Are you wondering what we are looking for? What your company can expect both before and after an investment? 
If so, 

If we see a good fit with our mandate we will start analyzing your company, solution or technology in depth. Our investment process involves detailed scrutinization of various elements of the proposed investment prospect. This  includes technology robustness, market relevance and potential value - and 

 A positive outcome of the in-depth analyses could potentially lead to an initial investment from Sarsia.

Sarsia take a long-term perspective when it comes to financing, and prospects are supported through progressive rounds of capitalisation.

A typical first round of investment will be on the order of 2-5 million NOK, for a 10% to 40% ownership stake. If we see ambition and dedication, a realistic development plan and a credible team combined with innovative research or technology, the total investment from Sarsia can, in time, reach 30–40 million NOK.

When we invest, we try our utmost to "get it right first time". This can only take place as a group effort between us and yout team. Working together, we map out a company's development plan, defining the company’s goals and creating a realistic plan for a profitable and sustainable business through a close, respectful collaboration with the company's management. We are active within the various companies in our portfolio, always retaining a position on the board. Our goal is to ensure best decisions being made on the path towards value inflecting milestones ultimately giving a profitable and sustainable business.

Approach

AURORA is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAL101 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 

The study aims to enroll 150 individuals with IPF across more than 50 sites, primarily in the US, UK, EU, Turkey and South Korea. After an initial 28-day screening period, patients will be randomized to receive seven monthly intravenous infusions of CAL101 or placebo at a randomization ratio of 3:2, respectively. The study’s primary endpoint is lung function, measured by forced vital capacity, or how much air can forcibly be exhaled, versus an individual’s baseline.

Calluna Pharma Launches Phase 2 Trial

SonoClear stems from the ultrasound and image-guided therapy environment in Trondheim, Norway. SonoClear is developing an advanced acoustic coupling fluid to improve diagnostic accuracy in ultrasound-guided procedures, particularly in neurosurgery. Precise removal of tumor is key to positive outcomes for patients and tumor visualization using the SonoClear System enables the neurosurgeons to achieve thatwithout the use of intraoperative MRI.

SonoClear System has been clinically tested and is awaiting a few final tests before submission for FDA approval.

SonoClear successfully closes a funding round 

Øivind in addition to being a partner at Sarsia is member of the Norwegian Council for Health and Care -21 (

). He is adding to the ongoing debate about the Norwegian life sciences strategy.

The key message – life sciences is not only human health and medicine, it is much broader and should include:

Environmental and climate research related to biological systems,

 have been particularly important for Norwegian economy with an annual export value of over 100 billion kroner for salmon alone. Academic research on fish health and wellbeing has helped the industry thrive, not least by developing vaccines against the most common diseases and thus reducing the use of antibiotics by 99% percent since the 80ties.

The Norwegian aquaculture industry still faces major challenges that require extensive life science research. New diseases, parasites such as sea lice, escape issues and environmental impact are areas where new knowledge and innovative solutions will be crucial. Academics together with the industry are on the quest to solve those challenges.

Our partner Øivind Enger talks about importance and breadth of life sciences in Norway

Leading voices from venture, pharma, and biotech joined Farzad Abdi-Dezfuli for a dynamic discussion. Farzad was joined by Willem van Werperen – Pluvia Biotech, Ester Caffarel-Salvador – Chiesi, Bauke Anninga – M Ventures, Jonathan Gertler – Back Bay Life Science Advisors, Morgan Haller – Forbion.

They explored the trade-offs between specialist and hyper-targeted VC models, real-world examples of drivers, outcome-metrics, and decision logic for fund GPs, LPs, and entrepreneurs. Finally, they touched upon the future direction of life science investing is heading.

“One of the standout moments for me was when the panel challenged the conventional wisdom that capital cycles dictate strategic decisions pointing out that ‘you don’t necessarily get a better ROI or a better multiple’ just because funding is more available. The emphasis on efficient capital deployment over market timing, especially in under-capitalized regions like the Nordics, anchored the discussion in reality. ‘You need to parse out clearly the most efficient way to get there’ was a clear call for focus and discipline, regardless of whether a company is working on a rare disease or a broad-based cardiovascular play.”

