STING Day 2014
Reference number | |
Coordinator | Stockholm Innovation & Growth AB |
Funding from Vinnova | SEK 100 000 |
Project duration | January 2014 - June 2014 |
Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of STING Day is to create a meeting place where innovative startups can get inspiration, knowledge and valuable contacts that can help them to build international growth companies. The event is an exclusive event for entrepreneurs, investors and industry profiles. The goal was that 90% of participating startups would find at least one new valuable business contact that could generate benefits to the company. In our survey, where 49% of participants took part, 98% of the entrepreneurs answered yes when asked if they had found at least one new valuable contact.
Results and expected effects
STING Day 2014 was held on May 8 at the Hotel Birger Jarl. The event was fully booked with over 400 registered participants. 72 startups showcased their products and services, 35 of them pitched in four different industry tracks. Over 130 investors participated, including the majority of the leading VC companies in Europe. Many new meetings and discussions were initiated at the event. Expectations are that the discussions will continue and that after six months, when we do a follow-up evaluation, will see results in the form of new investments or continuing dialogues and meetings.
Approach and implementation
The day began with networking in the exhibition and lunch. At 1pm, the program started with two keynote speakers: Jacob de Geer, iZettle, and Stina Ehrensvard, Yubico. Then followed company pitches, investor pitches and a lot of time for networking in the exhibition. The event had high energy throughout the day, thanks in part to the fact that the exhibition this year was located directly at the entrance; visitors were instantly pulled in and started to network with the startups. The booths dedicated for one-to-one meetings will next year be closer to the entrance to become more accessible.