Springfondet's Blog

Reactive Metal Particles (RMP) is seeking to solve the scalability and cost issues connected with mass production of metallic nanoparticles. The company has developed a new proprietary production process using the Modified Inert Gas Condensation Technology (MIGC). The RMP process is flexible in terms of which metals the reactor can handle, and has a high degree of control over particle quality and cost.

Reactive Metal Particles AS has received funding to further develop the MIGC technology to develop a low cost, flexible manufacturing method for the continuous production of high quality metallic particles. The founder of the company, Eirik Ruud, has an MSc in material chemistry from the University of Oslo (UiO) and has extensive experience in working with a wide range of technology projects and start-ups.

RMP has in connection with Springfondet’s investment strengthened its board of directors by appointing Dr. Rita Glenne as a new board member. Rita has extensive experience in technology development within the university, institute and private sectors. As Vice President Technology in REC Solar AS and Technology Manager in REC ASA, Rita developed technical specification of processes and production equipment, and executed troubleshooting in start-up phases. She also had responsibility for technology and R&D strategy in REC Solar. Dr. Glenne has a PhD from the Technical University of Trondheim (NTNU) in Material Science. Before joining REC in 2001, she worked as Senior Scientist at Norsk Hydro ASA, and as Research Scientist at SINTEF and the Centre for Industrial Research (SI).

Springfondet is looking forward to working closely with Reactive Metal Particles and Eirik Ruud in developing the company going forward, and we are also proud to welcome Dr. Rita Glenne as a new board member in the company.

Mr. Aasland has a long and successful track-record as a manager at leading Norwegian IT companies. From 2005 to 2009 he was the CEO of the IT-security company Norman ASA. Earlier he held various management positions within sales and marketing at Tandberg ASA. Presently, he is the CEO of Fora Form AS, and also serves on the board of Questback AS. Mr. Aasland holds a Master of General Business from the Norwegian Business School (BI).

Trygve Aasland

Our portfolio company Promon has recently received much attention from media. Below is a compilation of some of the news stories (unfortunately all links are in Norwegian):

• In March 2011 Finansavisen interviews Tom Lysemose, the CEO of Promon, about security issues in online banking. Link
• In February 2011 ComputerWorld discusses cloud security and Promon presents its technology and solution to the security risks. Link
• In December 2010 NRK TV, Radio and Web consult Promon in connection with China blocking internet access to the portals of CNN, BBC and NRK in connection with the  Nobel Peace Prize ceremony: Link to web article
• In November 2010 both Computerworld and Finansavisen ran stories about Promon’s technology proactively being able to stop the cyber attack on the Nobel Peace Prize website which occurred during the month: Link and Link
• In November 2010  Finansavisen runs a story about Promon’s success in the German market. Link

Danisco and Kappa Bioscience has announced to work in close collaboration on Vitamin K2 MK-7 for the food industry in the areas of bone and cardiovascular health.

 “This new agreement between Danisco and Kappa Bioscience will enable the expansion of Vitamin K2 into broad market segments. Not only will this aid the availability of a broader format of end products, it will also increase awareness and education amongst consumers , thus establishing this vitamin alongside many other highly functional and necessary vitamins,” explains Peter Wisler, Director Business Development, Danisco Health & Nutrition.

 “Our agreement with Danisco reflects our shared commitment to boosting the portfolio of scientific evidence for Vitamin K2,’ comments Dr Egil Greve, CEO of Kappa Bioscience. “I strongly believe that together we can develop an exciting new ingredient category in the bone and cardiovascular health area, and that industry interest and confidence in Vitamin K2 will grow following this cooperation,” adds Greve.

 Please see the press release for more information.

OstomyCure AS has appointed Geir Christian Melen as its Chief Executive Officer. Geir Christian Melen has significant senior management experience from companies focused on the development and commercialization of novel health care products from his time as CEO at Clavis Pharma ASA and as CFO at Algeta and Photocure. For further information please see the press release.