For more golden nuggets, watch the recording of the webinar 

Webinar - The Future of Life Sciences VC: Examining Specialist vs. Hyper-Targeted Investment Strategies

Farzad will be joined by Lena Nymo Helli - CEO of Norway Health Tech, Erik Digman Wiklund - CEO of Circio, Leif Rune Skymoen - CEO of Legemiddelindustrien (LMI) and Donmienne Leung - Director at AbbVie Ventures.


Norway’s life science industry has immense potential to take a leading role on the global arena. This opening keynote session will discuss a roadmap to strengthen Norway’s life science ecosystem through concrete actions and strategic priorities. It will explore how the combined efforts of government, public institutions, companies, and investors could define and realize Norway’s ambition to become a leader in life sciences. We will also explore how we can spearhead the promotion of greater Nordic collaboration (by sharing expertise, resources, and strategic initiatives) to create a unified and competitive regional life science hub.

Establishing a vision for Norway’s role in the global life science industry, leveraging its strengths while addressing critical gaps

Identifying areas where Norway excels and focusing efforts on closing gaps in research, innovation, and commercialization to remain competitive internationally

Discussing how the Nordic countries can capitalize on their collective strengths in research, innovation, and regulatory frameworks to create a globally competitive life science ecosystem

How can we overcome the challenges and opportunities in fostering seamless cross-border collaboration? (including regulatory harmonization, data sharing, and talent mobility)

Farzad moderating the LSX Nordic 2025 Opening Panel Discussion

Meet Farzad at LSX World Congress 2025 in London

LSX Nordic Congress gathers the founders and CEOs of innovative biotech, medtech and healthtech start-ups through to healthcare giants, and everyone in between. They attend alongside the sector’s most active investors, pharma, medtech and healthtech BD&L teams and R&D leaders.

Sarsia’s managing partner Sveinung sees LSX Nordic in Bergen as an excellent boost to the local ecosystem: “Growth of health innovation sector is essential for Norway's future. We proudly contribute by connecting innovators with so much needed capital. Sponsoring LSX Nordic is one of many ways we expand our handprint promoting local ecosystems. “

“Moreover, this is important not only for us, but also our limited partners, like, Investinor and KLP, Norway’s largest pension fund” adds Marit, partner and CFO.

Farzad, partner, favors LSX Nordic over similar conferences: “I have participated in numerous similar conferences and LSX Nordic stands out with high quality while maintaining a manageable size and cozy atmosphere. A truly amazing networking opportunity!”

“With my long experience in the sector, I can assure that securing competent capital, is one of the key challenges for life science startups. LSX Nordic is a wonderful opportunity to cast a wider net” continues Øivind, partner.

Erlend, a senior partner, is thrilled about the opportunity: “We are excited to welcome many current and future co-investors in our hometown!”

"We have strong research environments here in Bergen and in Norway. We have high hopes that the LSX Nordic in Bergen will offer a boost to our local entrepreneurs and will inspire new ones" concludes Maija, investment manager.


#LSXNordic #biotech #medtech #healthtech #digitalhealth #LSXNordicBergen

Sarsia – a gold sponsor of LSX Nordic 2025 in Bergen

He shared his insights on strategies and trends in life science VC Investments in challenging times. Watch him stage 

Watch Farzad on a panel at the BioStock Life Science Summit 2024

Sarsia will be present at the following life science venues: 

The Nordic Life Science Days 2024 Malmö, Sweden on 18-19 September at Malmömässan, Malmö, Sweden 

The LSX Nordic Congress 8th–9th October 2024, Bella Center, Copenhagen, Denmark 

https://informaconnect.com/lsx-nordic-congress/

BioStock Life Science Summit 2024, November 20-21 at Medicine Village, Lund, Sweden 

Biofit 2024, December 3rd & 4th, 2024, Lille Grand Palais 1, Lille, France 

Please contact Farzad Abdi-Dezfuli (farzad.dezfuli@sarsia.com) to make an appointment. 

Meet with Sarsia 

Sarsia portfolio company Pluvia Biotech presents preclinical data showing efficacy, safety and broad applicability for the company’s lead compound PBAS499 at the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) Annual Symposium 2024. Pluvia has developed small molecule pharmacological chaperones with the potential to stabilize the deficient PAH enzyme, the underlying cause of PKU. Based on extensive efficacy and safety studies, the company carefully selected PBAS499 as its lead compound for future clinical development. 

