The launch of PSV Hafnium, Denmark’s first venture capital fund dedicated exclusively to deep tech, is a significant milestone for the Nordic scientific ecosystem. With an initial close of €51.6 million this summer, the fund stands out due to its unique technology transfer strategy, closely linking the academic world to the industrial sector. This approach allows technological innovations validated in the laboratory to overcome financial barriers and be transformed into large-scale commercial solutions.
Direct access to academic research
One of the main advantages of PSV Hafnium is its privileged relationship with DTU (Technical University of Denmark), recognized for its world-class innovation ecosystem. Thanks to its connection with PSV Venture House, an entity born from DTU, the fund has exclusive access to a vast portfolio of scientific discoveries. In 2023, DTU was ranked among the top European universities in the field of technology and engineering.
This close relationship allows the fund to identify technologies validated in the lab, often protected by patents, which can then be transformed into viable deep tech startups. The support is particularly suited to complex scientific projects that require long-term technical and financial backing.
On this subject, Marianne Thellersen, Senior Vice President for Innovation at DTU, states:
“We firmly believe that some of DTU’s most promising scientific innovations can resonate globally thanks to the support of PSV Hafnium. The fund provides an essential bridge between our laboratories and the global market.”
A hybrid model that drives entrepreneurship
PSV Hafnium adopts a unique hybrid model. As part of PSV Venture House, which also includes PSV Foundry and PSV Lab, the fund has considerable flexibility to support a variety of projects. This model allows the fund to break free from the rigid framework of traditional venture capital by rethinking the support methods at every stage of a startup’s development.
Founder & Managing Partner of PSV Hafnium
The supported companies benefit not only from financing but also from access to a network of experts, mentors, and technical advisors, leveraging the expertise of 45 deep tech investors. This holistic support model is particularly relevant for technologies still at an experimental stage, where alignment between researchers, engineers, and investors is crucial.
Deep tech serving sustainability
Another unique aspect of PSV Hafnium is its commitment to sustainability. In fact, 65% of the startups supported by the fund must focus on projects related to climate action and environmental sustainability. This focus aligns perfectly with the priorities of the European Investment Fund (EIF), one of the fund’s key investors, which has committed €24.8 million to this initiative.
Marjut Falkstedt, CEO of the EIF, says:
“Deep tech is an essential part of the solution to tackle climate challenges, and PSV Hafnium embodies this urgent need for innovative technologies for a successful ecological transition.”
Key figures: From research to realization
- Target total fund size: €80.4 million
- Initial investment received: €51.6 million
- Number of companies to be supported: 30 deep tech startups
- Proportion of sustainability-focused investments: 65%
- EIF commitment: €24.8 million
- EIFO (Danish Export and Investment Fund) commitment: €13.4 million
The leadership team at PSV Hafnium combines extensive experience in deep tech and venture capital. Marianne Hyltoft, Founder & Managing Partner, has over 20 years of experience in R&D, consulting, and early-stage investing, with a strong focus on innovation. Jakob Rybak-Andersen, Founder & Managing Partner, brings 25+ years of experience in startups, venture capital, and private equity, with numerous successful exits. Anders Kjær, Founder & Managing Partner, has guided investments in over 30 startups and is known for his expertise in taking companies from lab to market. Maria Emilie Danø Hoffmann, Managing Partner, is a physicist with a PhD from CERN and a strong focus on sustainable energy and technology development. Susanne Palsten Buchardt, Venture Partner, specializes in Greentech and Biosolutions, with over 20 years in leadership roles at companies like Novozymes and Ørsted. Søren Jessen Nielsen, Venture Partner, brings vast experience as a General Partner and business angel, actively supporting deep tech startups. Agnethe Leonora Hjarnø Boysen, Venture Analyst, combines entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for impact-driven initiatives, while Jacob Graves Beck, Venture Analyst, applies his analytical skills and technical background to support the team’s mission. Together, they provide comprehensive support for deep tech founders on their journey from research to commercial success.
