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Do we need to have our tech inhouse?

For companies where technology is the core of their business, it is crucial to have their tech in-house. On the other hand, for companies where technology is a means to solve a problem, outsourcing software development can be an option to extend their capacity, although it carries some risks.

Application Process

Do you accept startups that would compete with my company?

Startups that could be competitors will never be accepted and part of Sting at the same time. However, once a startup has left us and become alumni, after six months we could accept and work with another company that has a similar business idea.

Application Process

We have already raised a substantial amount of funding, can we still join?

Yes, it is definitely possible to be part of our program even if you have already raised money. Companies often have angel investors onboard before joining Sting.

Application Process

We’ve already participated in other programs – why should we join yours?

Sting offers more hands-on support than any other accelerator in Europe, and access to the most extensive network of entrepreneurs and investors. More than 9 out of 10 startups recommend Sting to other startups.

Application Process

What coaching methods do you use?

One size doesn’t fit all and that’s why we tailor our coaching to fit your individual needs. However, if you were to describe our coaching style in three words it would probably be ‘lean and iterative’. We use frameworks like Lean Startup and Lean Canvas, and work in sprints.

Startup Programs

Will our IP be protected?

We treat the proprietary information our companies share with us with 100 percent confidentiality, whether they declared it confidential or not. We couldn’t do what we do if we didn’t. We don’t sign NDAs because we meet so many startups that it would be impossible to keep track of all the NDAs and the related information. 

Startup Programs

Do I pay for Sting’s services?

We have a “success fee” model in the form of stock warrants to Sting. As a non-profit, we’re an independent, founder-centric organization who always wants what’s best for your startup. If you succeed, these stock warrants eventually convert into a small number of shares.

Startup Programs

Are there other benefits to having Propel Capital as a financier, in addition to the investment itself?

Yes! The co-owners of Propel Capital are business angels actively looking for investment opportunities in exciting and promising startups. As a portfolio company to Propel Capital, you are exposed to a large number of potential investors.

Propel Capital

How much ownership does Propel Capital take? 

Propel Capital invests via a convertible note that converts to ownership only when the company has raised at least SEK 1 million or more from external investors. This way, we avoid setting a valuation of the company too early.

Propel Capital

What are the terms of the Propel Capital convertible?

For full terms and conditions, please contact emanuel.andersson@sting.co. Read more for an overall summary of the terms:

Propel Capital

How is the number of shares that Propel Capital receives after conversion calculated?

The loan is calculated with interest at the date of the conversion/price per share in the round * 0.7.

Propel Capital

Does Propel Capital invest in its portfolio companies?

No, usually Propel Capital does not have the opportunity to participate in new issues in the portfolio companies. However, Propel Capital’s CEO, Emanuel Andersson, is actively working to support the portfolio companies in their financing rounds in other ways, including by making intros to potential investors.

Propel Capital

How does the selection to Sting Test Drive work?

We will review your application after the application deadline has passed and get back to you within two weeks. Between 10 to 12 projects are accepted to each round.

Sting Test Drive

Will our IP be protected?

At the first workshop, all participants and organizers sign a confidentiality agreement. No information on the business concepts, technologies or names of participants may be spread outside the program without the consent of the participant in question.

Sting Test Drive

Why are we doing this?

Sting is Scandinavia’s leading tech startup incubator and accelerator. We have over two decades of perfected gathered experiences in guiding high-potential tech founders on their journey to becoming global successes.

Startup Academy

What is deemed as a late application? 

Late applications are those submitted after the application deadlines (typically June-Sept or Dec-Jan).

Late Applications

Will I have a lower chance to get accepted if I apply late?

If you submit an application after the deadline, your application is automatically tagged as “late”. You will still get evaluated based on your merits, but late applications are generally competing for fewer slots, which means it will get harder to get accepted the later you apply. It will also take longer for us to get back to you, as the process is already ongoing. 

Late Applications

When can I expect to hear from you after sending in my late application?

We do our best to get back to you as soon as possible, however it depends on the availability of the coaches. Also keep in mind that late applications are often coming in during holiday periods, which may slow down the response time even more. But please be patient, we will email you as soon as your application has been reviewed.