Pluvia Biotech Presents Preclinical Data at SSIEM Annual Symposium

Maija holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and possesses over 15 years of extensive research experience, having worked in prominent institutions across the United States, France, Sweden, and Germany. Her expertise lies in the fields of technology transfer and innovation management.

Before joining Sarsia, Maija held the position of Assistant Director at a Eitri medical incubator in Bergen. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing and managing the flow of innovative projects emerging from various research environments.

"In my previous role, I was helping startups and inventors navigate through the earliest steps of technology commercialization. I am excited that in my new role at Sarsia, I will have even more impact as we can truly enable the most promising startups to succeed" , says Maija Slaidina.

Maija Slaidina joins the Sarsia team.

The event primarily focuses on our portfolio companies, allowing us to address common challenges across the portfolio. We also invite our extended network to join us to learn and share their insights on these topics.

In 2023, the main themes were inbound marketing, the digital customer journey, and product pricing.

In 2024, the focus shifted to operational KPIs and their role in fundraising, recruitment best practices, alongside the enduring topics of inbound marketing and the customer journey.


Highlights from the event:
- 14 portfolio companies presenting their progress
- 8 insightful presentations covering topics from fundraising strategies to recruitment best practices
- 4 founders sharing methods to conquer their markets and increase growth.
- A gathering of nearly 100 attendees at restaurant Ostra, fostering invaluable discussions and connections
 
Thank you to everyone who joined us for making Sarsia's Portfolio Day 2024 a success! 

Highlights from Sarsia Portfolio Day 2024

The European Commission grants ODD to products that treat a life-threatening or chronically debilitating condition affecting no more than 5 in 10,000 people in the EU and where no satisfactory treatment is available. Products receiving Orphan Drug Designation are eligible to receive market exclusivity for a period of up to 10 years in the EU upon approval, as well as eligibility for protocol assistance, reduced fees and access to the EU's centralized marketing authorization procedure. PKU affects between 1 to 2 in 10,000 in the EU, which amounts to 45,000 to 90,000 EU citizens.

Pluvia Receives European Orphan Drug Designation

Cetasol, an innovative technology company dedicated to improve energy efficiency in the maritime industry, has successfully closed a seed round of €2M. The new funding by Sarsia (Norway), ShipsFocus (Singapore), and Impact X Capital (United Kingdom) will enable Cetasol to expand its market reach and enhance its innovative product offerings.

Sarsia invests in maritime green-tech company Cetasol 

WILD will organize events, workshops, and discussions, all aimed at addressing gender disparities, identifying challenges, and fostering collaboration. In addition, the team is committed to influencing the political agenda to promote health, sustainability, and gender equality, advocating for women's advancement based on merit and expertise.

Chelsea Ranger: Founder & Chairwoman of WiLD Norway; Founder of Kampen Pride and C. Ranger Consulting; Investor Relations & Business Development for The Life ScienceCluster, EIRA Incubator, and RAB Diagnostics; Project Coordinator in SPARK Norway

- Cathy Capdeville: Vice Chair of WiLD Norway, Public Afairs Director for Melanor/NHO Geneo

- Charlotte Berg-Svendsen: Former CCO Pre Diagnostics AS and GM Global Omega 3 at BASF, former General Counsel VP & Legal IP at Pronova Biopharma (now BASF)

- Ole Dahlberg: CEO of Curida / Curida Diatec, former VP/GM Thermo Fisher Scientific Cell Biology Division

- Gunnveig Grødeland: Senior Researcher & Group Leader in Influenza and Adaptive Immunity, Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiO and Oslo University Hospital

- Agnete Fredriksen: Co-Founder and Chief Business Oficer at Nykode Therapeutics,

- Morten Egeberg: Leader of SPARK Norway at University of Oslo (UiO) 

Sarsia is proud sponsor of WILD - Women in Life Science Norway

The new company will combine expertise in the field of innate immunity, based on damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), with a pipeline of selective antibodies that target inflammatory and fibrotic indications, including several first-in-class clinical candidates. 

Calluna has four promising therapies in its pipeline. Its clinical stage lead program, CAL101, is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the bioactivity of S100A4, a DAMP protein implicated in serious and life-threatening diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe (steroid insensitive) asthma. Of particular interest is another of its programs, CAL102, a monoclonal antibody neutralizing oxidized phospholipids – these play a significant role in onset and progression of a wide range of acute and chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. CAL102 demonstrated efficacy in several preclinical disease models.

