โWe are impressed by how Oda has reinvented grocery shopping. The company has developed an efficient logistics and distribution system, which makes online grocery profitable and sustainable. Customers that place orders through Oda halve food waste and reduce CO2 emissions significantly when compared to shopping at a physical store. We are investing in Oda because we see great potential in its business and want to contribute to its continued growth,โ says Martin Gjรธlme and Staffan Mรถrndal, of Summa Equity and Verdane respectively.
In being an industry-leader in reducing food waste, Oda is showing that major, structural change is possible in a massive global industry. Thus, the investment in Oda is advancing UNโs Sustainable Development Goal 12, which calls for a halving of food waste worldwide by 2030.
Together, the investment companies Kinnevik, Verdane and Summa Equity will contribute a total of NOK 1.5 billion in new equity to the company. Rasmussen Group, Prosus and Kinnevik, which are current shareholders in Oda, have simultaneously agreed to contribute another NOK 621 million in equity through debt conversion. The implied post-transaction equity value of Oda is approximately NOK 3.5 billion.
Profitable in Norway
Oda was established in 2013 with the aim of making everyday life easier for people by delivering groceries to their doorstep. The company has succeeded in establishing a successful and profitable business with satisfied and loyal customers, initially in Norway, before gradually expanding into other markets.
โIn 2021, we made an operating profit of NOK 29 million in Norway, a concrete proof that our business model works. The company has very satisfied customers who benefit from a wide range of products at low prices, delivered directly to their homes. In recent months, sales in Norway are up by 15-20 per cent compared to the same period last year, during a period when the online retail market and food market have contracted. Last year we reduced our sales prices to fully match competitors in the discount market, which has resulted in a positive effect on sales. We will now continue to build on this success in Finland and Germany,โ says Karl Munthe-Kaas, CEO of Oda.
He is pleased to have the support of leading and capital-strong investors such as Summa Equity, Verdane and Kinnevik. In total, Oda adds NOK 2.1 billion in new equity, despite a challenging capital market that particularly affects technology and growth companies.
โSumma, Verdane and Kinnevik are leading Nordic investors with a special focus on companies that move the world in a more sustainable direction. Their decision to invest in Oda confirms that we have a solid business model and the right growth strategy. It is also worth noting that existing shareholders such as the Rasmussen Group and Prosus have backed us this time around as well through debt conversion. Oda is now well positioned for further targeted growth in Norway, Finland and Germany,โ says Oda CEO Karl Munthe-Kaas.
Adjusting course
In 2021, Oda showed a turnover of NOK 2.47 billion, an increase from NOK 1.97 billion in 2020. In parallel, the company has sought to develop the worldโs most effective retail system. The company had a positive operating profit in Norway of NOK 29 million and invested more than NOK 400 million in building a scalable platform and growing internationally. The international expansion continues, albeit at a reduced scope and pace in light of the current, tumultuous financial market.
โWe are now making a necessary adjustment to our international growth strategy.ย We will focus on our current initiatives in Finland and Germany, and planย to seek profitability in existing markets before expanding to other countries. With this funding in place, Oda is well positioned to continue revolutionizing the grocery industry, while also making everyday lifeย easier and more affordableย for our customers, says Munthe-Kaas.
About Oda
Oda is Norwayโs leading pure-play online grocery store, founded in 2013. With the aim of making everyday life easier for people by delivering groceries to their doorstep, Oda has set up operations in Norway, Finland, and Germany. The company has developed an efficient logistics and distribution system, which makes online grocery profitable and sustainable.
More info: www.oda.com
Follow Oda on LinkedIn
About Verdane
Verdane is a specialist growth equity investment firm that partners with tech-enabled and sustainable European businesses to help them reach the next stage of international growth. Verdane can invest as a minority or majority investor, either in single companies or through portfolios of companies. Verdane funds hold over โฌ4.5 billion in total commitments and have made over 140 investments in fast-growing businesses since 2003. Verdaneโs team of over 130 investment professionals and operating experts, based out of Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo and Stockholm, is dedicated to being the preferred growth partner to tech-enabled and sustainable businesses in Europe.
More info:โฏwww.verdane.com
Follow Verdane onโฏLinkedIn
Press Contact
Verdane Press Office
press@verdane.com
+46 76 27 28 100