Late Applications

Who can apply to Sting?

Sting runs three startup programs: Sting Accelerate, Sting Incubate and Sting Incubate Deeptech. The qualification criteria for each program differs slightly, read more for list of criterias.

Application Process

What happens during the program?

Expect a packed calendar with regular coach meetings, sprints and milestone plans, workshops, investor meetups, social events, pitch coaching and much more. Everything leads up to Demo Day, the final event where you get to go on stage and pitch to over 100 international investors.

Startup Programs

When is the application deadline?

Sting’s programs start twice every year, in February and September. The application deadlines are generally in late May and late November. For Sting Incubate Deeptech we do evaluate applications continuously and in certain cases we may accept companies in between the application periods.

Selection Process

Will Sting invest in our startup?

All companies accepted to Sting Accelerate receive an investment of SEK 500 000 through a convertible note from Propel Capital, the investment company linked to Sting. All companies accepted to Sting Incubate have the possibility to receive the same investment of SEK 500 000 from Propel Capital. The opportunity will be available after a few months in the program.

General

I am a business angel and interested in investing in Propel Capital. What do I need to do?

Contact Emanuel Andersson, CEO of Propel Capital, for more information on when and under what conditions it is possible to invest in Propel Capital. Read more about Propel Capital here.

Propel Capital

Can I offer Sting Startup Academy as a perk to my community?

If you are a coworking space, educational institution, or other community of future entrepreneurs, we are happy to provide you with resources to share in your network. Contact us at: academy@sting.co

Startup Academy

What’s the difference between Sting’s programs?

Sting offers two programs: Incubate for researchers/founders with complex technical solutions (up to 18 months), and Accelerate for startups with a launched product/solution and at least two full-time employees looking to accelerate growth (4 months).

Startup Programs

Will Sting invest in my company?

If accepted onto one of our programs, you can receive 500 000 SEK investment from Propel Capital – Sting’s own investment company. 

Startup Programs

What happens after I submit my application?

When your application is submitted, our coaches will review it and decide whether to move you to the next step. Expect to hear back from us a couple of weeks after the application deadline.

Selection Process

What happens when we get accepted?

Selected companies will receive an offer to join one of our programs. After the paperwork is signed, it’s time for a four-day kick-off at Sting’s office at A house in Stockholm, together with your fellow batch founders. Then your journey begins together.

Selection Process

Who can apply to Sting Test Drive?

Founder teams with an idea or startup that is scalable and has potential to grow internationally. We like to see teams with two to three people and ideally a mix of gender.

Sting Test Drive

What will I get from Sting Test Drive?

Sting Test Drive is a workshop series combined with individual coaching opportunities.

Sting Test Drive

How long is the course?

It will take you approx 4-5 hours to complete the course.

Startup Academy

How much time do I have to complete the course?

You will have four weeks to complete the course before your account closes. But don't worry, if you need more time it will be possible to prolong your course period.

Startup Academy

Can I apply to Sting Accelerate or Incubate after completing Startup Academy?

We run two batches of our Accelerator and Incubator per year. We will notify you when admissions open so that you can be among the first to apply to the next batch of our programs.

Startup Academy

What is Sting Test Drive?

Test Drive is a series of workshops for founders with an idea or a startup that are not quite ready to apply for our official startup programs yet. Test Drive runs 1-2 times a year and is usually sector-specific. For example, the past we’ve ran test drives focused on climate and energy, deeptech, healthtech and blockchain innovations.

Sting Test Drive

Why Sting?

We propel you towards your vision for the future by providing a lifelong support ecosystem that delivers more value and opens more doors than any other.

General

Is it really free and open for anyone?

Yes, Sting Startup Academy is 100% free and open to anyone. Right now we have limited seats though, so you may be put on a waiting list until new seats open up. In order to get accepted to any of Sting's regular programs, you have to be based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Startup Academy

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Propel Capital
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Selection Process
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Late Applications
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Application Process
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General
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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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Pre-Sting

Not ready to apply for our programs yet? No problem.

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