Swedish Tech Continues to Defy the Economic Downturn
Press Release
May 6, 2025
Sweden consistently ranks as one of the world’s most innovative countries, backed by a strong national support system and deep EU integration. This is an overview of the state of the Swedish Tech Ecosystem in 2024/25.
Despite ongoing global uncertainty, Swedish start-ups continue to show remarkable resilience – and the appetite for investment remains strong. In 2024, Swedish start-ups secured a total of EUR 2.4 billion in venture capital, reinforcing Sweden’s position among the top countries in Europe for venture capital investment per capita.
The State of the Swedish Tech Ecosystem 2025 report, released last week, was produced by Dealroom in collaboration with Business Sweden, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Institute, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, Vinnova, and SISP.
Sweden is strengthening its position as one of the world’s most innovative nations. It now ranks among the global top ten for the number of unicorns – privately held companies valued at over USD 1 billion – and leads Europe in unicorns per capita.
“Sweden is one of the leading countries globally in unicorns per capita, with core strengths in advanced technology, the green transition and medical innovation. But we cannot rest on our laurels. This report highlights the vast potential of Swedish companies – companies that are making a real impact. New technology brings new and better opportunities to enhance our competitiveness and welfare”, says Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy and Industry.
Sweden also stands out as a leader in climate tech, with more than 500 active companies valued at a combined USD 28 billion – a 4.5-fold increase since 2019. To date, Sweden has produced six climate tech unicorns.
In the deep tech sector – spanning advanced technologies rooted in scientific breakthroughs – Sweden is spearheading innovations that are reshaping energy systems, logistics, security and manufacturing.
Life sciences also present major export potential, particularly in precision medicine, digital health and bioinformatics. Swedish start-ups in this space are attracting international attention by offering solutions to global challenges, such as ageing populations and growing healthcare demands.
Since 2020, Swedish companies with at least one female founder have raised EUR 2.3 billion – the highest total in the Nordics and the fourth highest in Europe. In 2024, investment in female-founded start-ups continued to grow. However, only 9.9% of total venture capital went to companies with female founders, underlining the ongoing need to promote inclusion.
“Sweden has taken the lead in the Nordic region – now we must scale up and become Europe’s best country for supporting female innovators. This is where the future’s leaders, business ideas and export successes will come from. We're seeing a snowball effect as former employees launch new ventures. Now it's time to double down – with capital, expertise and the right conditions”, says Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden.
Swedish tech in figures
- EUR 2.4 billion in venture capital raised in 2024
- #1 in Europe for VC investments per capita since 2020
- EUR 319 billion total ecosystem valuation
- 46 unicorns created to date
- 2,200+ start-ups in the pipeline, with strong momentum in climate tech, deep tech and life sciences
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New Strategy Launched to Strengthen Sweden’s Global Image and Competitiveness Abroad
Press release
April 29, 2025
On April 29, 2025 The Swedish Institute (SI) presented a new strategy for a stronger image of Sweden abroad. The strategy is the result of a government mandate from April 2024, aimed at strengthening Sweden's international competitiveness, building trust, and increasing resilience against misleading information about Sweden abroad.
The Strategy Has Been Developed Through an Extensive Process
The strategy has been developed through an extensive process involving a large number of representatives from business, academia, government agencies, regions, and industry and interest organizations. Over 300 stakeholders have contributed input on how the strategy should best be designed. Their collective experience, knowledge, and insights form the basis of the strategy, together with research and reference materials such as the World Value Survey, Nation Brand Index, and the Swedish Institute’s own studies on Sweden’s image abroad. The strategy therefore highlights fact-based areas of strength where Sweden performs well internationally.
“In a time of increasing information threats and international challenges, a strong and fact-based image of Sweden is more important than ever. The new strategy is the result of a broad national effort and is intended to provide everyone working internationally with a shared tool for building relationships, increasing trust, and promoting Sweden’s long-term interests,” says Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director-General of the Swedish Institute.
National Council with Broad Representation
In the development of the strategy, a national council comprising 14 members has been appointed. The council includes representatives with expertise in exports, investments, talent attraction, tourism, culture, and societal issues—all areas that are influenced by how Sweden is perceived internationally. The selection was made from the broad network involved in co-creating the strategy, with a particular emphasis on representation from academia and the business community, in accordance with the government mandate. Council members are appointed for a term of two to four years.
An Updated Strategy for Many Stakeholders
Unlike previous communication strategies for Sweden, which were developed by a smaller group of government agencies, this strategy has been shaped through an inclusive process. As a result, it enjoys broad and deep support among those who will be implementing it.
“When so many different stakeholders come together—from business to academia and public authorities, from north to south—a dynamic dialogue emerges in which new perspectives are born. That’s precisely what makes the outcome of this work both grounded in reality and sustainable,” says Maria Fuxborg, Head of Business Policy at the West Sweden Chamber of Commerce.
The strategy is intended for use by a wide range of actors—from Swedish embassies and companies to government agencies and industry organizations. It offers guidance and support for everything from public advocacy and marketing to international cooperation. Its application can be tailored to the organization’s purpose, target audience, and local context—ranging from social media posts and seminars to opinion pieces and business presentations.
