Norrsken to open its largest hub yet – here’s where

Next year, Norrsken will open the doors to its newest house, adding to its existing hubs in Stockholm, Barcelona, Brussels and Kigali.

Norrsken Houses function as physical hubs for impact entrepreneurs – places where founders can work, connect and grow alongside investors and experts.

Now, the organisation is setting up shop in Amsterdam, in what will be its biggest space so far.

"Amsterdam has a really exciting and fast-growing tech ecosystem, and it’s a city that has taken a leading role on sustainability issues," Kappelmark tells Impact Loop.

The city was among the first globally to work with economist Kate Raworth on the idea of staying within planetary boundaries. Crucially, that decision was also backed by strong local support.

"We met an incredible group of unicorn founders and family offices there who are deeply committed to the idea," Kappelmark says. "For us, local anchoring really matters – having people on the ground who believe this can create genuine additionality."

The collaboration model follows the same core principles as Norrsken’s previous expansions, but Amsterdam marks a step change.

When Norrsken opened in Barcelona, it did so together with several co-founders, and the Stockholm house has always been built on close collaboration with a wide circle of engaged individuals.

What sets Amsterdam apart is that the partnerships are now more formalised – and that the partner group is also investing financially in the project, Kappelmark explains.

1,000 entrepreneurs

The Amsterdam house will be significantly larger than Norrsken’s existing hubs, with space for more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors and partners. Spread across three floors, the building will offer over 3,600 square metres dedicated to co-working, events and networking – far larger than the Stockholm house, which hosts around 400 people.

The hub will be located in Van Gendt Hallen, a historic industrial building dating back to the 17th century. The property is owned by Bugaboo founder and Norrsken House Amsterdam co-founder – Eduard Zanen.

Norrsken has partnered with prominent Dutch tech figures, investors, and family offices to launch the new working hub. Alongside Zanen, the cohort includes founding partner at Peak Capital and Future Food Fund, Heleen Dura-van Oord, climate financier Carbonfix, and De Hoge Dennen, the investment vehicle of the De Rijcke family.

The ambition is to transform the entire site into a flagship for sustainable innovation, where Norrsken’s hub sits alongside a sustainability-focused museum, a restaurant, and offices for larger companies working on entrepreneurship and climate solutions. The building is also planned to be carbon-neutral.

"We are breathing new life into this historic space, where heritage meets future-focused thinking," says Zanen. "By welcoming Norrsken House to Van Gendt Hallen, we’re turning our industrial past into a hub for ideas, innovation and a brighter future for people and planet."

While no official opening date has yet been announced, applications are already open. Exactly what types of companies will take up residence remains to be seen.

"The Netherlands has deep expertise in food and health, but we’re seeing a broad mix of exciting companies emerging," says Kappelmark. "We’ll see what crystallises once the ecosystem comes together."

California could be next

Norrsken’s long-term ambition is clear: more hubs, in more cities.

"Our goal is to open a Norrsken House in every major city in the world over time," says Kappelmark.

According to information obtained by Impact Loop, plans are already in motion for a US expansion. Documents reviewed by Impact Loop show that Norrsken registered a US entity, Norrsken Los Angeles LLC, as recently as August this year.

Asked whether a house in Los Angeles is on the way, Kappelmark remains cautious.

“We’re looking at several different locations, but nothing is final enough for me to communicate yet," she says.