Swedish nonprofit Norrsken Foundation is setting its sights on Brussels with a bold new mission: to give Europe’s impact startups a direct line to the policymakers shaping their future.
Founded by Klarna’s co-founder Niklas Adalberth, Norrsken has spent years backing entrepreneurs solving some of the world’s toughest social and environmental challenges. With thriving hubs in Stockholm, Barcelona, and Kigali, and a €320 million impact fund already in motion, the foundation is now expanding where decisions are made—Europe’s political heart.
The new Norrsken Brussels impact hub, launched in partnership with local policy group Sustainable Hub, promises to help startups do more than build products. It aims to position them right inside the conversations driving climate policy, tech regulation, and sustainability goals across the EU.
Strategically located near the European Commission and Parliament, the hub offers seven floors of workspace built for entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers focused on impact. Beyond desks and meeting rooms, it creates rare access—bridging innovators with EU leaders who craft the policies that can make or break their industries.
“Europe’s sustainability ambitions are clear,” explains Willem Vriesendorp, co-founder of Norrsken Brussels. “But it’s execution that matters. By connecting startups to the political arena, we ensure those building solutions have a seat at the table.”
Why Timing Matters for Europe’s Climate Tech Scene
This launch couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. Over the last year, climate tech startups across Europe have faced mounting challenges—from a sharp drop in investments to headline-making bankruptcies like Northvolt.
Still, Europe’s cleantech ecosystem remains one of the most vibrant globally. The continent outpaces the US in the number of climate tech startups, and in 2023, nearly 30% of European venture capital flowed into this sector. Early 2024 also brought major wins, with companies like Northvolt and Stegra landing significant investments.
Adalberth believes Europe’s strengths are often underestimated. “We have the talent, the research, and the mindset,” he says. “But in turbulent times, Europe can’t afford to let its sustainability leadership slip.”
For founders building cross-border climate solutions, proximity to Brussels isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Swedish hybrid aviation startup Heart Aerospace is proof. Its CEO, Anders Forslund, regularly visits Brussels to engage in policy discussions critical to the company’s mission of zero-emission flights.
“Technology won’t get us to net-zero aviation alone,” Forslund says. “Without political action, even the best innovations won’t scale. That’s why we’re here—shaping the future with policymakers.”
Turning Lobbying into an Asset for Startups
More startups are waking up to the power of being heard in Brussels. Greenly, a carbon accounting platform, recently ramped up lobbying efforts against aspects of the EU Omnibus package. Co-founder Alexis Normand says the shift from lobbying in France to targeting Europe-wide policy was eye-opening.
“Europe is where the big decisions happen,” Normand shares. “It’s not just about national debates anymore—it’s about shaping policies that impact the entire market.”
That’s exactly the kind of access Norrsken hopes to simplify. By anchoring a physical space near EU decision-makers, the foundation wants to break down barriers for climate tech founders who often lack the time or resources to navigate complex policy landscapes.
“If we can give startups even a slight edge by helping them influence policies that protect future generations, that’s a win,” Adalberth adds.
As global competition heats up in clean energy, climate tech, and sustainable innovation, Europe’s startups can’t afford to operate in silos. Access to funding is important—but so is influencing the laws that govern the industries they’re building.
With the launch of Norrsken’s Brussels impact hub, the goal is simple: help the next generation of European impact startups scale faster, lobby smarter, and remain at the heart of the continent’s push for sustainability leadership.
Because if Europe wants to lead the green economy of tomorrow, it starts by giving its innovators a seat at the table today.
