Europe’s startup ecosystem has not been immune to the global recession, with funding rounds drying up and companies leery of hitting ephemeral valuations. However, there are some notable exceptions: A greater number of European startups are focused on solving real-world problems rather than building more “me-too” startups. Additionally, there is an increasing flow of venture capital into Europe from Asian countries – a sign that the market sees opportunity despite challenges. Considering these strengths and vulnerabilities, Europe will likely take longer to bounce back from the downturn than other regions but could see some terrific outcomes down the line.
Adapting to a changed investing climate may be easier said than done for startups in Sweden, as Techstars’ decision to discontinue its accelerator program has revealed. Though the country’s start-up scene is significantly smaller when compared to some of its European counterparts, the country has been one of the most active in terms of venture investment over recent years. However, with increased scrutiny from investors and rising costs associated with doing business in Sweden, many startups are now turning to other countries for support.
The Exchange wants to be the go-to source for information about startups, markets, and money. We want to be your one-stop shop for everything related to startup investing and venture capital. Our goal is to provide our readers
The tech industry is growing constantly, and now there are so many different types of software to choose from. It can be hard to know which one to start with, but luckily, TechGround has compiled a list of the best beginner software programs. These programs are easy to use and have a lot of potential, so if you’re
One of the many things that makes Sweden such a cultural powerhouse is its rich history and heritage. From towering heavy metal legends to beloved household names like Ikea, Zettle, Klarna and Spotify, Swedish companies have a long history of success. While other countries may struggle to keep up with Sweden’s technological innovation or artistic prowess, there is no doubt that the country has earned its role as one of Europe’s leading economies and cultural centers.
Though Swedes lack the population size of some other countries, they have a long history of creating and building things that the world welcomes. In the music industry, for example, Spotify is worth $25 billion—a testament to Sweden’s creative abilities. With similarly successful ventures in technology, Sweden may be close to replicating its music success with startups. If so, the country will be well on its way to becoming a powerhouse in terms of startup activity
Techstars’ decision to leave Sweden is one that has generated a lot of negative headlines. Senior executives from the company have cited issues with bureaucracy and ineffective government support as reasons for departing, but many in the local startup community are skeptical of these claims. Swedish startups themselves have also faced challenges in recent years, with some citing increased competition from abroad as a principal factor in their struggles. While it’s too early to tell whether Techstars’ departure will have a broader impact on Sweden’s startup ecosystem, there are some signs that this dubious situation may be starting to improve.