A Strategy for a Stronger Image of Sweden Abroad
The strategy for a stronger image of Sweden abroad (attached below) aims to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and increase resilience against misleading information about Sweden internationally.
As a complement to the strategy, the Swedish Institute today also publishes a report titled Brand Sweden 2025, which shows how Sweden performs in international comparisons in relation to the strengths highlighted in the new strategy.
Photo: Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director-General of the Swedish Institute.
Photo Credits: Swedish Institute
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Per Franzén appointed new CEO of EQT AB as of May 2025
The Board of Directors of EQT AB (“EQT”) has appointed Per Franzén as the new CEO and Managing Partner of EQT, effective as of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 27 May 2025. Per Franzén will succeed Christian Sinding, who has led EQT through a period of extraordinary transformation, growing the firm from a market capitalization of around EUR 7 billion at the time of its 2019 IPO to around EUR 40 billion at the time of this announcement. Per becomes CEO at a time of strength for EQT, which recently reported record levels of investments, increased exit activity, and significant portfolio valuation growth for 2024. This transition sets EQT up for continued success as it enters a EUR 100 billion fundraising cycle and looks to execute on new initiatives, including launching additional investment strategies, expanding distribution channels, and accelerating brand building efforts.
Per has spent nearly two decades at EQT, currently serving as Head of Private Capital Europe & North America and Deputy Managing Partner. He has been instrumental to EQT’s success, most recently leading the EUR 22 billion raise of EQT X, which was the largest private equity fund closed globally in 2024. Today, EQT Private Capital Europe & North America manages EUR 113 billion in total assets under management, making it EQT’s largest business line.
Commenting on his appointment, Per Franzén said: “It is an honor to be appointed CEO of EQT. I am truly passionate about the firm, having spent most of my career here, and I am deeply committed to building on the fantastic global platform we have established under Christian’s leadership. It’s exciting to lead EQT into its next chapter together with the team and the support of the Board, and I’m grateful that Christian will remain at EQT as an Institutional Partner. I look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional value to our clients and shareholders, while upholding our core values.”
Christian Sinding will remain CEO during the period leading up to the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, to ensure the best possible transition. Christian, who joined EQT in 1998 and has served as CEO since 2019, will then become an Institutional Partner. In this role he will Chair the newly formed EQT Council, which aims to amplify EQT’s ability to create meaningful partnerships, provide clients with the insights needed to succeed for the long-term, and accelerate the impact of its global business. Christian will also continue to Chair the Global Investment Forum, which brings together EQT’s most senior investment professionals to optimize performance by sharing expertise and insights from across all of EQT’s strategies. He will remain a member of several EQT fund Investment Committees.
“As I reflect on my journey with EQT so far, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together as a firm. Going from being employee number eleven to having nearly two thousand fantastic colleagues in over twenty markets is an unforgettable journey. Together, we have shown that a values-driven firm, which attracts and retains exceptional people, can deliver excellent performance that in the process benefits both our clients and the world at large,” said Christian Sinding, incoming Institutional Partner at EQT. “I would like to thank Conni and the rest of the Board for their support during my time as CEO. I am proud to hand over the leadership to Per and as Chair of the Council and Global Investment Forum, as well as through my membership of several investment committees, I am excited to continue supporting EQT.”
Conni Jonsson, Chairperson of the Board of EQT, said: “Christian has taken EQT through a period of remarkable transformation. His vision, dedication and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in establishing EQT’s leading global position. He successfully led us through our 2019 IPO and has had a relentless attention to performance and culture as EQT has expanded into new markets and strategies. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Christian and I am pleased that he will become an Institutional Partner.”
“This is the next logical step for EQT and we now enter an exciting new phase with Per at the helm. I have worked with Per for nearly two decades, so I know he is a role model for EQT’s distinct values and performance-driven culture. As Head of EQT Private Capital Europe & North America, Per has proven his ability to build and lead a large, multi-strategy, international team. I look forward to supporting him on this next step and am confident that with Per as CEO, thanks to his experience and performance mindset, EQT will continue delivering outstanding results for our clients and shareholders,” added Conni Jonsson.
For more information
Photo Credits: EQT Group
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Welcome New Member: Pestana Amsterdam Riverside Hotel
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to welcome New Member Pestana Amsterdam Riverside Hotel to join our Swedish Dutch Business Community.
A modern 5-star hotel in a historic building located along the banks of the river Amstel, Pestana Amsterdam Riverside blends 19th century Neo-Renaissance architecture with sleek, modern design, crafting an experience that is both timeless and stylish - an enchanting escape in the vibrant capital.
Following a successful path of five decades, PESTANA HOTEL GROUP is the largest multinational group of Portuguese origin in the tourism industry. It is currently present in the European, American and African continents, with more than 100 hotels, managing more than 12000 rooms under direct management, where it is chosen by 3.5 million guests every year.