Arxx merges with Oxitope and raises EUR 75 million in a Series A 

Willem van Weperen comes to the company with an extensive background in rare disease development and commercialization. In his early career this included several roles in Genzyme, where the rare disease business model was pioneered. Subsequently, Willem was several years CEO of early-stage CNS company to-BBB, which was followed by senior commercial leadership roles at rare disease companies Prosensa, Amicus (a leader in pharmacological chaperone therapy), Myokardia and most recently Intercept. Willem holds a MSc in Biomedical Sciences from Utrecht University and an MBA from Bradford University.

Read more here: https://pluviabiotech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Press-release-Pluvia-progress-CEO-4Oct2023.pdf

Pluvia Biotech appoints Willem van Weperen as new CEO

First up is LSX Nordic Congress in Copenhagen 10-11 October, the leading senior executive strategy, investment and partnering conference for the Nordic region for biotech, medtech and healthtech. Farzad will be a panel member in the Biotech Leaders Plenary Session looking into resources needed to help biotechs grow in the Nordics.

https://www.lsxleaders.com/lsx-nordic-congress



Later this year he will be attending MedFit 2023 in Marseille (12-13 December) where he will share his experiences related to biotech start-up governance and good foundation for growth. BiFIT is the leading European partnering event for for early-stage life science innovations stemming from public research institutions, academic spin-offs and emerging biotech companies. 

Meet us at LSX Nordic and BioFIT this fall 

Henrik has 30 years experience with commercialization, financing, financial restructuring, mergers & acquisitions. The last years before joining Sarsia, he worked with commercialising results from research, and from his positions as CFO of NORCE and TTS and as partner with EY, he has led professional teams in Norway and European and Asian countries. He has a deep understanding of corporate management, financial management and control, corporate legal requirements, and transactions.

Henrik Solberg-Johansen joins the Sarsia team

, announces that the first cohort of healthy volunteers have successfully been dosed with AX-202 – a first-in-class anti-S100A4 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The trial is led by Professor David Singh at the Medicines Evaluation Unit in Manchester, UK.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to establish the safety and tolerability of AX-202 and is expected to enroll a total of 40 healthy volunteers and 18 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. Trial results are expected in 2024, aiming to support the initiation of a clinical program in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis is a rare, life-threatening disease characterized by progressive fibrosis involving the skin and internal organs. Current treatment options are limited and new disease-modifying therapies are needed to improve and extend the lives of systemic sclerosis patients.

Arxx Therapeutics initiates first-in-human trial

Until September 1, Sveinung will hold the position of Senior Partner in the company and mainly work on activities related to raising a new medical investment fund, Sarsia Fund IV.

Current Managing Partner, Erlend Skagseth, will transition to the position of Senior Partner from September 1 and continue to work with Sarsia's portfolio companies, with a special focus on preparations and execution of divestment processes.

Sveinung Hole comes from the position of CEO of Trond Mohn Foundation and Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation. Trond Mohn Foundation has been a significant supporter of Sarsia Funds for many years and is the Funds' third-largest investor. Prior to this, Sveinung was a co-founder and Managing Partner of Sarsia Management from 2007 to 2016 and is thus familiar with the business. Sveinung has been on the board of Sarsia Seed Fund I and chairman of the board of Sarsia Seed Fund II since 2016.

Sveinung has an extensive network within Norwegian private equity, the Norwegian healthcare industry, and Norwegian business and society. From 2019-2021 he led "HelseOmsorg21 Rådet" appointed by the Minister of Health. He has been on the board of Health Bergen HF, the Norwegian Venture Capital Association, and has extensive board experience from listed and privately owned companies, investment funds, and various public positions.

"We must continue to create profitable growth companies based on Norwegian technology. Sarsia is a fantastically competent investment environment built up over 17 years, and among the most profitable early-stage venture investors in the Nordic region over the last 20 years. It is great to have the chance to lead Sarsia for another stage," says Sveinung Hole.

"We are delighted to have Sveinung back on the team; he has the experience and all the qualities needed to lead Sarsia Management and Fund to the next level. Welcome Sveinung!" says Erlend Skagseth.

