July 2, 2024
Investing in COB alum
The Pirate Entrepreneurship Fund, LLC (“PEF”), Gratus Private Capital II, LLC (“Gratus”) and East Carolina Angels (“ECA”) announced today that they have collectively made a one million dollar investment in Norwegian software company Bsure AS (“Bsure”), an advanced cloud and enterprise solution provider that offers an all-encompassing solution for monitoring and managing Microsoft (and other) enterprise licenses, and enhancing enterprise security by removing closed, dormant or obsolete users and licenses before they become unknowing backdoors for hackers, malware and ransomware agents.
Bsure was cofounded by Henrik Skalmerud, a College of Business (COB) finance/MIS alum and former ECU tennis player. Skalmerud, who serves as Bsure’s CEO, said PEF/Gratus/ECA represents the perfect financing partners in helping to drive the company to greater success.
“My experience at ECU’s College of Business gave me a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial journey,” said Skalmerud. “The combination of my studies provided me with the foundation and inspiration to start Bsure.”
Bsure represents PEF’s sixth investment and Gratus’ sixth investment, as well. The multi-million-dollar PEF fund was launched in early 2022 in support of ECU startups, research partners and alumni businesses. This investment is aligned to the goal of supporting ECU entrepreneurship and technology commercialization at an accelerated pace. Matt Crisp (’93, ’96), Gratus managing partner, PEF investment committee member, and Bsure board member said “this (Bsure) is exactly the type of business solution needed in today’s rapidly changing and challenging environment. We see it as a solid example of why PEF was launched in the first place – Pirates helping Pirates, and we’re pleased we were able to conclude this investment and partnership.”
“My team and I are very grateful for the investment and trust from the ECU community, and we are so eager about the journey ahead with the support of ECU and the Pirate community,” said Skalmerud. “We are excited to use the access to ECU’s large network and be the catalyst for innovation.”
“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the College of Business thanks to our extraordinary alumni who want to encourage – and support – potential leaders and entrepreneurs,” said COB Dean Mike Harris. “Success stories such as Henrik’s show the COB can have regional, state, national and international influence and impact.”