Sir Richard Branson was just one of the entrepreneurs who shared their journey to Techarena 2025.
Photo by Adrian Pehrson – Techarena 2025
Nordics may not be the first region that comes to your mind when you think of global leaders in innovation, but the region has a strong tradition to mark over its weight, especially in technology and durability. From green energy advances to deep Deeptech solutions, the Nordics have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to innovate and scalable. This week, the Swedish Conference of Tekarena displayed the vibrant ecosystem of the region’s beginning. Alongside Slush in Finland and TechBBB in Denmark, Techarena stands as one of the main events of Nordics, uniting the founders, investors and family offices to form the future of innovation.
Over the years, the region has produced a number of global impact companies. Get Spotify (Sweden, $ 50 billion rating), which revolutionized the music industry, or Supercell (Finland, 10 billion dollars), the giant of mobile games after the Clash of Clans. Then there is oatly (Sweden, $ 10 billion rating IPO), which popularized oat milk worldwide, and Unity Technologies (Denmark, $ 13.6 billion), whose game strengthens some of the most popular games in world. These success stories highlight Nordics’s ability to renew in industry and scale globally.
After many of the success stories is a growing force: family offices. As they enter the focus of the capital’s capital, questions arise. Are they ready to play the game? And what does their growing involvement for the future of Nordic innovation mean?
Why do investors participate in Techarena?
Techarena, like her Nordic counterparts, is a center for ideas, opportunities and connection. For family offices, it is a critical platform to stay forward. Whereas Omid Ekhlas, founder and CEO of Techarena, explains, “Many family offices participate in learning about macro trends, investment strategies and ready opportunities while building links with funds.”
For many in attendance, the main draw is the chance to hear what is new. What do people invest? What operational tools and strategies are gaining withdrawal? These questions are in mind for investors seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Beyond the trends, the event is also about finding opportunities – whether it is helping new deals, building networks or displaying portfolio companies to attract extra capital.
In Nordics, where the cooperation and extent of values are deeply rooted in culture, events like techarena play a crucial role in promoting a sense of community. The promise of a living ecosystem is not just a high ideal; It is a tangible goal that directs the participation and commitment needed to do the work of the entrepreneurial capital.
Role of Family Offices in Entrepreneurship Capital
Venture Capital is a complex game, with different ways to the market and different strategies for success. Investors often fall into one of two camps: those who invest through funds and those who prefer direct investment. Eachdo has its merits, and the choice often depends on the expertise, resources and appetite of the investor’s risk.
For family offices, the capital’s capital landscape can be particularly challenging. While some FOs have experience and infrastructure to act like traditional VC funds, many are still learning the cords. Like Angela de Giacomo, a family officer and author of Entrepreneurial Capital Games BookNoted when interviewed on stage, “Investing of entrepreneurship is not just about writing controls. It is about bringing value to the table-if this is through networks, knowledge or strategic support.”
This feeling was echoed throughout the discussions in Techarena. Family offices often see enterprises as an extension of their entrepreneurial enterprises. While this mentality can bring about fresh perspectives and unique opportunities, it can also lead to errors if FOS underestimates the complexities of the entrepreneurial game.
Jonathan Holly, managing partner at Mountside Ventures, in one of the side events highlighted the critical role played by family offices in the European Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. “As the biggest investors in VC funds, family offices play a critical role in supporting European venture. Without them, it would be difficult to imagine the state of the landscape of European venture,” he says.
When networks really become of net worth
One of the main taking from Techarena is the importance of building strong networks and ecosystems. In Nordics, where cooperation is an essential value, the strength of the ecosystem often determines the success of individual enterprises. Family offices, with their extensive networks and resources, are uniquely positioned to contribute to this ecosystem.
For example, a family office with a diverse business portfolio can provide strategic value for a start by facilitating partnerships or providing access to industry expertise. This “additional” is a major foss difference that seeks to go out in a crowded market.
However, not all family offices are equipped to ensure this level of support. So much of those that funds bring to ventures include their network, knowledge, being an investor with brand name and support by filling gaps about knowledge, talent, or more. When it comes to family offices, some in theory can provide the same with a proper VC fund, but more often, this is not in their wheel home.
This gap presents a challenge and an opportunity. For family offices ready to invest in building their own entrepreneurship skills, rewards can be important. By approximating their investments with their strengths and essential values, Fos can create a winning scenario for themselves and the beginnings they support.
Great vision for Nordic venture
The Nordic region is in a major moment in its innovation journey. With sectors like Greentech, Tech Defense and Deeptech that run the charge, the region is well positioned to address some of the most pressing challenges in the world. But to maintain this moment, long -term sustainable capital is essential.
As Omid Ekhlas puts it, “Nordic region, and in particular Sweden, is an innovation center that offers solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in the world. To maintain our strong position and continue progress in these areas, Long -term sustainable capital is essential.
This vision requires more than just financial investments; It requires a commitment to build a strong and comprehensive ecosystem. Family offices, with their long -term horizons and patient capital, are uniquely appropriate to support this vision. By using their networks, expertise and resources, FOS can help direct the other wave of Nordic innovation.
Venture
The increasing involvement of family offices in entrepreneurship capital is a trend that shows no signs of slowdown. As discussions in Techarena pointed out, Fos brings a unique perspective and a set of sources on the board. However, to fully realize their potential, family offices must invest in building their own entrepreneurship skills and approximating their strategies with ecosystem needs.
With its strong values-regulation and cooperative spirit, the Nordic region provides an ideal environment for this evolution. By promoting strong networks, embracing extra and supporting long -term innovation, family offices can play a key role in shaping the future of Nordic enterprise.
While the landscape of the entrepreneurship continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the Nordics are directing the charge, and the family offices are ready to be the main players on this exciting trip.