Sveinung Hole to become new CEO in Sarsia

Cochlear Limited, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, has signed a deal to explore compatibility of the OculAudio ® smart multiple microphone beamforming technology in combination with Cochlear’s latest generation sound processors.

The collaboration aims to test performance of the OculAudio ® eyeglass-based system as part of an implantable hearing solution with potential to provide Cochlear’s implant recipients with a unique external accessory designed to enhance hearing in noisy environments.

The development program will be funded jointly by

OculAudio ® Corti AS, and Cochlear Limited and Cochlear has made their first investment in Oculaudio® Corti AS.

We are intrigued to enter this collaboration with world leader Cochlear which has the potential to develop a new and even better hearing experience for users of cochlear implants”, says Tom Austad, CEO of OculAudio ® Corti AS.

OculAudio signs deal with hearing implant giant

The BoD of Swedish company Coegin Pharma AB (COEGIN:Nordic GM) has decided to raise 25,3 mSEK through a combination of a preferential rights issue and a new issue. The funds will be used for further strategic development of several projects in Coegin's portfolio of subsidiary companies.

Coegin Pharma raises 25 mSEK

The American biotech company Rallybio (NASDAQ:RLYB) yesterday published data from animal studies confirming potential prophylactic potential of a hyperimmune-based concept for prevention of the rare condition FNAIT i newborns. The concept is based on research from UNN/UiT and further developed by Sarsia portfolio company Prophylix Pharma

Rallybio publishes promising results with technology aquired from Prophylix Pharma

Nykode Therapeutics ASA today announced that it has entered into a clinical collaboration and supply agreement with MSD, to evaluate Nykode’s wholly-owned lead candidate, VB10.16, in combination with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in a Phase 1/2a trial in patients with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer.

Nykode Therapeutics announces clinical collaboration with MSD 

In a joint project between the two companies, 

 will instrument multiple important power lines with the neurons from Heimdall Power. The lines in question are leading into an industry park, which is requesting increased load to enable the establishment of a green hydrogen production plant.

The existing, conservative, models currently indicate that there is not enough capacity to meet the increased load that’s required. This is now going to change, as the neurons from Heimdall Power will provide insight into the true capacity in this part of the grid. The dynamic capacity can then be utilized, with the production of green hydrogen as a flexible load.

Heimdall Power partners with Lede to enable green hydrogen production

The company, currently conducting a phase I/II trial with lead candidate AVX001 in actinic keratosis and preclinical development of AVX420 in leukemia and chronic kidney diseaese. Through the merger Coegin strengthens its drug development portfolio by putting strong focus on diabetes complications.

Coegin Pharma merges with Follicum

BerGenBio announces the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for bemcentinib in combination with and anti-PD-(L)1 agent for the treatment of patients with AXL-positive advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Bergenbio receives FDA fast track designation for bemcentinib

The study will be initiated and conducted by a top Key Opinion Leader in a prominent health care institution and sarcoma research clinical center in the United States. The clinical study, which will be supported by the Company, is scheduled to start in Q3 2021. First efficacy data are expected in the second half of 2022.

APIM Therapeutics completes private placement and enters phase-2

The trial will be conducted in Australia, South Korea and Taiwan.

APIM Therapeutics announces IND for ATX-101 in Ovarian Cancer

Arxx Therapeutics secures NOK110

Saga Pure will hold 16,5 percent of the company following the transaction, and will be appointed to the Board of Directors.

– Heimdall Power is an extremely exciting technology company with proprietary smart grid solutions that help grid companies digitalize their power grids and improve operations. 

– The electric grid is the worlds’ largest man-made machine, spanning the entire globe. It’s also an essential infrastructure to enable a sustainable, green energy transition. However, the grid needs to become smarter and more digital like everything else. It needs an upgrade to prepare for a new energy future. Heimdall has a proven technology which combines state-of-the-art sensors with artificial intelligence to ensure optimized grid performance. We look forward to supporting the company in the upcoming growth and expansion phase,» says Bjørn Simonsen, CEO of Saga Pure.

Existing owners will also participate in the capital increase. Investinor enters with 30 mNOK. Sarsia, BKK Spring, Lyse Vekst and Hafslund Ny Energy contribute a total of NOK 20 million, equally distributed.

– This transaction confirms the potential we saw in Heimdall Power when we invested in the company right after the start-up, says Jon Berg, partner in Sarsia.

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