Louis De Geer

Louis de Geer called “the father of Swedish industry” was the most influential Dutch entrepreneur in Sweden during the first half of the 17th century

Noble family of De Geers originated from the Liege region where it was well-established in the iron and arms industries. As a young man, Louis settled in Amsterdam and in 1618 he was already involved in operating of the Swedish ironworks. As a repayment for the loans to the Swedish Crown which needed funds for involvement in the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), Louis received the rights to manage ironworks. Since the Swedish king Gustav Adolf (r.1611-1632) was unable to repay loans, a large proportion of the Swedish iron, silver and copper mines as well as a monopoly of the iron and copper ore trade came into Louis’ hands. In partnership with Elias Trip he built iron foundries in Sweden becoming with time a large-scale manufacturer of weapons. His armaments were sold in the Netherlands, France, the Venetian Republic and elsewhere. He enjyoyed the great influence in Sweden. At his instigation, the Swedish African company was formed to trade in gold, ivory and slaves.

Louis De Geer acquired extensive estates and was ennobled in 1641.