Twenty-three NATO Allies have officially become sponsoring partners of the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which prepares to make its first investments later this year. Participating Allies¹ also welcomed Sweden’s interest in joining the NIF. Sweden’s participation will take effect upon its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty.
Sweden’s contribution will add to the existing €1 billion venture capital fund, increasing the investable capital of the NATO Innovation Fund and strengthening innovation capacity across the Alliance .
“As a member of NATO, Sweden will contribute to the strength of the Alliance, not only through our geostrategic location and military capabilities, but also through a dynamic security and defense industry that promotes innovation and development of cutting-edge technologies. This is further possible through participation in the NATO Innovation Fund,” said Paul JohnsonMinister of Defense, Sweden.
Mr. David van WeelNATO Deputy Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, welcomed Sweden’s future participation: “This year’s summit placed Sweden on track to become the 32nd country to join our Alliance, and this historic step will allow Sweden to participate in the NATO Innovation Fund. and contribute to its important mission.
The NATO Innovation Fund is the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund and will invest in start-ups developing cutting-edge technology solutions, harnessing the potential for commercial innovation to address critical technology challenges. defense and security. The Fund’s sponsors include 23 NATO Allies at the highest levels of government, venture capital, innovation and defense. The Fund will make direct investments in start-ups located in one of the 23 participating allied countries, as well as indirect investments in deep technology funds with transatlantic impact. It will provide patient capital to meet the needs and timelines of deep technology innovators and ensure a sustainable future for the Alliance’s billion citizens.