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About Sting

A community of entrepreneurs united in action

Achieve success faster. That’s what we offer. Strategic support, sharp coaching, investor access, and a network that works — all designed to accelerate early-stage startups with serious ambition.

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A community of entrepreneurs united in action

Who we are

Backing bold ideas. Reshaping what matters.
That’s what we stand for. We work with founders who challenge the status quo and build companies that push the world forward — in Climate, Health, AI, and DeepTech.

Since 2002, Sting has supported nearly 500 startups led by exceptional founders who combine purpose with execution. From idea to international scale, we stand beside the teams building lasting, global impact.

Founded by Pär Hedberg in the wake of the 2001 IT crash, Sting was built to unlock the potential of Sweden’s innovation ecosystem, just when it was needed most. Today, under the leadership of CEO Karin Ruiz, we continue that mission with the same urgency and belief: that the future we want won’t build itself.

Why do we do it?

Because by harnessing the power of complex technologies it’s possible to right the major wrongs in our world. We believe startups are the ones making this happen, and by sharing everything we’ve learnt and all our connections, we can help them do it faster.

As we are independent with no profit-hungry owners, we can truly put our founders’ interests first. Any money made goes directly back to Sting and helps us continue to support new startups and keep the community thriving.

Why do we do it?

Because by harnessing the power of complex technologies it’s possible to right the major wrongs in our world. We believe startups are the ones making this happen, and by sharing everything we’ve learnt and all our connections, we can help them do it faster.

As we are independent with no profit-hungry owners, we can truly put our founders’ interests first. We’re proudly independent and non-profit, owned by the Electrum Foundation. Any returns we generate go straight back into the ecosystem, not into anyone’s pocket.

Why do we do it?

Because by harnessing the power of complex technologies it’s possible to right the major wrongs in our world. We believe startups are the ones making this happen, and by sharing everything we’ve learnt and all our connections, we can help them do it faster.

As we are independent with no profit-hungry owners, we can truly put our founders’ interests first. Any money made goes directly back to Sting and helps us continue to support new startups and keep the community thriving.

Sting in numbers

33 new startups
in 2021

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€256 million Private Capital raised by Sting companies in 2021

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70% active startups

You get a dedicated and experienced Sting coach who works closely with you and your team, several hours per week, and both challenges and supports you on all critical business activities.

€356 million SEK Combined Revenue

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370 startups accepted since 2002

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932€ million Private capital raised since 2002

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Find out more in Sting Impact Report 2021

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Sting in numbers

New startups in 2023
0

We welcomed 45new companies to the Sting family in 2023.

Active Startups
0%

Sting has helped 400+ companies, and 70 percent continue to develop and grow.

Total Startups Accepted
0

Sting has helped more than 400 startups since 2003.

Combined Revenue
583

million euro in combined revenue.

Private Capital
1156

million euro in private capital raised by Sting companies in 2023.

Valuation of Sting companies
2.75

billion euro in in combined valuation of all Sting companies.

Owners and organisation

Sting is owned by a public-private foundation, the Electrum Foundation, and KTH Holding. The Electrum Foundation Board consists of representatives from the business sector (Ericsson, IBM and real estate owners), academia (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Swedish ICT) and the public sector (the City of Stockholm and Region Stockholm).

Sting’s activities are financed with public funds, from Electrum and our main partners Vinnova, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the City of Stockholm and Region Stockholm; and with private funding from partners, as well as through self-funding.

Being a non-profit organisation, all proceeds go straight back to the programs to help new startups become successful. It is a way for each participating company to “pay it forward”.

Board of directors,
Stockholm Innovation & Growth AB

Staffan Ingvarsson
Chairman, Stockholm Business Region
Lisa Ericsson
KTH Innovation
Karin Bengtsson
Electrum Foundation

Owners and organization

Sting is owned by a public-private foundation, the Electrum Foundation. The Electrum Foundation Board consists of representatives from the business sector (Ericsson, IBM and real estate owners), academia (Stockholm University and Swedish ICT) and the public sector (the City of Stockholm and Region Stockholm).

Sting’s activities are financed with public funds from Electrum and our main partners Vinnova, the City of Stockholm and Region Stockholm, and with private funding from partners, as well as through self-funding.

Being a non-profit organisation, all proceeds go straight back to the programs to help new startups become successful. It is a way for each participating company to “pay it forward”.

Board of directors,
Stockholm Innovation & Growth AB

Staffan Ingvarsson
Chairman, Stockholm Business Region
Karin Bengtsson
Electrum Foundation

Co-financed by the ERDF

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions. In 2021-2027 it will enable investments in a smarter, greener, more connected, and more social Europe that is closer to its citizens.  Sting operates several regional fund projects co-financed by ERDF.

Advisory board

These members take an active part in furthering Sting’s startup support by sharing their ideas and network with Sting. The Advisory Board also focuses on how to tackle strategic challenges facing the startup ecosystem in Stockholm.

Caroline Walerud
Volumental
LinkedIn
Henrik Torstensson
Alliance Venture
LinkedIn
David Sonnek
Navigare
LinkedIn
Magnus Nilsson
Co founder Izettle
LinkedIn
Ludvig Linge
privat investor
LinkedIn
Giovanni Fili
Exeger
LinkedIn
Kerstin Cooley
Course Corrected
LinkedIn
Erik Byrenius
Private Investor
LinkedIn
Therese Bohlin
PR advisor
LinkedIn
Johan Attby
Fishbrain
LinkedIn