To read more
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Launch Practical Handbook by Swe-Cham partner In Amsterdam
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with IN Amsterdam, an joint organisation by Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), and the City of Amsterdam and surroundings, dedicated to simplifying the registration process, residence permit applications, and BSN issuance for international newcomers and companies employing highly skilled migrants. As a comprehensive one-stop service, IN Amsterdam plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to living and working in the Netherlands.
We are delighted to share the launch of IN Amsterdam’s newly updated Practical Handbook—an essential resource offering in-depth guidance on a wide range of topics, including housing, transportation, employment, healthcare, education, language learning, and more.
To download the Practical Handbook
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Meet our Moderators for May 13, 2025
We are pleased to introduce Lex Keukens, IP, IT & Privacy expert at TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissen, and Gabriele Hamm Adler, Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach, as the moderators for the upcoming Tech Table: Diversity in Tech Breakfast.
Lex advises international companies on intellectual property, privacy, and technology law, bringing extensive expertise in translating emerging technologies into legal frameworks. He is an active member of the Chamber’s Innovation & Tech Committee.
Gabriele draws on nearly three decades at IKEA in global leadership roles. Today, she consults on leadership development and corporate culture, with a strong focus on values-driven and inclusive leadership. She is a committed member of the Chamber’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Together, they will lead a forward-looking discussion at the intersection of technology, leadership, and inclusive workplace culture.
For more information - visit https://swedishchamber.nl/events/may-21-swedish-chamber-tech-table-and-di-breakfast/
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AI & Business Efficiency in Practice
We are very pleased to forward an inspiring invitation by Swe-Cham Member Proxify to join them for an inspiring in-person event in Haarlem, Netherlands, focused on practical AI innovation, featuring three hands-on sessions that explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of business operations. Meet keynote speakers Jaco Bosman, Head of Technology & AI at Impala Studios, Anton Jarnheimer, Co-founder & CPO at Proxify Mahmoud Yassin, Senior Data Manager at and stick around for networking drinks and great conversations with fellow tech leaders and innovators.
Date: Thursday, May 15th, 2025
Walk In & Networking: 17:30 - 18:15
Presentations & Knowledge Sharing: 18:15- 19:00
Networking: 19:00 & After
Location
Impala Studios
Lichtfabriekplein 1, 2031 TE Haarlem, Netherlands
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EU Diversity Month 2025 :Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Workplace
Press Release
Brussels, March 24, 2025
EU Diversity Month raises awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and across our societies. It is about the representation and visibility of different groups, where diverse perspectives are valued and included into the work environment.
EU Diversity Month celebrates efforts by organisations to help build equal and inclusive environments for the benefit of all. This initiative is part of the European Commission’s commitment to fight discrimination and promote diverse and inclusive workplaces.
The EU Diversity Month 2025 will focus on promoting mental health and wellbeing at the workplace.
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Join the Swedish Chamber at our next Tech and Diversity Table on May 13, 2025 - Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Can Europe Lead the Way in Diversity and Inclusion?
Click here for more information and to sign up:
For hemsidan
EU Diversity Month 2025: Promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces across Europe Brussels, 24 March 2025 The European Commission announces the month of May as EU Diversity Month 2025 , as an opportunity to celebrate organisations building equal and inclusive environments. Now in its sixth year, the month-long celebration is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in workplaces and society across Europe. Organised by the European Commission through the EU Platform of Diversity Charters and its 17,500 signatories, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the benefits of inclusive environments and encourage organisations to take concrete action in fostering diversity.
Throughout May, businesses, public institutions, non-profit organisations, and local authorities are invited to participate by organising their own diversity and inclusion events and activities.
“Why should companies join European Diversity Month? Because they have a powerful role to play in turning the Union of Equality into a reality for millions. By committing to promoting diversity and inclusion in their workplace policies, companies can create a space where everyone thrives and can truly be themselves. This May, join the movement to celebrate discrimination-free, inclusive workplaces and drive a positive impact on society,” says Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality.
The focus for 2025: Wellbeing and mental health at work
Every year is dedicated to a different topic. This year’s theme recognises the critical role that inclusive and supportive workplaces play in the overall health and happiness of employees. It is reported that 27% of workers in the EU have experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the past twelve months. Addressing mental health challenges is essential for enhancing the resilience of individuals and society. Mental health is foundational for a productive economy and an inclusive society, extending beyond individual or family concerns. The cost of non-action on mental health is significant, amounting to €600 billion annually and forecasted to rise further.
Putting organisation’s diversity efforts on the map
During EU Diversity Month 2025, organisations are invited to host discussions, workshops, and initiatives that promote mental wellbeing, reduce workplace stress, and foster a culture of belonging. They are also encouraged to add their planned activities to the online map of events on the official EU Diversity and Inclusion website.
Opening event on 29 April 2025
The EU Diversity Month 2025 will officially kick-off on 29 April at an opening event in Brussels where the winners of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award will also be announced. The high-level event will gather policymakers, representatives of businesses and public organisations, mayors and national officials. Media representatives are invited to attend the event.
Join the Swedish Chamber at our next Tech and Diversity Table on May 13, 2025 - Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Can Europe Lead the Way in Diversity and Inclusion?
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