Financing Day Breaks Attendance Records – Focus on AI, Capital Acquisition, and Pitches

The keynote speaker of the day was Sara Wimmercranz, co-founder of the e-commerce company Footway and the venture capital firm BackingMinds. With an impressive career as one of Sweden's leading tech investors, she shared insights into how companies can attract venture capital and how entrepreneurs can discover new markets.

“All the data is available; you just need to Google it. Every time you get frustrated, you’ve found an imbalance, and that’s something you can work on,” said Sara. She emphasized, however, that ideas alone are not enough to succeed as an entrepreneur:

“It’s not only the ideas that matter; it’s how well you execute them and validate them with real customers.”

Sara also expressed her admiration for the work being done in Skövde.

“I really think Skövde is one of the few towns that has defined a very clear profile. You play a central role in an industry that has now surpassed iron ore and textiles. The games industry alone has an export value that exceeds what we consider part of our national identity. We need to talk more about this—it’s a new era,” said Sara, adding:

“Skövde is a role model. I believe that what you have here, with industry-focused innovation, is crucial for success.”

Christopher Lyrhem, a futures analyst at Sircular, was another prominent speaker during the day. He highlighted how AI is redefining how investors analyze companies and shared his thoughts on what will be critical for addressing climate challenges in the future:

“Innovation and new startups will be key factors.”

Christopher’s analysis also revealed a clear shift in business models:

“I don’t believe in a transition; I believe in a reconstruction. We are moving toward business models where usage is valued more than ownership,” he explained.

He provided examples of how AI can transform products into services, such as turning a car into a robot. This creates a subscription or pay-as-you-go service for autonomous mobility rather than requiring customers to own the vehicle.

The day also featured nine exciting pitches from companies including Norgald, Monova, Olicus, Jolint, SNRGY Studios, Videm, PIRR, Talkamatic, and Speldosa Interactive.

During lunch, a live broadcast of Förvärvspodden, hosted by CH Bjuhrberger, took place. Guests Otto Gullberg, Christina Helenius, and Christoffer Olbrich shared their experiences with buying and selling companies.

As a surprise segment in the afternoon, the audience got to watch Patric Edhagen, a newly minted angel investor, test his skills in investing in startups. He was supported by Christer Strand, a more experienced entrepreneur and investor.

Anna Emanuelsson, business developer at Science Park Skövde and project manager for Financing Day, highlighted why Science Park Skövde organizes such events:

“There are three clear goals. First, to strengthen competence in financing and investment. Second, to give startups the opportunity to present their business ideas to investors and hopefully make a match. And third, to encourage networking and mingling, which is always highly appreciated,” said Anna Emanuelsson, concluding:

“It was truly rewarding to see the networking on-site. Many participants made new connections that day, and who knows what new collaborations and innovations those might lead to?”