Sweden's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024
Last Updated: August 4th 2024
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Stay ahead in 2024 by watching these top Swedish startups. Key players include Klarna for fintech, Spotify for music innovation, Northvolt for sustainable batteries, and Einride for autonomous trucks. Sweden's tech scene, projected to contribute SEK 126 billion to GDP, focuses on sustainability, fintech, and digital health.
Sweden's startup scene is killing it lately! It's gone from zero to hero with so many dope new companies shaking things up. That's why you'll want to keep an eye on the top Swedish startups for 2024.
This list ranks the hottest ones based on funding, growth, how much they're disrupting their industry, and their future potential. These game-changers could totally transform how we live, work, and play in just a few years.
Some major trends driving Sweden's tech explosion in 2024 are:
- Sustainable and green tech solutions: Companies like Northvolt's batteries are leading the charge.
- Fintech companies: Shaking up banking and payments (think Klarna, TINK, iZettle).
- Digital platforms revolutionizing healthcare: Companies like Kry are making waves.
- Cutting-edge AI and autonomous vehicle tech firms: Example - Einride is pushing the envelope.
As the CEO of Vinnova (Sweden's innovation powerhouse) Patricia Lee says, "Sweden's startup ecosystem is rapidly maturing, attracting crazy amounts of investment while creating mind-blowing innovations." With the right startups leading the charge, Sweden could solidify its rep as a global tech trailblazer in 2024.
Table of Contents
- 1. Klarna
- 2. Spotify
- 3. Northvolt
- 4. Einride
- 5. Epidemic Sound
- 6. Truecaller
- 7. Kry
- 8. TINK
- 9. iZettle
- 10. Fishbrain
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
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The conclusion section wraps up with essential tips for securing a tech job in Sweden in 2024.
1. Klarna
(Up)You gotta check out Klarna, this Swedish fintech company is killing it with their "buy now, pay later" model.
It basically lets you get your hands on products without paying upfront, and you can settle up later in interest-free installments. Smooth sailing, am I right?
These guys are gearing up for a massive IPO in 2024, and they're already crushing it with over 150 million active users across 45 countries and partnerships with more than 500,000 merchants worldwide.
Imagine the flex when you're rocking that fresh gear without emptying your pockets all at once.
Klarna Plus just dropped, and it's like a VIP pass to even sweeter deals.
For a monthly fee, you get double rewards points, no service fees on their One Time Card, and exclusive discounts at major retailers. Talk about a game-changer in the shopping game!
2. Spotify
(Up)Spotify is not just a music streaming app, it's a straight-up innovative powerhouse! These folks are always looking to level up the game and give us new ways to experience music and audio content.
Let me break it down for you:
- Innovative ad campaigns: They just dropped Spotify Hits 2024, a celebration of the most creative ad campaigns on their platform. From immersive audio experiences to killer live events, they're showcasing the brands who truly understood the assignment. It's a whole new level of brand engagement, and it just goes to show how Spotify is thinking outside the box.
- Supporting artists financially: Spotify's latest report on music economics reveals some major moves for artists and the industry. They paid out a record amount to rights holders in 2023, with independent artists and labels raking in a massive chunk of that cash. It's a game-changer, proving that streaming is creating more opportunities for artists to make a living off their craft.
- Commitment to transparency: Let's not forget about their commitment to transparency and fairness. The heated debates around streaming royalties are ongoing, but Spotify is stepping up to give artists clarity on the economics of the industry. They're shedding light on the challenges and pushing for a more equitable future, which is a major win for creators.
Spotify is more than just a music app.
They're innovating, supporting artists, and shaking up the industry in ways we've never seen before. With their forward-thinking approach and continuous drive to improve, who knows what they'll bring to the table in 2024? One thing's for sure, it's going to be epic.
3. Northvolt
(Up)Have you heard about Northvolt? This Swedish battery company is crushing it in the sustainable energy game. They're all about those lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, and they're on a mission to build Europe's biggest factory for EV batteries.
Talk about going green, am I right?
These guys have been making some major moves lately. They just secured $5 billion in financing to expand their gigafactory in Sweden.
