Target Company Overview

Orbi, also known as Ornamental Tree AB, is a Swedish SaaS company focused on enhancing the campus experience through a dedicated digital platform. The company provides a comprehensive job board that connects university students with potential employers keen on recruiting talent. Orbi has rapidly gained traction, capturing over 50% of all universities in Sweden and extending its reach to students in other Nordic countries, with ambitions to explore international markets where student needs remain consistent regardless of location.

Launched in late 2021, Orbi’s Career module has already secured 35 corporate partners, including well-respected brands such as IKEA, Epiroc, SCA, Arla, and Grant Thornton. This module enables businesses to directly advertise job opportunities tailored to students' educational backgrounds and interests, positioning Orbi as a vital link between youth and employment.

Industry Overview

The educational sector in Sweden, characterized by a strong emphasis on digital transformation, presents unique opportunities for technology-driven solutions tailored to students. As social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn witness low engagement among students, there is a clear market gap for dedicated campus applications. This shift in student behavior underscores the need for tailored digital tools that address specific campus requirements.

Moreover, the landscape is greatly influenced by the phenomenon of the 'Great Resignation' that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated a global talent shortage. Companies are increasingly on the lookout for innovative ways to engage prospective employees, leading to a surge in demand for customizable platforms like Orbi that streamline recruitment processes.

Orbi’s strategy aligns with these industry trends, using its expanding student user base to attract employers looking to connect with the new generation of educated professionals. The enabling technology allows for integrated solutions that encompass event planning and job placements within a single, user-friendly app, effectively creating a thriving ecosystem for students and recruiters alike.

As part of its growth strategy, Orbi is also poised to enter the Nordic market more aggressively by 2024. Future expansion plans are contemplative of opportunities beyond the Nordic region, targeting key European economies and, eventually, the US market.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The recent $1.0 million angel investment round facilitated by Elevera Advisers is aimed at strengthening Orbi’s market leader status in Sweden and assessing expansion opportunities across the Nordic region. This investment round comes at a critical juncture where the company can capitalize on the increasing number of users and employers using its platform.

Investing in product development will enable Orbi to diversify its revenue streams, enhancing its ability to respond to market demands effectively and grow its user base. The funds will primarily be utilized to consolidate its current offerings while exploring additional features that address evolving student and employer needs.

Investor Profile

Elevera Advisers serves as the exclusive financial advisor to Orbi during this investment round. With a strong track record of supporting early-stage companies in their fundraising and strategic growth efforts, Elevera brings valuable expertise to the table. Their guidance has already played a critical role in helping Orbi establish itself as a major player in Sweden's educational technology sector.

Under the leadership of CEO Thorgeir Einarsson, Elevera Advisers is committed to collaborating with Orbi in its continued growth journey, particularly as the company prepares for a Series A fundraising round slated for the end of 2023, aimed at facilitating further international expansion.

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This investment in Orbi presents a compelling opportunity within the growing ed-tech sector in Sweden. The company's innovative approach to solving the employment gap for students, combined with its rapid traction in the market, positions it well for future success. Engaging young talent directly through a platform designed specifically for them leverages existing market trends and aligns with the needs of both students and employers.

As the company prepares for its Series A funding, the groundwork laid by this seed round will likely yield high returns on investment for stakeholders. Orbi’s commitment to enhancing its offerings and strategically expanding into the Nordic region demonstrates strong potential for sustained growth and profitability.

Moreover, the backing from established corporations underscores the credibility of Orbi’s model, offering reassurance to potential investors about the company’s viability in the competitive landscape. Overall, while challenges remain, the outlook for Orbi, backed by this investment, looks promising, reinforcing the notion that it is indeed a sound investment opportunity.

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