TheFactory
Early stage Venture Capital firm bridging the gap between money and smart entreprenours.
We run Norways largest
accelerator programs
and operate as an
early-stage investor
for technology startups in the Nordics.
Companies we’ve backed
Team
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Ingar S. Bentsen
CEO THEFACTORY
STYRELEDER THEFACTORY ASSET MANAGEMENT
Ingar@thefactory.noIngar founded TheFactory in 2015 and, since its inception, has built a company with 12 employees and invested NOK 24 million through TheFactory's funds across 56 early-stage companies. He is passionate about the business of tomorrow, and in 2019, he received the 'Ecosystem Hero of the Year' award from Nordic Startup Awards for his contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Norway. Currently, he holds 13 board positions and serves as the Chairman of the Board for TheFactory Asset Management.
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Marte Rise
CEO THEFACTORY ASSET MANAGEMENT
Marte holds a degree in business economics with a specialization in technology management and programming.
At TheFactory, she has been the portfolio manager for TheFactory Norway Fund I focusing on fintech and proptech investments. She has played a key role in negotiating and executing 20+ investments in early-stage companies. Additionally, Marte has provided strategic guidance to 40+ companies regarding financing strategies and ownership structures.
Beyond her professional achievements, she has a passion for sports and outdoor activities, having actively participated in swimming, football, and running.
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Pia Merkesdal
COO THEFACTORY
Pia has been involved in the startup and development of companies since 2002, including roles at 123Tele, Mobizz, and work at Netnordic Norway until the beginning of 2017/18. She then joined TheFactory as the Chief Administration Officer. TheFactory is the leading accelerator and incubator in the Nordic region within fintech and proptech, and since 2015, the accelerator has assisted more than 50 companies from the Nordics in growing and evolving.