That's a ton of cash to keep growing their sustainable battery production. And they've got over $55 billion in orders from big names like BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen.
It's like they're the hottest new club in town, and everyone wants to get in.
But it's not just about making batteries. Northvolt is committed to sustainability, with a goal of powering their factories with 99% fossil-free energy.
They're also recycling used batteries and manufacturing waste to create new battery-grade metals. It's a total circular economy vibe, and you know how much us Gen Zers love that eco-friendly lifestyle.
Looking ahead to 2024, Northvolt is gearing up for even bigger things.
They're expanding production to meet the crazy demand for EVs and energy storage solutions. Plus, they're investing in R&D to make their batteries even better, safer, and more sustainable.
And you know they're going to keep partnering with major players in the auto and tech industries to secure those long-term supply deals.
In short, Northvolt is a startup that's definitely worth keeping an eye on.
They're leading the charge in sustainable battery production, and they've got big plans for the future. If you're into renewable energy and cutting-edge tech, these guys should be on your radar.
4. Einride
(Up)Have you heard about Einride? This Swedish startup is straight-up disrupting the transport game with their self-driving, electric trucks.
As we approach 2024, they've got some major moves planned that every tech pro should be hyped about.
At the heart of Einride's operation is their next-level Autonomous Electric Transport (AET) system.
It's a fusion of AI, sensors, and connectivity that enables fully autonomous and eco-friendly freight operations. Here are a few of their killer collaborations lined up for 2024:
- GE Appliances: Einride is deploying a fleet of autonomous electric trucks to power GE's supply chain, proving that self-driving freight solutions are the real deal.
- Maersk: The logistics giants are teaming up with Einride to integrate their AET system into Maersk's North American network, setting the stage for autonomous freight on a massive scale.
- Oatly: Einride is joining forces with the popular oat-milk brand to optimize their transport operations, reducing emissions and smashing sustainability goals with autonomous electric trucks.
According to industry experts, the global autonomous truck market is projected to hit a staggering $2.15 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.8% from 2019 to 2024.
Einride's CEO, Robert Falck, is hyped about meeting this demand, stating:
"By 2024, we aim to have a significant presence in multiple international markets, with our autonomous electric trucks operating round-the-clock, delivering goods efficiently and sustainably."
With cutting-edge tech, power partnerships, and a relentless focus on sustainability, Einride is set to dominate the autonomous transport revolution, reshaping logistics in Sweden and beyond.
5. Epidemic Sound
(Up)Move over, regular music streaming services! Epidemic Sound is changing the game for artists and creators alike.
This Swedish music tech company has built a massive library of over 50,000 tracks across every genre you can imagine, all royalty-free and ready for content creators to use.
Instead of dealing with complicated licensing fees, creators can access the entire catalog through affordable subscription plans. It's a game-changer for anyone making videos, films, podcasts, or any other audio-related content.
But Epidemic Sound isn't just about the tunes – they're an innovator in the industry.
According to Epidemic Sound's 2024 Future of the Creator Economy Report, a staggering 84% of creators are now leveraging AI-powered tools to boost their productivity and save time.
And Epidemic Sound is leading the charge, with plans to unveil groundbreaking AI music generation tools that will allow creators to craft custom tracks tailored to their projects.
It's a game-changer in an era where personalization and efficiency are key.
But that's not all – Epidemic Sound is also shaking up how artists get paid.
Their model includes fixed fees per track, a 50/50 split on streaming royalties, and a share of their "Soundtrack Bonus" – which stood at a cool $2.9 million in 2024.
It's a sweet deal for artists looking to make a living from their craft without relying on the luck of the charts. And with major names like electronic music legend David Brown mentoring Epidemic Sound artists, it's clear that this company is at the forefront of the music industry's future.
6. Truecaller
(Up)Get ready to be blown away by Truecaller, the ultimate caller ID app that's been taking Sweden by storm! This tech gem based in Stockholm is all about blocking those annoying spam calls and identifying mystery numbers.
