Folkeinvest

Folkeinvest AS, established in 2015 and headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, operates as a regulated equity crowdfunding platform, functioning as a digital brokerage house. The company was founded by Øyvind Fries and Andreas Brunvoll. It positions itself as a crucial link between early-stage and growth companies in need of capital and a broad base of private and professional investors. The platform's primary mission is to democratize investment opportunities in unlisted companies, an asset class traditionally reserved for a select few.

The business operates a B2B and B2C model, serving two main client groups: startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking funding, and investors looking to diversify their portfolios. For companies, Folkeinvest facilitates capital raises for amounts typically under 30 million NOK, providing tools and support throughout the fundraising campaign. For investors, it offers a curated selection of investment opportunities across various sectors like technology, sustainability, and consumer goods, with a minimum investment often starting around 500 EUR. Revenue is generated by facilitating these capital raises. Folkeinvest emphasizes transparency, providing detailed information such as business plans, financial data, and market analysis to help investors make informed decisions.

Authorized by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway, Folkeinvest ensures all operations adhere to strict regulatory standards, enhancing security for all participants. In a move to broaden its financial offerings, the company launched a subsidiary, Folkeinvest Formidling, to facilitate loans for SMEs, addressing temporary capital needs without equity dilution. The firm has also made strategic investments in companies like Monio and Caplist, with the latter becoming a subsidiary. Despite experiencing a challenging market in 2023, the company reported revenue growth and continues to be backed by significant shareholders like SpareBank 1 SR-Bank, signaling confidence in its long-term strategy.

Keywords: equity crowdfunding, startup financing, SME funding, investment platform, Norway, private equity, venture capital, unlisted shares, capital raising, financial technology, fintech, Trondheim, investor network, growth companies, alternative finance, peer-to-peer lending, digital brokerage, shareholder services, investment opportunities, early-stage investment