Stockholm's startup boom draws US investors as funding heads toward $5B in 2025
Cherry Ventures general partner Sophia Bendz discussed on TechCrunch's Equity podcast why Sweden's startup scene, home to companies like Legora and Lovable, is thriving. Dealroom data shows the ecosystem has already raised $2.8 billion this year and is on pace to reach $5 billion, up from $3.2 billion last year but still below the 2021 peak of $8.5 billion.
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Bendz credits a cultural shift where founding a company has replaced banking and consulting as the aspirational career path for young Swedes, alongside mentorship from earlier entrepreneurs like Spotify's Daniel Ek, who now backs Neko Health. This self-reinforcing cycle of talent and capital, now attracting American investors, signals Stockholm is solidifying its position as a major European tech hub beyond its Spotify and Klarna roots.
- Sweden's startup ecosystem is projected to raise at least $5 billion in 2025, up from $3.2 billion in 2024.
- Veteran founders like Daniel Ek are mentoring and funding new entrepreneurs, creating a repeat-founder cycle.
- Employees leaving companies like Lovable and Legora are increasingly starting their own ventures, fueling further growth.
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Published there as: “How Sweden built one of Europe’s hottest startup ecosystems”
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