It's like a personal assistant that sorts your messages into neat categories like banking and promotions, keeping your inbox organized af. Recently added features include recording calls, announcing callers so you never miss an important one, and even bypassing full inboxes with Ghost Call.
Here's the mind-blowing part: as of last year, Truecaller had a whopping 350 million active users worldwide, making major waves in places like India, the Middle East, and Africa.
They're projecting an additional 50 million new users in 2024! Their success is no fluke, thanks to smart partnerships with tech giants like Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, allowing Truecaller to seamlessly integrate into their dialer apps for a smooth user experience.
But the real game-changer is Truecaller's focus on leveling up their AI game in 2024.
According to Nami Zarringhalam, their Chief Strategy Officer, they're determined to provide "an even smarter and more personalized experience" by harnessing advanced AI algorithms.
This means staying ahead of those pesky spammers and nailing accurate caller ID every single time. Talk about cutting-edge tech!
7. Kry
(Up)Kry, the digital healthcare powerhouse, is straight-up killing it in Sweden's tech game with its cutting-edge approach to healthcare. Ever since being ranked as one of the world's most innovative digital health companies by Newsweek and Statista, Kry has been on a roll.
Founded in 2015, Kry revolutionized how we access medical advice and treatment through their slick app, offering video consultations with licensed healthcare pros.
Their impact on digital health services has been massive, clocking in over 3 million app downloads and a staggering 2 million video meetings.
In Q1 2024, Kry saw a 17% revenue surge compared to the previous year, hitting €55 million.
Their digital consultations grew by 10%, with France leading the charge. Kry's operational approach seamlessly blends physical and digital healthcare, allowing them to extend the right care to more patients efficiently.
Kry's not just slaying the digital game, though.
They've also opened 59 physical clinics across France, the UK, Sweden, and Norway.
They've harnessed the power of AI to reduce administrative costs and boost efficiency in patient-doctor meetings by a whopping 30%. Kry's doctors receive AI-powered suggestions for diagnoses and care, allowing them to see more patients without compromising quality.
8. TINK
(Up)Let's talk about Tink - this open banking platform that's making waves in Sweden's fintech scene. They're the OGs when it comes to hooking up banks, fintechs, and startups with the data-driven tools to create next-level financial services.
Their game-changing APIs and data enrichment skills make it stupid easy for companies to tap into financial data and build innovative digital experiences for their customers.
Looking at 2024, Tink is gearing up for some serious expansion.
They've locked in key partnerships that'll take things to new heights. Like their collab with NatWest Group - this deal's gonna let the banking giant use Tink's tech across multiple European markets, leveling up their customers' financial management game.
And let's not forget their integration with PayPal - streamlining payments for millions of users and proving Tink's all about that financial inclusion life.
But that's not all.
Tink's got big dreams for product innovation and market domination in 2024. According to their projections, they're aiming to:
- Expand their European footprint, adding 5 million more active users to the fam.
Central Theme: Increase user base
Summary: Tink aims to add 5 million more active European users. - Drop some AI-powered solutions for personalized financial insights and recommendations, so you can level up your money game.
Central Theme: AI-powered financial insights
Summary: Tink plans to launch AI solutions for personalized financial advice. - Make a power move into the wealth management sector, offering tailored investment advisory services fueled by data analytics.
Central Theme: Wealth management expansion
Summary: Tink is set to enter the wealth management sector with data-driven advisory services.
Jennifer Perez, Tink's Chief Product Officer, sounds hyped about the future, saying:
"With our relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to open banking, we are poised to revolutionize the way people engage with their finances in 2024 and beyond."
Sounds like Tink's about to take the fintech world by storm!
9. iZettle
(Up)Zettle, formerly known as iZettle, is a Swedish fintech company that has been making waves in the mobile payment solutions game since its launch in 2010.
These have seriously simplified how small businesses handle transactions with their compact card readers that seamlessly sync with smartphones and tablets, turning them into secure payment terminals.
It's a game-changer for businesses looking to embrace the contactless and mobile payment revolution.
What makes Zettle stand out? For starters, their user-friendly app and hassle-free setup mean you can start accepting payments in no time.
