What Startuplab does

Startuplab is a Norwegian incubator, accelerator, and pre-seed investor founded in 2012 and headquartered in Oslo, with a second physical location in Bergen. Since inception the firm has supported more than 500 founders, worked with 550+ companies, and invested in 185+ startups, currently hosting 110+ active startups in its incubator across the two cities. The service portfolio is layered: a long-running incubator with office space and community, a 3-month intensive accelerator sprint, the Startuplab Ventures investment arm, sector-specific industry programs (energy, construction, AI, fintech, hardware), a corporate partnership program with 25+ named Norwegian enterprises, and a Getro-powered job board that aggregates 120+ open roles across the portfolio and serves as a talent network.

The underlying technology layer is ecosystem-orchestration rather than a flagship software product. The job board runs on Getro with first-party Segment analytics and PostHog product telemetry, used to optimize user experience for job seekers and portfolio employers. There is no public API, SDK, or developer platform; the company's technological differentiation lies in its integrated service stack and institutional relationships rather than proprietary code. The investment arm is structured as Startuplab Ventures AS, a wholly owned Norwegian AIFM that manages the Startuplab Founders Fund V AS alternative investment fund, closed at $32 million in December 2025 and classified under Article 8 of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation for its promotion of environmental and social characteristics.

Startuplab's business model combines fund management fees and carried interest on the venture vehicles, program-related revenue (fees and/or equity participation) from the incubator and accelerator, and the strategic value of corporate partnership engagements with major Norwegian enterprises including Equinor, Telenor, DNB, Statkraft, OBOS, Wilhelmsen, Veidekke, and Gjensidige. The firm serves two primary customer segments: early-stage Norwegian tech startups seeking capital, mentorship, enterprise introductions, and talent; and large Norwegian corporates seeking innovation pipeline, technology scouting, and ESG-aligned venture exposure. Notable portfolio companies include Kahoot, reMarkable, Ardoq, Tise, Zivid, Otovo, Strise, Huddly, and No Isolation, and the firm has recently co-invested in defense tech (Stendr), cloud AI security (Cloudgeni), and hospitality AI (Altek AI) alongside Nordic and global syndicate partners.

Name

Startuplab

Legal name

Startuplab AS

Website

https://startuplab.no

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Startuplab is a Norwegian incubator, accelerator, and pre-seed investor founded in 2012, hosting 110+ startups across Oslo and Bergen. It manages a $32M SFDR Article 8 fund, has invested in 185+ companies, and operates 25+ corporate partnerships with major Norwegian enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Incubator and Early-Stage Venture Capital

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Venture Studios / Company Builders (FSANAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Early-Stage Venture Capital (Pre-Seed/Seed) (FSANAAAA), Corporate Venture Studios & Incubators (Build/launch ventures) (FSANAHAC)

Keywords

• Startup incubator programs
• Early-stage venture capital
• Pre-seed equity investing
• Startup accelerator services
• Corporate innovation partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Oslo

HQ country

Norway

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fund Management Fees & Investment Returns: Startuplab Ventures AS is the manager of the alternative investment fund Startuplab Founders Fund V AS. Revenue is generated through pre-seed equity capital investments in early-stage companies, with returns from exits and carried interest, plus management fees on the fund AUM. The Fund is classified as Article 8 under the EU SFDR.
2. Incubator & Accelerator Program Revenue: Revenue from the 3-month accelerator program and ongoing incubator program (hosting 110+ startups in Oslo and Bergen with office space, network, mentorship). Likely a combination of program fees and equity for participation.
3. Direct Equity Investments: Startuplab invests directly in teams through programs and directly via Startuplab Ventures, with a long-term holding perspective over several years. Returns accrue from equity appreciation and exits.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Startuplab is an incubator, accelerator and early-stage investor for Norwegian technology startups. It runs a long-running Incubator program (office space in Oslo and Bergen for 110+ active startups), a 3-month Accelerator sprint, and the Startuplab Ventures pre-seed investment arm — which manages the Startuplab Founders Fund V alternative investment fund. It also operates sector Industry Programs in energy, construction, AI, fintech and hardware, a Corporate Partnerships program linking startups to 25+ Norwegian enterprises, and a job board and talent network for portfolio companies.

