Analyzing the numbers, the first half of 2026 has marked weak start Skåne’s startup ecosystem. With only 42 deals raising approximately € 83 million across Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg. This is less compared to 2025, which had 61 deals and a € 174 million in its first half.

The numbers for all of 2025 in Skåne where 101 investments, totalt € 223 million. We compared this to 2017, when we first looked into the overall numbers for Skåne – in 2017 there were 65 investments in startups, totaling € 154 million.

So current trend seems to be that since 2017 not much has happened when it comes to attracting investments to Skåne.

However, as with all funding news, the numbers are often easily skewed by one or two bigger rounds. In H1 2025, Qvantum raised a € 108 million round in equity and dept, which affects the numbers for 2025 a lot. However, that the total number of deals is almost 35% lower is does make it clear that it is not just this one deal that makes for a downward trend so far this year.

Looking a bit deeper into the different cities, and what time of investments that have happened so far in 2026, compared to H1 in 2025.

Lund: Deep-Tech and Biotech Dominate with €25M

Lund is for its size Skåne’s investment powerhouse, attracting during H1 2026 a total of 20 investments, worth € 39 million, almost half of the amount during this time frame. This more than its H1 2025 of € 31 million. The city’s strength lies in deep-tech and biotech, with some noteable investments including:

• Nordic Forestry Automation, Technology for precise and sustainable forestry.
• Cellevate, Developing proprietary nanofiber technology for building cell culture solutions for cell and gene therapy and novel vaccines biomanufacturing.
• Spec-Imaging, optical tools for direct analysis of turbid liquids

Lund’s long-standing reputation for cutting-edge research, particularly in nanotech and medtech, continues to attract high-value, early-stage investments.

Malmö: AI, Security and Sustainability

Malmö has raised the most funding so far, in bigger rounds, with 16 fundings so far that totalt approximitely € 41 million in H1 2026. This is however a decrease in both number and sum compared to 27 investments totalting € 138 million in H1 2025 (which includes the € 108 million round by Qvantum). The city’s startup scene is diverse, with investments in companies like:

• Valkyr, Developing cost-effective, agile, and modular defense solutions with a focus on COTS components, practical innovation, and short time-to-market
• Emission Twin, Climate and sustainability platform
• Lightbringer, AI-powered all-in-one solution for patent protection

Helsingborg: AI and SaaS

While Helsingborg’s H1 2026 investments are a lot lower than Lund and Malmö, the city is carving a niche in different AI services and SaaS solutions. Notable investments include:

• Gridly, Content operations platform for game and software developers
• Veterinary Value, Platform helping veterinary clinics become profitable
• MiMove, Platform for searching properties for sale and rent in Spain and Portugal

Overall the fundings in the region reflect an mature ecosystem, but not a growing one.

Thanks to the Funding Database by Swedish Tech News for providing the curated data on funding rounds.

The post Analyzing the Numbers: Skåne’s Investment in H1 2026 low – only € 83M Raised Across Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg appeared first on Øresund Startup News.

Valkyr specializes in cost-effective, modular, and autonomous defense systems, leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology to fast-track production. Founded in response to Europe’s urgent need for smart, accessible, and locally produced anti-drone solutions, the company draws on real-world operational experience and verified frontline requirements.

Its flagship product, HILDR, is a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) defense system integrated with the TACTIX information architecture. Valkyr’s approach combines engineering expertise, total defense experience, and a culture of simplicity and speed, focusing on practical innovation, Swedish manufacturing, and scalable solutions for both military and civilian applications.

The funding round includes participation from I Love Lund, Danish business angels from the Keystones network, and Swedish national investors, reflecting strong confidence in Valkyr’s ability to deliver rapid, effective solutions in a high-stakes sector.

“We and our co-investment partners have strong confidence in Valkyr’s future, as their proven business team can rapidly and effectively develop product lines to meet complex and evolving needs while delivering under tight deadlines. We see expanded defense innovation development originating from Lund and regionally in our vicinity, including Denmark. With our investment, we contribute to a rapid transformation of defense capabilities to ultimately safeguard a sustainable democratic society.”

says Björn Englund at I Love Lund

Valkyr emerged from Ideon Science Park’s defense accelerator, Amyna, and is deeply rooted in Lund’s expanding defense ecosystem. The company’s mission aligns with the region’s push for faster adaptation processes and reduced barriers between authorities, industry, and research.

“For us at Valkyr, it feels very positive to welcome I Love Lund as an investor. Through our participation in Ideon’s defense accelerator, Amyna, and our strong roots in Lund, there is a natural connection between our operations. We look forward to getting to know the network, sharing experiences, and having inspiring conversations with people who are passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the region’s development.”

Says Stefan Westergård, CEO at Valkyr Defence Systems

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