Why Niklas Adalberth’s Norrsken Foundation is Investing in Africa’s Future
From Klarna to Impact: The Birth of Norrsken
In 2016, Niklas Adalberth, co-founder of fintech giant Klarna, shifted his focus from payments to purpose. He established the Norrsken Foundation, a nonprofit rooted in effective altruism, aiming to drive societal change through impact-driven entrepreneurship.
Norrsken has since expanded into a global ecosystem, featuring:
- A venture capital firm (including a $205M Africa-focused fund)
- Co-working hubs in Stockholm, Kigali, and Barcelona
- An accelerator program nurturing high-impact startups
Why Africa? Norrsken’s Strategic Bet
The Kigali Hub: A Gateway to African Innovation
Norrsken’s Kigali hub, launched in 2019 and now fully operational, is the largest entrepreneurship center in Africa, housing 1,000+ entrepreneurs. Adalberth explains why Rwanda was the ideal starting point:
- Government collaboration: Rwanda’s progressive policies (like its Startup Act) foster innovation
- Leapfrogging potential: Africa’s rapid tech adoption bypasses legacy systems
- Demographic opportunity: 60% of Africa’s 1B+ population is under 25
“If you’re serious about impact, Africa is where you need to be. The continent’s growth from 1B to 4B people this century is one of the world’s greatest opportunities.” — Niklas Adalberth
Beyond Rwanda: Scaling Across the Continent
Norrsken plans to expand to Lagos, Cape Town, and Nairobi, creating a network of hubs to:
- Inspire impact entrepreneurship
- Provide access to capital (via seed and growth funds)
- Build thriving ecosystems comparable to Silicon Valley
Norrsken’s Multi-Stage Support System
Funding the Future
- Norrsken22 Growth Fund: $205M for scaling African startups
- Accelerator Program: 20 startups/year (50% African in 2023)
- Local Expertise: Plans for Africa-based accelerators
Measuring Success
Adalberth’s vision for 2030:
- Job creation and economic growth across Africa
- Proven investment thesis: Impact ventures can be both ethical and profitable
- Ecosystem development: Whether through Norrsken or inspired partners
The Road Ahead
With hubs already in Europe and Africa, Norrsken continues exploring new markets. As Adalberth notes:
“We’re a nonprofit—our goal isn’t ownership, but impact. If we inspire others to build these ecosystems, that’s success.”
Sources: TechCrunch Interviews, Norrsken Foundation
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