On October 22, entrepreneurs and investors gathered at Dalarna Science Park for this year's edition of Dalarna Startup Arena. It was a day where companies in everything from advanced AI solutions and protective equipment for football players to smart energy storage and non-toxic bio paints presented their business ideas. With eight selected startups on stage, a dedicated jury and a packed room, the day was characterized by forward-looking conversations, concrete cases and a focus on relationships.
Meeting at the center
Already in the introduction, the purpose of the day was emphasized, to create contact between people who drive development, seek funding, want to invest or contribute with expertise. Erik Tosterud was the conference host.
- Those of you here are not just looking for investment, but for partnerships that can create real change over time. This is a day to build long-term relationships and common direction," Erik opened.
Dalarna Startup Arena was organized for the second year in a row and has been established as a meeting place for early-stage startups from central Sweden seeking seed capital and the opportunity to meet investors.
Someone who has already taken the next step in this process is Erika Hellman from Dynamic Time, who has developed a system for automatic time reporting.
- It turned out to be a fruitful day. "An investor got in touch last night and wanted to book a meeting for next week," says Erika.
Pontus Lindberg from Svepreg was one of the eight companies pitching on stage:
- As always when you go on stage, you have some nerves but mostly pride. It was especially nice to hear Fredrik Tärneberg from Södra Ädla mention us as an example of innovation with gigantic potential. Many thanks also to the eminent pitch panel for their valuable feedback during the pitch.
Jury with entrepreneurial experience
The pitch panel consisted of Karin O'Connor, Filip Reineby, Anna Blomdell and Dimitri Haid. All have their own experience of investing in or working with young growth companies. During the day, they provided constructive feedback, both on business models and on presentation techniques.
- What a day!It was incredibly fun to sit on the jury with so many inspiring people and see all the creativity, energy and drive that exists in Dalarna right now. Congratulations to all the startups that pitched with passion and courage," says Dimitri Haid from Clas Ohlson Foundation.
The jury emphasized that the viability of a business idea often depends on the team's ability to push, learn and adjust when needed.
Experiences from two company trips
In the afternoon, entrepreneurs Filippa Lagerstedt (Bammis) and Felix Lissåker (Fors) participated in an on-stage conversation organized by Drakpodden. They described the challenges of entering regulated markets, building companies without employees, and navigating legal gray areas in early stages.
- We have been questioned and stopped, but it has also forced us to be clearer in our communication and more careful in every decision. It has strengthened us," said Filippa Lagerstedt.
Felix Lissåker explained that his strategy has been to test often and early, and to build with profitability rather than growth capital as the first goal.
- We have been able to scale by using technology, keeping overheads low and putting the power where it is needed. It has worked for us and given us room to take more test rounds before landing the right product," he said.
Technology, business and timing
Later in the day, Ny Teknik held a session on the 33 list and let some of this year's companies describe how they found their first customers, how they changed their business model and what it takes to get cooperation with established players.
- It has to be possible to talk about sales without it feeling loaded. That's how you build companies. Revenue enables growth," said Helena Wiktelius from Ny Teknik.
The day ended with Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park, summarizing the conversation that is ongoing throughout Sweden on how the innovation system can be better at supporting companies in the scaling phase.
- We are good at getting new ideas off the ground. What we need to get better at is creating the conditions to scale and commercialize them. We still have gaps there, both in terms of funding and support structure.
The companies that pitched
• DAJE Prevent – protective equipment for soccer players
• Svepreg – mobile timber measurement with AI
• DynamicTime – automatic time reporting
• CADcog – AI/XR for user testing
• Solask Energi – smart energy storage
• Scailab – synthetic data for robot development
• Alder Olmai – non-toxic bio-paint from the forest
• Carthago Fragrance – exclusive, sustainable aromas
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