Private equity firm Advent International has appointed two new Independent Regional Advisors in Norway, Birger Nergaard and Gunnar Rydning.
Nergaard and Rydning join Simon Lindfors, who has been an Independent Regional Advisor to Advent in Sweden since 2010, and will work closely with Jens Petter Hagen, who coordinates Advent’s activity in the Nordic region.
Nergaard established Verdane Capital, formerly Four Seasons Venture, in 1985, and was joined by Rydning in 1986. Together, they built Verdane Capital into one of the largest venture capital companies in the Nordic Region. Both Birger and Gunnar have over 25 years experience of investing in Nordic technology companies and in taking an active role on the boards of the companies they help position for long term growth.
In addition to this, Nergaard co-established the Norwegian Venture Capital Association in 1987, serving as its Chairman and Board member for several years. In 2007, he was awarded the HM King Harald V gold medal for Achievement for pioneering the Norwegian venture capital industry.
“We have known and have collaborated with Birger and Gunnar over many years and are delighted that they are joining our team in the Nordic region,” says Hagen. “It is clear that there are many great investment prospects in the Nordics and their experience and broad local networks across all business sectors will be invaluable in sourcing opportunities. We look forward to working with them and becoming a key player in an exciting market.”
In addition to the appointments of Nergaard and Rydning, Advent has also recruited two new associates from the Nordic region, who will start working at the firm’s London office in the summer.
