Siden findes desværre ikke på dansk
Bliv på siden | Fortsæt til en relateret side på danskUsing reasonably priced sensors and artificial intelligence the Norwegian company Cemit aims to increase the efficiency of trains and the railway industry globally. “Teaming up with Nordea was crucial,” says CEO Are Sandersen.
“Our goal is a turnover of NOK 500m, 300 employees and a global market position by 2025. To achieve this we had to look beyond our local bank. Getting Nordea and our account manager Joakim on board was crucial.”
Are Sandersen, CEO of the rail tech company Cemit, is visiting Oslo Central Station during the afternoon rush hour. After a couple of decades in the railway industry and many years as a commuter, he knows how important reliable trains are for both passengers and the environment.
“If we want the railway industry to be part of the green transformation and compete with electric cars and buses, consumers need to be able to rely on trains running on schedule. That is not the situation today.”
Together with a few former colleagues he founded the company Cemit in 2018. They started as a consultancy company for trains and railways, but now develop technology based on sensors and artificial intelligence. Their goal is to revolutionise the railway industry – not just in Norway, but on a global scale.
“Trains and railways are struggling with huge efficiency losses and maintenance costs. Our technology can help reduce maintenance costs and improve punctuality, efficiency, reliability and operational communication,” Are explains.
“Our goal is to increase efficiency and digitalise an industry known for being a bit stuck in their old ways. We hope to strengthen the competitiveness of sustainable transport options such as trains.
By fitting sensors inside the trains, Cemit can monitor tracks continuously. The sensor data is analysed using advanced intelligent algorithms to identify deviations and to precisely predict when maintenance is necessary.
“We collect data from different parts of the railway infrastructure to compile it into a complete picture. We’re able to track developments ahead in time, whether it’s about the signalling system, contact line system or the track itself,” Are explains.
“Not only does it save time and money. We also avoid big surprises that lead to complete traffic stops and affect us passengers.
Cemit was founded in 2018 by Are Sandersen, Arve Stavrum-Tång, Tom Halfdansen and Atle Larsen.
Cemit is making railways safer, smarter and more sustainable by using sensors and AI.
The system collects data from different parts of the railway infrastructure, compiling it into a complete picture. That way it’s possible to track developments ahead in time, whether it’s about the signalling system, contact line system or the track itself.
If we want the railway industry to be part of the green transformation and compete with electric cars and buses, consumers need to be able to rely on trains running on schedule. That is not the situation today.
Cemit aims to revolutionise the industry. With the tech company set for strong growth in the next few years, close collaboration with account manager Joakim at Nordea will be especially important.
After relying on their local bank, the entrepreneurs needed support to grow. They got in touch with Nordea Startup & Growth and was included in a financing programme for growth companies where the European Investment Fund (EIF) provides a guarantee for part of the loan.
“The agreement with Nordea gives us an enormous sense of security. Cemit is employee-owned and we don’t have a rich uncle to fund our growth journey. Being granted such a substantial loan on competitive terms enables us to gain momentum,” says Are, who is impressed by the culture and level of competence at Nordea.
“We’re taken seriously as entrepreneurs, which means a lot. Smaller banks are typically more cautious and sceptical, but our account manager Joakim understands what the journey is about.
Joakim Hines Bredahl, Senior Account Manager in Nordea Startup & Growth, has been on the other side of the table as an entrepreneur himself and has a lot of experience with risk capital. Today his job is to guide and support growth companies like Cemit in their search for financing.
“This a dedicated and passionate bunch who really know their stuff. The market is huge and no other player is as dedicated to make railways more efficient,” says Joakim.
He puts a lot of emphasis on creating good customer relations to secure the success of companies like Cemit.
“I’m passionate about building a mutual sense of trust and maintaining an open and frequent dialogue. For this type of growth company it’s especially important for me to be able to support them the best way I can throughout their journey,” he says and highlights the fact that Nordea can be more than just a bank.
“Account managers are highly competent. We’re in contact with many different customers, markets and investors and can offer a lot more than just financing. Our experience is that Cemit and other growth companies really appreciate this.
Sparring partner. Being a good sparring partner for growth companies is an important part of an account manager’s job, says Joakim Hines Bredahl from Nordea Startup & Growth.
With Cemit set for strong growth in the next few years, including a significant staff increase and venture into new markets, close collaboration with Joakim will be especially important.
“He wants to contribute to our success and open doors for us via Nordea’s system. They are the biggest bank in the Nordics with a large international network. That’s worth its weight in gold for us.