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About Sting

A community of entrepreneurs united in action

Sting is a community of entrepreneurs united in action, on a mission to share our experience with people whose ideas have potential to solve humanity’s biggest challenges.

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A community of entrepreneurs united in action

Who we are

Our story began 20 years ago with some frustrated individuals who were tired of seeing world-changing ideas dissipate due to a lack of time, knowledge and resources.

So they pulled some strings, rallied some big thinkers with proven success, and created Sting.

But it doesn’t end here. In fact, it’s just the beginning.

We set out to create a world-class startup ecosystem in Stockholm. Now, that ecosystem is thriving, and just as we’ve shaped Stockholm, Stockholm has shaped us. Since then, we’ve fine-tuned a unique program that gives startups more knowledge, resources, and quality connections than any other.

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. 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. 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

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Programs

With decades of experience scaling startups, we're here to help you unlock your true potential and grow your business faster.

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Focus Areas

We are looking for big ideas with potential to solve real problems. In return, you’ll get access to a lifelong community that delivers more value and opens more doors than any other.

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Companies

Sting companies, radically changing the world as we speak.

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FAQ

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