Product overview

Startuplab operates a platform-plus-modules architecture for supporting Norwegian early-stage tech startups rather than a single software product. The core platform is the Incubator program (110+ startups in Oslo and Bergen), supplemented by a time-boxed Accelerator program and the Startuplab Ventures investment vehicle (including the SFDR Article 8 Startuplab Founders Fund V). Layered on top are sector-specific Industry Programs (energy, construction, AI, fintech, hardware) and Corporate Partnerships that connect portfolio companies with major Norwegian enterprises. A separate Job Board, powered by Getro, sits alongside these programs to channel talent into the portfolio. Together these programs, the investment fund, the industry access layer and the job board form a unified founder-first support stack run by Startuplab since 2012.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Startuplab Ventures: Startuplab's direct early-stage investment arm, operating the pre-seed equity investment strategy and managing the Startuplab Founders Fund alternative investment funds.
• Startuplab Job Board

Products and services

• Startuplab Incubator Long-running incubator program offering office space, community and network access for 110+ startups located at Startuplab's Oslo (Gaustadalléen 21) and Bergen (Solheimsgaten 7c) offices. Since 2012 it has supported more than 550 founders and currently works with over 100 active startups at any given time. Application-based entry; designed for Norwegian tech founders at pre-seed and seed stages.
• Startuplab Accelerator A 3-month intensive sprint program designed for top founders, investors and experts to sharpen positioning and scale companies fast. Application-based cohort program run alongside the incubator.
• Startuplab Ventures (Pre-Seed Funding) Early-stage investment arm of Startuplab that invests directly into teams as well as via the incubator and accelerator programs. Manages the alternative investment fund Startuplab Founders Fund V AS under a pre-seed equity capital strategy, and has invested in 185+ companies to date. Returns accrue from equity appreciation and exits, plus management fees on fund AUM.
• Startuplab Corporate Partnerships Program that matches portfolio startups with Norway's largest corporates (including Equinor, Telenor, DNB, OBOS, Gjensidige, Statkraft, Elkem, Hafslund, Statnett, Nye Veier, Veidekke, Wilhelmsen and others) for strategic funding, pilot collaborations and long-term commercial partnerships.
• Startuplab Job Board and Talent Network Job board and talent network operated by Getro Inc. on behalf of Startuplab AS, listing 120+ open roles across portfolio companies. Job seekers can subscribe to Job Alerts, join the Talent Network, and apply to roles directly through the site.
• Startuplab Industry Programs Sector-focused programs that connect portfolio startups with key industry players in energy, construction, AI, fintech and hardware, providing market access, pilot customers and refined go-to-market support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ founders supported, 185+ companies invested, 550+ companies worked with since 2012
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• DLA PipercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDLA Piper assists with corporate law legal services for national and international companies, organizations and public administration. Featured as a corporate partner on Startuplab's partner roster.
• DNBflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorway's largest financial services group, offering banking, investment, and financial solutions for businesses and individuals. Featured as a flagship corporate partner of Startuplab.
• ElkemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal producer of advanced materials, specializing in silicon, carbon, and chemical solutions for sustainable industrial applications. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• Elmera GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProviding consumers, businesses and the wholesale market with electricity, billing & rating services and electricity related technology solutions. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• EquinorflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned energy company, leading in oil, gas, and renewable energy development worldwide. Flagship corporate partner of Startuplab.
• FremtindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture insurance company of DNB and SpareBank 1, offering innovative solutions in property, travel, and personal insurance. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• GC RiebercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian industrial group investing in and operating companies within shipping, real estate, and marine ingredients. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• GjensidigeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Norway's largest insurance companies, offering coverage for individuals, businesses, and industries. Corporate partner of Startuplab with portfolio success story Mitigrate.
• HafslundflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian energy company producing and distributing renewable electricity, district heating, and grid services. Flagship corporate partner of Startuplab.
• MestacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorway's leading infrastructure group. Keeps people moving. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• NorconsultcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorway's leading engineering and design consultancy, delivering solutions in construction, energy, and infrastructure. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• Nye VeierflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-owned company responsible for planning, building, and operating major road projects in Norway to improve traffic flow and safety. Corporate partner of Startuplab with multiple portfolio success stories (EMerald Geomodelling, Infraspace).
• OBOSflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative building association and real estate developer, focusing on housing projects and urban development across Norway. Corporate partner of Startuplab with portfolio success story Relynk; also customers of portfolio company Soundsensing.
• Oslo kommuneflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government of Oslo, responsible for urban development, infrastructure, and public services in Norway's capital. Corporate partner of Startuplab with portfolio success stories (Over Easy Solar, Soundsensing).
