Yivind Enger

Øivind Enger is a Partner, Life Science at Sarsia Management AS in Bergen. Sarsia’s team page lists him as having a Ph.D. in microbiology and describes him as a life-science partner with research and commercialization experience in molecular biology, fish disease, biology, aquaculture, medicine, and biotechnology.

Before investing, Enger spent more than 13 years in research in molecular biology and fish disease. OculAudio’s board profile says he earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Bergen, worked there as a researcher for several years, and has more than 40 peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals.

Enger worked for several years in technology transfer between Norwegian universities and industry. In 2006, as a partner in Sarsia Management, he helped establish the Sarsia Seed investment fund. He has also held managerial and board roles through Sarsia Innovation AS and is listed as a board member or former board member across several medical technology, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostics companies.

In 2025, Sarsia described Enger as “microbiologist by training and policy and research strategy expert” and noted that he is a member of the Norwegian Council for Health and Care -21. In that context, he argued for a broad view of life sciences that includes health sciences, marine biology and aquaculture, agriculture and forestry, biotechnology and bioeconomy, environmental and climate research, ecology, and biodiversity.

• Sarsia’s stated approach is to back entrepreneurs and scientists with solutions in its investment areas, then analyze technology robustness, market relevance, potential value, and impact before making an initial investment.
• Typical first checks are NOK 2-5 million, usually for a 10% to 40% ownership stake; Sarsia says total investment can later reach NOK 30-40 million through progressive rounds.
• Sarsia takes a long-term financing perspective and supports companies through milestone-based rounds.
• The firm is hands-on: it says it is active in portfolio companies and “always retaining a position on the board.”
• Enger’s personal fit is strongest in life sciences, especially research-based biotechnology, medicine, aquaculture, fish health, and broader biological systems.
• On life sciences, Sarsia states: “Our focus is on unmet medical needs.”
• For sustainability-oriented funds, Sarsia Fund III invests in early-stage companies in energy, technology, environmental solutions, and the blue economy that address sustainability challenges and show measurable impact potential.