Insight Partners acquires majority stake in Norwegian aquaculture tech firm OptoScale.
New York-based software investor Insight Partners has acquired a majority shareholding in OptoScale, a Trondheim-based provider of underwater monitoring technology for the aquaculture industry.
The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. ABG Sundal Collier acted as financial adviser to Insight Partners.
“This partnership with Insight is a major milestone for us—but more importantly, it is a recognition of the team and the culture we have built over the past decade,” said OptoScale CEO Sven Kolstø. “Insight has a strong track record in scaling software companies, and we look forward to building further with their support.”
The investment is intended to accelerate OptoScale’s growth, expand its product offering, and support continued capital efficiency. The company plans to prioritise product development and customer support as part of the next growth phase.
Founded in 2016, OptoScale combines underwater imaging and artificial intelligence to provide real-time data on fish condition, including growth, welfare and lice status—without the need for manual handling. The company reported NOK 39.4 million ($3.78 million/€3.35 million) in revenue in 2023 and held NOK 56 million ($5.38 million/€4.76 million) in equity at year-end.
“OptoScale stands out for its deep understanding of aquaculture and has developed technology that directly addresses some of the industry’s most pressing challenges,” said Rachel Geller, Managing Director, and Raja Atluri, Vice President at Insight Partners. “The AI-based platform delivers real-time insight that improves outcomes across the sector. We are proud to support Sven and the team in the next phase as they scale globally and shape the future of sustainable aquaculture.”
Before the transaction, OptoScale’s largest shareholder was the Trondheim-based investment firm Cofounder.