The European Investment Fund (EIF) has committed €50 million to Copenhagen-based Nine Realms Venture Capital’s Fund I K/S, which targets a €200 million total. This investment aims to support early-stage companies in the supply chain technology sector, with a focus on climate and environmental impact. Nine Realms plans to invest predominantly within the European Union, with a significant portion earmarked for Germany. The fund also aims to bridge the funding gap in Europe’s logistics sector, which lags behind the US in venture funding despite its significant market size.
In similar news from recent years, the European Investment Fund has been actively participating in funds that target green and digital transitions, supporting SMEs through various equity and debt financing instruments. Last year, the EIF invested in funds focusing on renewable energy and digital innovation, emphasizing the European Commission’s goals for climate action and technological advancement. The new investment in Nine Realms aligns with these ongoing efforts, reinforcing the EIF’s commitment to sustainable and innovative business developments.
Targeting Climate and Environmental Impact
The EIF’s €50 million commitment to Nine Realms is supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU Joint Equity Product and Climate & Environment Solutions envelope. According to EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt, the investment aims to optimize logistics for reducing the carbon footprint. Falkstedt highlighted the importance of supply chains in tackling climate issues.
“Supply chains are an underestimated part of our climate puzzle,” says EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt. “In terms of both its carbon footprint and the optimisation of logistics for perishable goods, there is a lot to gain in this sector. We’re glad that Nine Realms takes on the challenge and are happy to support this as an integral part of our climate financing.”
Nine Realms will focus on early-stage companies in the supply chain technology sector, concentrating on climate and environmental impact. At least 70% of the investments will go to EU countries, with a strong focus on Germany. The fund aims to address the funding gap in Europe’s supply chain technology sector and reduce the maturity gap between European and American ecosystems.
Nine Realms: Bridging the Funding Gap
Nine Realms Venture Capital invests in the intersection of supply chain and sustainability, targeting early-stage companies in Europe and the US. The team is led by founder Sune Stilling, former Managing Partner at Maersk Growth. The fund aims to support technologies that improve efficiency and resiliency while driving significant environmental impact.
“We are thrilled that the European Investment Fund recognises the immense potential at the intersection of supply chain and sustainability,” adds Sune Stilling, Managing Partner at Nine Realms VC. “Their investment in Nine Realms Fund I validates our vision to support transformative technologies that not only optimise efficiency and resiliency, but also drive significant environmental impact. With our deep expertise in both Supply Chain and Venture Capital, we are uniquely positioned to identify and nurture the next generation of game-changers in this €7 trillion market. Together, we’ll build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future for global supply chains,” adds Stilling.
The investment by the EIF in Nine Realms Venture Capital not only aims to support the technological evolution of supply chains but also has a strong focus on environmental sustainability. By targeting early-stage companies with high growth potential, Nine Realms seeks to foster transformative technologies that can significantly impact global supply chains. This initiative aligns with broader EU objectives to improve climate resilience and innovation in logistics, making it a critical step in addressing both economic and environmental challenges.
