Stockholm takes action for a more inclusive startup sector
Press release2020-03-05 10:03
Photo: Helén Pe, mediabank.visitstockholm.com
Stockholm is launching a new program aimed at reducing the inequalities on the startup scene. With Stockholm Scaleup Program, Stockholm offers female foreign-born entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their business with support and advice from experienced mentors within the Stockholm startup ecosystem.
“Stockholm is already a frontrunner when it comes to creating a more gender equal society. Together with over 100 companies including unicorns like Spotify, Klarna and King, we have declared the city “A Woman’s Place” to support equal opportunities for women and men. Now, with the Stockholm Scaleup Program, we take the next concrete steps towards a more inclusive and equal startup scene”, says Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor of Stockholm.
The program provides participating companies with tailor-made advice on their growth strategies, knowledge-enhancing workshops, and opportunities to meet with investors, mentors and relevant networks.
“Studies show that foreign-born women entrepreneurs are likely to hire at a faster rate, grow their business organically and create viable companies. However, they are underrepresented among the companies that receive funding, which reduces their ability to scale up their operations. With the Stockholm Scaleup Program we want to further the conditions for these entrepreneurs to develop their companies and contribute to the growth in Stockholm, says Ariane Pousette, Project Manager for startups at Invest Stockholm.
In total, 100 companies will undergo the program, which is run by Invest Stockholm together with the surrounding municipalities Botkyrka, Nacka and Sundbyberg, and with funds from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.