Pioneering Venture Fund
The Autism Impact Fund (AIF) invests in companies that develop new diagnostics and treatments for individuals with autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health issues, and other complex chronic conditions. To achieve this, AIF gather investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and specialists in professional councils that contribute to the development of the portfolio.
The fund is open to investing in a wide range of autism-related businesses: biological, medical, social, and psychological research, healthcare services, educational and job opportunities, practical care services, and other areas impacting the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism and their families.
AIF is valued at $60 million and has invested in 12 companies. These companies have been chosen to achieve synergies so that the total portfolio is more than the sum of each company.
A Specialized Team
Autism Impact Fund is a professional investor that takes stakes in companies that have commercial potential. In other words, the companies in which it invests must have a goal of achieving a certain level of financial return as well as social results. The companies in the portfolio therefore must not overlap or compete with the activities of charitable or non-profit organizations.
The owner and Chair of Ferd’s Board of Directors, Johan H. Andresen, has accepted an invitation to be on the fund’s Investment Advisory Board, which has a mandate that includes providing strategic advice and networking opportunities for the fund’s portfolio companies. In addition, AIF has a separate Scientific Advisory Board that features a range of prominent specialists in researching and treating autism. Their task is to ensure that the fund’s management is continually up to date with the latest findings and developments in the area, and to ensure that these are implemented into the fund’s strategy and activities.
The fund is generating strong social results. Our investment is also helping to strengthen pan-Nordic collaboration and knowledge transfer in the field, which is important to us.
Visit AIF’s website for more information.