Welcoming new funds, and seeing them launch and grow, is one of most exciting aspects in our industry. While these new launches remain, by definition, untested across full market cycles, there may be early indicators providing clues as to which may prove most promising. One of the first recognitions available to these emerging managers is the “Rookie of the Year” award. Presented annually at the Nordic Hedge Award, the distinction highlights the most promising hedge fund launch in the Nordics. What makes the award all the more interesting and desirable is that a jury of experienced Nordic hedge fund managers collectively determine the winner, making this a peer-group recognition.

Nine hedge funds have qualified for consideration for the “Rookie of the Year 2025” award. The funds in contention were launched during the 12-month period ending in September 2025. To qualify, funds must be listed in the Nordic Hedge Index and meet the applicable listing criteria. There are no specific minimum assets under management required.

For the 2025 Nordic Hedge Award, the “Rookie” jury consists of Christer Bjørndal, CEO of TIND Asset Management; Miikka Hautamäki, CEO of AIM Capital; Sebastian Hallenius, Head of Asset Allocation at Länsförsäkringar Fonder; Peter Andersland, Portfolio Manager at Coda Partners; and Patrik Säfvenblad, CIO at Volt Capital Management.

In selecting the winner, jury members assess a range of qualitative factors at their discretion. Among the guiding considerations are:

• Which fund would I feel most comfortable investing in, despite its short track record?

• Which fund is best positioned to build a robust, long-term track record?

• Which fund has the potential to make a meaningful impact within the Nordic hedge fund space?

• Which fund could become a billion-dollar fund (if that is even desired or the intention, within the capacity of the strategy)?

The winner will be announced on 22 April 2026 at the Nordic Hedge Award ceremony in Stockholm. For more information about the award and previous winners, please visit the “Rookie of the Year” section.

Good luck to all qualified funds!

The Nordic Hedge Award is supported by the following partners: