Fortifying the entrepreneurial landscape in East and Central Jutland, the Aarhus University Research Foundation has launched an €80 million venture fund, Delphinus Venture Capital. This initiative aims to nurture research-driven startups and marks a significant investment from partners such as HEARTLAND, Norlys, and the Salling Group. Established in Aarhus, the fund signifies a commitment to innovation by bridging academia and industry, thereby supporting sustainable development within the region. The novel approach highlights a long-term vision aimed at fostering startups at various stages of development.
In earlier reports, Aarhus University had shown interest in strengthening ties with corporate sectors to enhance research application. However, this current endeavor drastically expands this collaboration into the startup ecosystem, directly linking entrepreneurial ventures to extensive resources and expertise. The inception of Delphinus offers a targeted focus on transforming academic research into viable commercial solutions, with resources now formally allocated toward realization and scaling of ideas.
What is the Fund’s Strategic Purpose?
Tasked with propelling innovative ideas into global markets, Delphinus Venture Capital focuses on long-term value rather than swift returns. The fund adopts a broad investment spectrum, ranging from fledgling startups to those in advanced growth stages. This strategy aligns with a steadfast commitment to enduring impact over transitory gains.
Who Leads Delphinus and What Experience Do They Bring?
Mathias Brink Lorenz, now CEO of the new fund, brings a robust background from his tenure at the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund in Germany. His experience focuses on supporting research-intensive startups, guiding Delphinus with expertise in sustainable investment strategies.
“Innovation takes time, courage, and capital. Unlike traditional venture funds, Delphinus has been intentionally set up with a structure that enables long-term commitment and flexibility in our investments,” Lorenz stated.
Delphinus Venture Capital distinguishes itself by embedding resilience within its investment framework, thus ensuring startups receive consistent support across various developmental phases.
Brian Bech Nielsen of Aarhus University emphasized the significance of pairing research with entrepreneurship.
“This unique partnership being created in our region will ensure that research ideas are transformed into sustainable, commercially viable companies,” Nielsen stated.
This collaboration not only amplifies opportunities for researchers but also marks a notable shift towards integrating academic prowess with practical business insights.
Scheduled for September 17, 2025, the fund’s launch will be celebrated at Incuba, offering a platform for stakeholders to engage with the strategic vision of Delphinus.
The establishment of Delphinus Venture Capital solidifies a commitment to nurturing innovation within the regional startup network, projecting a trajectory of sustainable market solutions. By fostering collaboration among research foundations, corporations, and entrepreneurs, this venture encapsulates long-term objectives for societal advancement. As startups flourish under this unique framework, the potential for research-driven solutions to find commercial success is amplified, promising impactful transformations within the entrepreneurial venture ecosystem.
