Is Norway a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Norway has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Norway gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Norway

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Norway offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Norway's early-stage funding scene is quite active, supported by both private and public initiatives. Notable players include VC firms like Startuplab Ventures, Alliance Venture, and Skyfall Ventures, which focus on early-stage tech companies. Government support is significant, with Innovation Norway offering grants and loans, and Investinor co-investing with private capital. The Norwegian Business Angel Network (NorBAN) also connects founders with angel investors. However, challenges exist, such as a relatively smaller domestic VC market compared to neighbors like Sweden and Denmark. While 2021 saw high investment, 2022 experienced a 27% decrease in VC funding, and 2025 has seen a significant drop compared to early 2024, indicating potential trends of decreased investment and increased competition for available capital. Navigating the government support landscape can also be complex for startups.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Norway has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Norway has a growing startup and innovation culture, particularly in Oslo, which is recognized as a fast-growing tech hub. There is significant entrepreneurial activity, with thousands of startups across various sectors, including a strong focus on impact and sustainability. The ecosystem features numerous coworking spaces and incubators, providing workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Tech events and conferences are also prevalent, facilitating connections and knowledge sharing. Early-stage founders receive support through government initiatives like Innovation Norway, offering grants, loans, and advisory services, as well as accelerators and incubators like Startuplab and Antler. While standardized programs exist, there's also a focus on connecting startups with relevant networks and providing tailored advice, suggesting a blend of competitive programs and personalized support, though some sources indicate early-stage financing can still be inadequate. The culture emphasizes collaboration and a global mindset from the outset due to the small domestic market.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Norway can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Norway, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Norway is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Norway has a highly educated workforce, with universities like the University of Oslo and NTNU producing skilled graduates, particularly in STEM fields. There is strong talent in industry-specific areas such as technology, energy, maritime, fintech, cleantech, and healthcare tech. While there's a skilled local pool, a relatively small population can lead to talent gaps, necessitating international recruitment. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a collaborative culture, technical expertise, and a focus on innovation and sustainability. Government initiatives and a growing ecosystem of incubators and accelerators further nurture this talent for startups.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Norway can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Norway boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Norway offers a robust ecosystem for startups, supported by strong infrastructure and government initiatives. Key resources include incubators and accelerators like Startuplab and TheFactory, providing mentorship, networking, and workspace. Government agencies like Innovation Norway are central, offering grants, loans, and advisory services to help businesses develop and scale. The SkatteFUNN R&D tax incentive also encourages innovation by allowing companies to deduct R&D expenses. This collaborative environment, coupled with public funding and support for digitalization, helps Norwegian startups thrive.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Norway. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Norway Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Norway provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching a startup in Norway face several challenges. The high cost of living significantly impacts operational expenses and salaries, making it difficult to attract and retain talent despite a skilled workforce. Competition can be fierce, both from other startups and established companies in a relatively small domestic market, often necessitating early international expansion. Regulatory hurdles also exist, including strict labor laws and complex compliance requirements like the Transparency Act, which mandates due diligence on human rights and working conditions in supply chains. Additionally, recent tax policies, such as an increased exit tax for entrepreneurs relocating abroad, can be a deterrent.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Norway or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Norway offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash