Again this year, our team collaborated with Mindpark and a few other organizations to host Grow Invest in Helsingborg during H22 City Expo.
"From 30 May to 3 July, Helsingborg was packed to the brim with industry visionaries, curious residents, urban changemakers, young innovators, adventurous tourists, and passionate people – all coming together in Helsingborg to explore how we can create a better future together."
Our team and my role include collaborating with the Mindpark team to strategize and curate the event's theme, plan and execute marketing initiatives to generate awareness and engagement, curate a guest list of industry stakeholders, and provide event support to ensure seamless operations during the event.
Here I'd like to share a few takeaways from the event.
Cryptos, NFTs & Blockchain - what lies ahead?
The panelists include: Liselott Lading, Business Consultant at Stratiteq, Mattias Tyrberg, serial entrepreneur and Co-founder at Meme.com, was named by Breakit as one of the blockchain companies to watch out for, Martin Mazur, 'software junkie' and CTO at 1337, Dima Sarle, serial entrepreneur, Founder at Tallin-based #WeeklyAction Club, a weekly newsletter on self-development, and moderator Karsten Deppert of Mindpark.
- The panel discussed the potential of crypto and blockchain technology, highlighting the need to explore new ways of doing businesses and organizations in the evolving landscape.
- Various crypto-related terms were explained, such as tokens serving as currencies or digital goods, NFTs representing unique digital assets, and DAOs as decentralized organizations owned by the community.
- Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the panelists expressed optimism about the future of crypto, emphasizing its ability to attract interest and spur innovation during turbulent times. They also compared the current state of crypto to the Wild West, acknowledging the risks and possibilities it presents.
Differences across border - early stage investment perspectives
The panelists include: Filip Larsson, entrepreneur, business angel, and real estate investor, Gulnaz K. , CEO and Founder at Copenhagen based Easysize, Kenneth Dambo, Tech investor at Copenhagen based Dreamcraft Ventures, Kilian Kaminski, Founder at Vienna based refurbed, and moderator Alice Larsson, Innovation Advisor at Almi Företagspartner Skåne
- Venture capital is no longer limited to local markets, but expanding internationally brings its own set of challenges, including geographical risks, legal complexities, and a lack of initial knowledge.
- The panelists shared their perspectives on cross-border investing. Filip Larsson emphasized the ease of working within Sweden due to his familiarity with local legislation, while Gulnaz K. highlighted her investments across Europe and the importance of finding companies that align with her investment focus. Kenneth Dambo pointed out the diminishing borders in venture capital, with remote work and COVID-19 accelerating the shift towards a borderless approach. Kilian Kaminski emphasized the challenges of raising funds locally and the necessity of pursuing international funding, particularly at the Series A+ stage.
- The panelists also discussed the significance of international VC networks, the importance of leveraging them for opportunities, and the need to understand the preferences and requirements of different investors.
Implicit biases in investments
The panelists include: Charlotta Tönsgård, CEO and Founder at Kind App, a professional digital space for patients, Tommy Andersen, Founder, and Managing Partner at byFounders, Copenhagen-based community-powered early-stage VC backing impact-aware founders, Alberte Katrine Schmidt, Investment Manager at PreSeed Ventures, a Danish early-stage VC living well over 400 journeys, Sami Niemi, Partner at Spintop Ventures, a VC backing innovative software technology companies in the Nordics, and moderator Ida Herbertsson, Head of Fast Track Capital, Minc;
Ida Herbertsson highlighted the need to address biases in investment decisions. The discussion revolves around the role biases play, the responsibilities of investors and founders, and strategies to overcome biases for more rational decision-making.
- Charlotta Tönsgård emphasizes the dangers of biases and the importance of recognizing and setting them aside when evaluating startups. She also expresses confidence that diversity perspectives will not be significantly affected during economic downturns.
- Tommy Andersen suggests that diverse teams with different viewpoints and perspectives are more attractive to investors, as they bring valuable insights and enhance the startup's pitch and potential for investment. While Alberte Katrine Schmidt discusses how a mixed team is more likely to receive positive feedback and investment opportunities.
- Sami Niemi highlights the Danish investment community's Diversity Commitment, which measures and tracks gender representation in the ecosystem, promoting accountability and improved performance among participating funds.
Why should you join?
Grow Invest is an exclusive networking opportunity that curated specifically for local and international investors. It is an incredible chance to expand your network, gain invaluable insights, and connect with like-minded individuals. Does it sound like any other investor event? Well, not this one.
The heart and soul behind this remarkable event is Karsten Deppert. Karsten's dedication ensures that every participant can benefit from knowledge sharing. He has a knack for creating an environment where connections flourish, constantly introducing people to new and inspiring individuals. Also, participants were carefully divided into curated groups, ensuring that knowledge is shared amongst a diverse network of individuals.
You will also meet a handpicked selection of exceptional startups and industry professionals. What's more, after-event get-togethers (for example, in a boat from Helsingborg to Helsingør) allow everybody to engage in conversations in a relaxed and fun setting. 😀
Grow Invest Helsingborg 2022
