The Aarhus University Research Foundation join hands with these local firms to drive growth in the startup ecosystem across these regions.
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The Aarhus University Research Foundation announced that it has joined forces with HEARTLAND, Norlys, and the Salling Group to drive growth in the startup ecosystem across East and Central Jutland.
As a part of the initiative, they have created a new venture fund called Delphinus Venture Capital with €80M. The initiative tends to focus on startups emerging from research.
Delphinus refers to the dolphins in Aarhus University’s seal, and the venture fund will be based in Aarhus, ensuring close proximity to the research environments at Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, and other research and innovation hubs in the region.
Fund utilisation
This fund aims to help innovative entrepreneurs turn their ideas into global solutions.
Delphinus will invest in startups from the early stages to more advanced stages, focusing on long-term value creation rather than quick returns.
The four founding partners recently appointed Mathias Brink Lorenz as the CEO of the new fund.
“Innovation takes time, courage and capital. Unlike traditional venture funds, Delphinus has been intentionally set up with a structure that enables long-term commitment and flexibility in our investments. We can and will participate as an investor from the very early stages through to the late growth stage. This is how we can make a real difference for the companies we invest in,” says Lorenz.
Lorenz brings with him international venture capital experience, having most recently served as Investment Director at the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund in Germany.
In this role, he focused on identifying and executing investments in research-intensive startups across Europe.
Brian Bech Nielsen, chair of the Aarhus University Research Foundation board and rector of Aarhus University, says, “This unique partnership being created in our region will ensure that research ideas are transformed into sustainable, commercially viable companies. Speaking for the university, I’m particularly excited that this major backing will give even more researchers the chance to finance their entrepreneurial ideas. Both the bold, early-stage ideas are undergoing proof-of-concept testing, and the proven solutions are closer to market launch. With this support, AU’s researchers will be even better equipped to drive the development of our society, which is so important, and we at the Aarhus University Research Foundation are thrilled to be able to support this vital task.”
The fund’s launch reception will take place on September 17, 2025, at Incuba, Katrinebjerg, Åbogade 15, 8200 Aarhus N.