• SpareBank 1 SMNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional bank providing financial services and support to individuals, businesses, and startups in Mid-Norway. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• SpareBank 1 ØstlandetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Norwegian bank offering banking, insurance, and investment solutions to individuals and businesses in Eastern Norway. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• Statens VegvesencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorway's Public Roads Administration, responsible for developing, maintaining, and regulating the country's road infrastructure and traffic safety. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• StatkraftflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerEurope's largest generator of renewable energy, focusing on hydropower, wind power, and solar energy solutions. Flagship corporate partner of Startuplab.
• StatnettflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperator of Norway's electrical grid, ensuring reliable transmission and integration of renewable energy sources. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• Stiftelsen TeknologiformidlingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation facilitating the commercialization of research and technology by bridging the gap between academia and industry. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• TelenorflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultinational telecommunications company providing mobile, broadband, and digital services across the Nordics and Asia. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• VardarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvestment company focused on renewable energy, including hydropower and wind energy projects. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• VeidekkeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Scandinavia's largest construction and property development companies, building infrastructure, homes, and commercial properties. Flagship corporate partner of Startuplab.
• ViridiencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides geological, geophysical and reservoir capabilities to customers primarily from the global oil and gas industry. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• WilhelmsenflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal maritime company pioneering products, services and innovation since 1861, built on generations of shipowning heritage. Flagship corporate partner of Startuplab.
• Østfold EnergicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional energy company producing hydropower, district heating, and investing in renewable energy projects. Corporate partner of Startuplab.
• SkanskaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction giant Skanska deepened its relationship with portfolio company Leasi, moving from customer to investor in a 12.6 million NOK pre-seed funding round, with Skanska's Digital Director Christoffer Hernæs joining Leasi's board. Featured as a Startuplab partner success story.
• Oslo Municipality Water and Wastewater Agency (VAV)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner2023 partnership with portfolio company Soundsensing reduced Oslo municipality's manual inspection rounds by 50%, saving 540 hours, 675k NOK in costs, 4000+ km of driving, and 600kg of CO2. Permanent acquisition of Soundsensing's system followed.
• OslobyggcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnother part of Oslo municipality that has done a permanent acquisition of Soundsensing's system for ML-powered anomaly detection in technical rooms.
• Getro Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the technical platform and services that make the Startuplab job board (jobs.startuplab.no) work. Cookies managed by Getro but data processing on behalf of Startuplab AS.
• KLPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured in Startuplab partner success stories with portfolio company 7Analytics. Norwegian insurance/pension company.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Skyfall Ventures: Nordic seed-stage VC that co-led Stendr's $5.4M pre-seed with Startuplab participation. Comparable Nordic early-stage investor with overlapping portfolio.
• Antler: Global early-stage VC and accelerator with an active Norwegian program that funds and supports pre-seed founders. Most directly comparable peer given overlapping stage, GTM motion, and Nordic footprint.
• The Factory: Norwegian tech accelerator based in Oslo that runs cohort programs and invests in early-stage startups. Closest domestic incubator/accelerator peer with similar program structure.
• byFounders: Nordic angel collective and early-stage investor that co-invests alongside Startuplab in Norwegian seed rounds (e.g., Cloudgeni). Comparable Nordic-first pre-seed/seed investor.
• Kongsberg Innovation: Norwegian tech hub and early-stage investor operating programs and providing capital to Norwegian startups. Comparable domestic incubator/investor with regional rather than national footprint.
• Aleap: Norwegian health-tech focused accelerator and investor running cohort programs for early-stage Nordic health startups. Comparable incubator model with thematic specialization.
• Katapult: Nordic accelerator and fund focused on impact and climate-tech startups, running accelerator programs and deploying venture capital. Comparable accelerator-plus-fund structure with thematic positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Y Combinator: Global benchmark accelerator investing in pre-seed startups with the largest alumni network in the world. Broader incumbent offering a more internationally scaled alternative to Startuplab's accelerator program.
• Techstars: Global accelerator network running cohort programs and accelerator partnerships worldwide. Broad incumbent offering a portfolio of accelerators across multiple verticals and geographies.
• MassChallenge: Global non-equity accelerator with industry and country-specific programs. Broader incumbent offering a similar cohort-based support model without taking equity, providing a structural alternative for founders.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/startuplabno
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/startuplab-no

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments58 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Startuplab