Tech Table: M&A Forum Recap
On June 5, Partinc, Patron Member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, proudly hosted the Chamber’s first Tech Table of the year: the M&A Forum.
Moderated by Kerstin Brodin, Innovation Manager at nlmtd, the event brought together thought leaders and experts to explore the current and future state of the European investment landscape, with a focus on M&A, software, cloud infrastructure, and growth equity.
A special thank you to our brilliant speakers:
- Jan Sundelin, Partner at Partinc, compared the M&A landscape in Europe and the U.S., noting a narrowing gap outside of U.S. mega-cap SaaS companies. He also highlighted persistent challenges around regulation and exit environments.
- Björn Håkansson, Business Development Manager at TNO, spoke on Europe’s push for cloud sovereignty, emphasising initiatives like IPCEI-CIS and Gaia-X, and the strategic importance of reducing reliance on U.S. tech infrastructure.
- Ivy Chen, Private Equity Practice Lead at Software Improvement Group, shared insights on software due diligence, AI readiness, and the hidden risks in tech investments, stressing the need for a business-aligned, data-driven approach.
- Sam Myhrman, Private Market Advisor (Nordics), highlighted Sweden’s rise as a hub for innovation, driven by a strong equity culture, robust policy support, and standout companies in AI and legal tech.
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Navigating the Vacuum: Implications of the Dutch Cabinet Collapse
An update on the Dutch political situation by Swedish Chamber Member IvCB Publilc Affairs & Stakeholdermanagement.
The Dutch cabinet, led by Prime Minister Schoof, formally resigned on June 3rd following Geert Wilders’ decision to withdraw the PVV (Party for Freedom) from the ruling coalition. This collapse places the Netherlands under a caretaker (demissionary) government, now operating without PVV ministers. The rupture is rooted in domestic politics: escalating tensions over immigration and asylum policy proved unsustainable within the fragile four-party coalition. Although there is no clear evidence that Wilders was influenced by foreign actors, the volatile pre-election climate is likely to attract efforts by far-right groups, potentially including those connected to Russia or the American alt-right, to exert influence. With key ministerial posts now vacant and the legislative calendar shifting, this transition opens both risks and opportunities for strategic public affairs engagement.
Key developments
- On 3 June, the four-party PVV–VVD–NSC–BBB coalition government collapsed. Internal tensions over immigration and asylum policy reached a breaking point.
- Wilders may also be capitalising on declining poll numbers for coalition partners BBB and NSC, seeking to consolidate right-wing voter support ahead of new elections.
- PM Schoof’s cabinet resigned only 11 months after it was formed.
- 9 PVV (under-)ministers have stepped down; their responsibilities will be temporarily handed over to the remaining (under-)ministers.
- Remaining ministers continue in a limited caretaker capacity.
- The House of Representatives will determine which pending policy items are deemed “controversial”—and thus suspended until a new coalition government is formed.
- No new political decisions will be taken unless explicitly endorsed by parliament.
- Reactions across the political spectrum have been mixed. Former coalition partners expressed frustration over the collapse, with some viewing the move as politically opportunistic. Opposition parties have signalled cautious optimism, hoping for a shift in political direction, but are wary of voter fatigue and instability.
- On 4 June, the Dutch Electoral Council issued formal advice to the (now demissionary) Minister of the Interior, recommending Wednesday, 29 October as the earliest feasible date for national elections. The recommendation accounts for candidate registration timelines, municipal preparations, and school holidays. Earlier dates were ruled out due to scheduling conflicts.
- Technology: Digitalisation and AI investment programmes are unlikely to advance.
- Energy & Climate: Progress on grid congestion, energy reform, and national climate goals will slow.
- Agriculture: Ongoing debates around nitrogen and transition financing remain unresolved.
- Healthcare & Infrastructure: Ministerial gaps freeze strategic decision-making, creating operational and investment uncertainty.
- Elections are not legally possible. Political parties begin drafting manifestos behind the scenes.
- Parliament recess starts (until 1 Sept.)
- Formal political activity slows; party manifesto writing intensifies.
- Royal decree dissolving Parliament expected. By Dutch election law, this triggers an 83-98 day election countdown.
- Political parties hold congresses and adopt final manifestos.
- Unfit for elections due to registration timelines and municipal preparations.
- School holidays limit the feasibility of elections earlier in the month.
- Most likely national election date: 29 October.
- Secure visibility in political party manifestos and pre-election platforms;
- Reassess stakeholder maps and anticipate shifts in political leadership.
- Build or reinforce coalitions of support across sectoral and regional lines;
- Prepare a first-mover strategy for post-election engagement.
- Keep you updated on parliamentary decisions and relevant debates;
- Advise on messaging and outreach toward manifesto teams and party influencers;
- Develop tailored positioning strategies for both caretaker governance and new coalition scenarios.
- Ensure your organisation remains visible, future-proof, and politically well-positioned.

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Office Closed for Whitsun
Please note that the Swedish Chamber of Commerce office will be closed on Monday, June 9, in observance of Whitsun (Pingst).
We’ll be back on Tuesday, June 10, recharged and ready to support our members and partners.
