Is Oslo 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.

Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Oslo 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.

Oslo's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by a mix of local and Nordic VC firms, angel investors, and government initiatives. Notable VCs include Alliance VC, Skyfall Ventures, Sandwater, and Startuplab, which also acts as an incubator. Government support comes from bodies like Innovation Norway, offering grants and loans to innovative businesses. Angel networks like Angel Challenge also play a role in connecting startups with individual investors. Despite a significant increase in VC investment in recent years, with a peak in 2021, challenges remain. Some reports indicate a potential seed-stage funding gap and a need for more risk-willing capital, particularly for startups aiming for rapid international scaling. Additionally, while overall funding saw a drop in 2024 compared to 2023, the ecosystem is seen as maturing. The relatively small domestic market also pushes founders to think globally from the outset to attract necessary follow-on funding.

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  

Oslo 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.

Oslo has a thriving and rapidly growing startup and innovation ecosystem, particularly focused on tech and sustainability. The city is home to numerous coworking spaces and regularly hosts tech and networking events, including the prominent Oslo Innovation Week and Oslo Tech. Entrepreneurial activity is high, with a significant number of startups and scaleups, and a strong focus on impact-driven businesses. While there are competitive programs like accelerators, there is also a focus on providing support for early-stage founders. Organizations like Startuplab and Antler offer incubation, mentorship, and early-stage investment, emphasizing a "founder first" approach and tailored support. The ecosystem appears to support both early-stage ventures and more mature scaleups, with initiatives connecting startups to potential partners and funding at various stages. The environment is considered supportive and family-friendly, making it attractive for entrepreneurs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Oslo 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 Oslo, 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 Oslo 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.

Oslo has a highly educated population, fueled by numerous educational institutions including three universities and a business school, with programs increasingly focused on entrepreneurship and technology. While there's a strong talent pool, particularly in tech with skills in areas like software development, data science, AI, and cybersecurity, startups can face intense competition for skilled labor. The city is recognized for its growing tech and startup ecosystem, excelling in areas like environmental and healthcare technologies. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a collaborative community and a focus on innovation, though some initiatives aim to increase the number of student spin-offs. Attracting and retaining international talent is also a focus, highlighting Oslo's quality of life and career opportunities.

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 Oslo 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

Oslo 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.

Oslo offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like StartupLab, Katapult, and TheFactory, providing mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities. Co-working spaces are also widely available, fostering a collaborative environment. Government initiatives play a crucial role. Innovation Norway is a key entity offering funding, expertise, and guidance to new businesses. The Research Council of Norway and the City of Oslo's Regional Research Fund also provide financial support. Programs like SkatteFUNN offer tax incentives for R&D. Oslo Business Region helps navigate the ecosystem and connects startups with resources. These combined efforts create a supportive environment for startups to thrive and scale.

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 Oslo. 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 Oslo Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Oslo 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.

Launching a startup in Oslo presents unique challenges. Competition exists within the relatively small Norwegian market, although the ecosystem is growing. The high cost of living in Oslo significantly impacts operational costs, including salaries and potentially office space, making it expensive to attract and retain talent. While starting a company is procedurally straightforward, entrepreneurs may face regulatory hurdles, such as strict labor laws and specific requirements like the "exit tax" on unrealized gains for founders leaving Norway. Access to sufficient early-stage capital can also be a challenge, with a need for more local and international investment.

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 Oslo or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Oslo 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