”We have ambitious plans for the further development of Shifter, and with this acquisition, we gain even more room to move forward,” says Sarah Sørheim, head of the Niche Unit at Schibsted Media and chair of Shifter’s board.
Schibsted bought 51 percent of Shifter last year, before the company was split into the two companies Schibsted Media and Schibsted Marketplaces at the beginning of June. Shifter was founded by entrepreneurs Lucas Weldeghebriel and Per-Ivar Nicolaisen in 2016, while co-founder Aslaug Syvertsen joined the company shortly after its inception. Together, they have built a publication with a unique position in covering Norwegian startups and the new business landscape.
Covers the bank industry
Since Shifter became part of Schibsted, they have also launched the B2B publication Bankshift, which has quickly become influential in covering the banking industry.
“We are proud that Schibsted Media is acquiring Shifter Media, and this allows us to realise our growth plans together,” says Lucas Weldeghebriel, CEO and editor-in-chief.
He points out that through the acquisition, they are moving from being two companies with slightly different incentives to becoming 100 percent aligned with the same goals.
“This will make it much easier to move quickly. I am particularly proud that Schibsted, where both Per-Ivar, Aslaug, and I have worked for many years, believes in what we have built and wants to help take it further.”
Opportunities ahead
Shifter Media is part of the Niche Unit at Schibsted Media, and Sørheim says the company sees opportunities to further develop journalistic products aimed at specific target groups.
”Growth within niches is a national and international trend, and we believe there are exciting opportunities for us here. Moreover, our niche media can also play an important role in creating a more complete offering of publications for our customers and users.”
”We are incredibly proud to take over ownership of Shifter and very grateful for the great cooperation we have had with the company’s founders. Now we are really looking forward to the future,” says Sørheim.