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Presentation of the Business Climate Survey Netherlands 2025
On May 28, 2025, Team Sweden, comprising the Swedish Embassy, Business Sweden, and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, presented the Business Climate Survey Netherlands 2025 in Amsterdam. Attended by Ambassador H.E. Mr. Johannes Oljelund and Ms. Camilla Mellander, Director General for Trade at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the event highlighted key insights into Swedish business performance in the Dutch market.
This year’s survey reports a 55% answering rate among Swedish companies, reflecting both optimism and ongoing challenges. The findings were presented by Malin Alders and Alice Frykhammar, followed by a panel discussion, including Mr. Douwe Dirks of NORNORM, Ms. Ruth de Jager of Storytel, Mr. Hans Vos of FlexLink, and Mr. Cees Westera of Public Matters, led by Mr. Tomas Korseman of Business Sweden.
Ms. Mellander underscored the importance of EU unity and free trade amid rising global protectionism.
The event was hosted at AKD’s Amsterdam office, with gratitude extended to all participating companies for their valuable contributions.
Full report: https://www.business-sweden.com/49bde8/contentassets/43fdd7c5092149c4973a645a8c21a444/business-climate-survey-2025-the-netherlands.pdf
Event photos: https://swedishchamber.nl/events/may-28-presentation-of-the-business-climate-survey-in-the-netherlands-2025/
Photo Credit: Hanne Hansen Photography
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Glad Nationaldag!
Happy National Day!
On June 6, 1523, Gustav Vasa was elected king, laying the foundation for Sweden as an independent state. Over 500 years ago!
Sweden’s National Day also commemorates the adoption of a new constitution in 1809, a key milestone in the country’s democratic history.
How do we celebrate this public holiday?
It’s a day to pause, reflect, and appreciate what Sweden stands for: openness, equality, and community. Many will spend the day with family and loved ones, enjoying traditions, good food, and hopefully some sunshine!
Glad nationaldag!
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Trainee Visit to The Hague
Yesterday, the trainees and intern of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of visiting our esteemed Team Sweden partners in The Hague – Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in the Netherlands.
This insightful visit offered a closer look at how our organisations collaborate to strengthen Swedish–Dutch business relations. The trainees had the opportunity to sit down with representatives from both entities, gaining valuable insights into their important work in trade promotion, diplomacy, and cross-border collaboration.
We are sincerely grateful to Tomas Korseman and his inspiring team at Business Sweden, as well as the Embassy of Sweden, for their warm welcome and generous time. It was a day filled with thoughtful conversations, meaningful exchanges, and strengthened connections.




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The Swedish Chamber of Commerce – 65th Annual General Meeting
On May 28, 2025, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce proudly held its 65th Annual General Meeting, generously hosted by Patron Member AKD at their prestigious premises in Amsterdam.
During the meeting, the Chamber had the distinct honour of welcoming five new Board Members, representing Cindy Kroon, Vattenfall, Ellis-Jan van der Hout, SKF, Wiebe Schmitz, Saab, Peter Magnusson, Scania Production Zwolle, and Ashkan Danaei, Tetra Pak. Their appointments underscore the continued strength and diversity of the Chamber’s leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude to all Board Members, past and present, for their invaluable commitment and contributions, which enable the Chamber to maintain its role as a vital business platform within the Dutch market.
The meeting also marked a moment of appreciation for several retiring Board Members, who were warmly thanked for their long-standing service and dedication to the Chamber's mission.
"We sincerely thank you for your loyal commitment to the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and your continued efforts in strengthening the vital relationship between Sweden and the Netherlands. Your dedication and support are truly invaluable to our shared mission and greatly appreciated." – Chairperson, Jan Sundelin
In addition, the Annual Report for 2024 was formally presented. We extend our thanks to Nordholm Communication for their outstanding work on the report’s layout and design. We are equally grateful to the generous sponsors: Volvo Cars Netherlands, Tetra Pak, SKF, Handelsbanken, KPMG, Meijburg & Co., and Earth, for their generous support.
Following the announcement by H.E. Ambassador of Sweden, Mr. Johannes Oljelund, of the conclusion of his term in the Netherlands later this summer, the Chairperson, Jan Sundelin expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ambassador Oljelund on behalf of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, for his dedicated service as Honorary Chairperson and for his unwavering support and valued collaboration throughout his tenure.
We invite you to click here for further information, access event photos, and download the
Photo credits: Hanne Hansen Photography
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Tech Finance Speaker: Ivy Chen
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce Jan Sundelin, Partner at Partinc Capital, as one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Tech Table: M&A Forum on 5 June at Edge Olympic.
Ivy Chen is the Private Equity Practice Lead at Software Improvement Group (SIG), where she advises investors and technology leaders on software quality, technical risk, and scalability in M&A transactions, as well as post-deal value creation. Prior to joining SIG, Ivy held consulting leadership roles at global firms such as Accenture Strategy and EY-Parthenon. She brings over 15 years of international experience across consulting, technology, and entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Amsterdam, SIG is an independent technology advisory firm that helps organisations worldwide improve software quality through deep source code analysis and strategic guidance. SIG supports private equity investors, corporates, and public institutions in reducing technology risk and unlocking value in software-driven businesses throughout the M&A lifecycle.
This session will offer a sharp overview of transatlantic trends, valuation dynamics, investor behaviour, and what startups and scaleups should consider when navigating cross-border transactions in the tech space.
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