Ark, 2025-03-03
Meet Sting – the largest startup ecosystem in the Nordics
Sting is like a turbo for startups. With over 400 companies in tech, AI, climate and health on their roster, they help entrepreneurs grow fast and smart. Not only do you get business support in the form of coaching, capital and an awesome network, but also a place in a strong community where ideas become successful companies. Meet part of the team, Ebba and Emilia.
What is your mission?
– Achieve Success Faster!!!
How do you work?
– At Sting, we help startups through coaching, capital and networks. We offer tailored support depending on where the company is-from early-stage ideas to fast-growing scaleups. Our startups get access to experienced business coaches, investor networks, community and practical tools to scale their business. We run both incubator and accelerator programs and have helped over 400 startups take the next step.
Who can apply to you?
– Entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas in tech, climate, AI, health and other areas of the future. We are looking for driven innovators with the ambition to make a difference in the world.
What will happen in the startup world in 2025?
– Did someone say AI? AI is hotter than ever, influencing everything from product development to marketing and investment decisions. We’re also seeing a greater focus on sustainability and impact, with startups not only building profitable companies but also looking to solve global problems. Raising capital remains a challenge, making efficient business models and fast traction even more important.
Tell us about three companies you have helped start/establish?
Karma – The app that rescues unsold food from restaurants and stores, reduces food waste and makes the world a little more sustainable.
Sellpy – Sweden’s largest platform for secondhand shopping online. Started at Sting and has changed the way we buy and sell second-hand.
Yubico – The company behind YubiKey, the tiny security key that protects millions of people and businesses worldwide from data breaches.
Do you have any fun projects in the pipeline right now?
– We always have! Right now we are extra excited about our new Test Drive program in Health Tech, run together with KI Innovations, where we help researchers transform their innovations into scalable companies. We are also working on activating our alumni network even more through collaborative projects.
What is A house for you?
– The place to be! It’s a gathering place for like-minded souls, which is evident the moment you step through the door. Ideas are bubbling in the air and the tea is boosted with entrepreneurship.
What do you like most about A house?
– The atmosphere! It is truly a sense of community to be part of the A house clan. All the activities done for us members are so valuable. Then there are all the amazing destinations, no two are the same and each has a unique energy and vibe. There is something for every mood and day! Last but ABSOLUTELY not least, there is of course all the amazing staff. They shine like rays of sunshine on a gloomy winter day and spread such great energy!
Where around Ark do you prefer to have lunch?
– TENGU! Love it! Can’t get enough! And Omaka is perfect when you want to have a beer. And when we want to be a bit fancy, we go to Balzac.
What is the talk of the town right now?
– Right now, we’re talking a lot about the importance of more female founders and how we can get even more women to start and lead companies. We’re also really excited about our new cohort – 10 awesome startups that just started their journey with us at Sting. There’s always a special energy when a new group starts, and we look forward to supporting them on their way to big breakthroughs.
Recommend a favorite place in Stockholm?
– Ohhh the dumpling place – they are secret, but the market team can’t get enough of grandma’s dumplings on Bondegatan, it’s a fact!