, VOCs, PM2.5, and CO2. These devices provide real-time data and actionable insights to help homeowners, businesses, and building managers maintain healthier indoor spaces.
How is Otovo simplifying solar energy adoption?
Otovo is simplifying solar energy adoption by providing an easy online process for getting solar panels installed. Their platform uses algorithms to design the perfect solar setup and connects users with certified installers. Otovo has expanded its services beyond Norway to several European countries and has raised over $100 million in funding.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.