Tregion Startup Invest 2 AB has completed its first round and welcomes nearly 30 investors from Dalarna, Gävleborg and Västernorrland. Among them, 35 percent are women - a figure that stands out in an otherwise male-dominated industry.
The positive response to Tregion Startup Invest'ssecond investment round shows that more and more people want to invest in startups outside the big cities. There is still room for more investors, opening the door for more people to contribute to the regions' innovation power.
One of the new investors, Björn Andersson from BGA Group, sees great potential in Tregion Startup Invest:
- I think it's super important to support the local business community, especially in the first phase where capital is scarce. But I also see a great opportunity to network with like-minded people, make follow-on investments and build relationships.
With a greater diversity of investors, the local investment climate is strengthened by more perspectives and experiences. It makes it easier for startups to find capital, as a more diverse network can discover and support more business ideas.
- A diverse group of investors broadens the view of business opportunities and can contribute to more informed decisions. To promote sustainable growth, it is important that more perspectives are included in investor networks. We look forward to welcoming even more investors who want to be part of strengthening the region's entrepreneurship," says Johan Sellner, CEO of Tregion Startup Invest.
Gun Blom Lundgren is one of the investors who has been involved since the start and has now chosen to continue her involvement in the network:
- Sweden is full of innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas. But to turn their potential into reality, they need both capital and the right support - especially in the early stages, when risks are high and investors are harder to find. Tregion Startup Invest is about more than just money, however. With a broader investor base and a strong network of experienced entrepreneurs and experts, we can offer both funding and strategic guidance. It's that combination that really makes a difference - and that's why I'm involved. The more we are, the more opportunities we create together.
She also highlights the strengths of start-ups outside metropolitan regions:
- There is something special about entrepreneurs here. They are strongly rooted in the community, close to the people and businesses around them. This creates a long-term approach and a commitment that I really appreciate.
Tregion Startup Invest plays an important role in mobilizing capital where it is otherwise difficult to access. Historically, a large part of venture capital has been concentrated in big cities, which has limited the opportunities for innovative companies in other parts of the country to get early funding.
With a growing network, more innovations with local roots can be developed and take place on both national and international markets.
Contact
Erica Markusson, Financial Advisor, BizMaker
erica.markusson@bizmaker.se, 070 375 03 19
Johan Sellner, CEO Tregion Startup Invest
johan.sellner(@)dalarnasciencepark.se, 073 625 41 61
Albin Söderström, Project Manager Capital, Movexum
albin.soderstrom(@)movexum.se, 073 956 84 93
