Danske Bank has become a partner in RunwayFBU, the early-stage fund and incubator at Aker Tech House on Fornebu, the bank said. The move follows Danske Bank's decision to double its Nordic growth-loan framework to just over NOK 3 billion and to make Norway a focus for growth financing.
RunwayFBU says its fund holds 25 portfolio companies and about 60 technology firms are based at the location. Ronny Junge-Larsen, head of corporate market at Danske Bank Norway, told Shifter the bank wants to reach industrial-tech, AI and robotics startups earlier, ideally before they seek capital. He said the bank lends to selected not-yet-profitable companies and that loans should complement, not replace, equity investors.
Thea Wiig, head of partnerships at RunwayFBU, said the partnership expands the toolbox for fast-scaling tech firms. Neither party disclosed any capital commitments or how many Norwegian growth companies Danske Bank has lent to so far, the report said.