Plus, their pay-as-you-go pricing model means no more pesky monthly fees, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses. But that's not all – Zettle also supports popular digital wallets, invoicing, and inventory management, making it a true one-stop shop for all your payment needs.
As we approach 2024, Zettle is poised to cement its position in the market, riding the wave of the booming global mobile payment industry, projected to hit a staggering $4.6 trillion by 2027.
With recent strategic moves like acquiring the loyalty platform PONT Concept in 2023, Zettle is gearing up to offer even more comprehensive solutions tailored specifically for small businesses.
As Thomas Lee, Zettle's CEO, put it, "Our goal is to provide a one-stop shop for all payment needs, empowering entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses."
10. Fishbrain
(Up)Fishbrain is blowing up the fishing scene, and you need to be all over it! This social network for anglers is straight fire.
With over 15 million users already on board, it's become the ultimate spot to log your catches, share your epic fishing moments, and discover the hottest fishing locations.
The app is packed with crazy useful features that'll level up your game.
You can use AI to instantly identify the fish you've caught, check weather forecasts to plan the perfect trip, and even access depth charts to pinpoint those secret honey holes.
But what's really dope is the community aspect - you can connect with millions of anglers worldwide, swap tips, and show off your catches.
Fishbrain has already logged over 14 million catches.
They're partnering with big names like Rapala and Shimano, and they're not slowing down either. By the end of 2024, they're aiming to double their user base and integrate some mind-blowing tech like Augmented Reality and machine learning.
We're talking personalized recommendations based on your fishing style and AR visualizations of waterways. It's gonna be insane!
If you're a fishing fanatic or just love innovative tech startups, keep a close eye on Fishbrain.
With their rapidly growing community, cutting-edge features, and ambitious plans, they're definitely one of Sweden's top startups to watch out for in 2024.
Conclusion
(Up)Sweden's startup scene is straight-up fire right now! These companies are changing the game and you gotta keep your eyes peeled for what they're cooking up in 2024.
We're talking about heavy hitters like Klarna shaking up fintech and Spotify revolutionizing how we groove to music.
But it's not just the big names, upcoming stars like Northvolt are making waves with their sustainable battery solutions.
Sweden's startup ecosystem is ranked among the top 20 globally, and Stockholm is becoming a major hub for startups in Europe.
These innovative companies are projected to contribute a mind-blowing SEK 126 billion to Sweden's GDP by 2024 (check out Business Sweden for more deets).
In 2024, you can expect to see a major focus on sustainability and green tech from startups like Northvolt and Einride.
Fintech giants like Klarna and TINK will keep disrupting the game, while companies like Kry are transforming digital health solutions. And let's not forget about Spotify and Epidemic Sound pushing the boundaries of music streaming and content creation.
If you're a newbie trying to break into Sweden's startup scene, take some advice from Christopher Williams, the co-founder of Skype and Atomico:
"Immerse yourself in the startup community, attend events, and network relentlessly. Sweden's collaborative culture and supportive ecosystem provide a fertile ground for ambitious entrepreneurs."
With its thriving ecosystem, top-notch talent, and a culture of innovation, Sweden's startup landscape is set to soar to new heights in 2024 and beyond.
So keep your eyes peeled and get ready to be blown away!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the major trends driving Sweden's tech explosion in 2024?
The major trends driving Sweden's tech explosion in 2024 are sustainable and green tech solutions, fintech innovations, digital platforms revolutionizing healthcare, and cutting-edge AI and autonomous vehicle tech firms.
Which fintech companies should tech professionals watch out for in Sweden in 2024?
Tech professionals should watch out for Klarna and TINK in 2024. Klarna is known for its 'buy now, pay later' model, while TINK is an open banking platform facilitating innovative financial services.
How is Northvolt contributing to Sweden's sustainable tech innovation?
Northvolt is leading in sustainable tech innovation by producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and building Europe's largest factory for EV batteries. They are committed to sustainability and have secured substantial orders from major automobile manufacturers.
What makes Einride a notable startup in Sweden for 2024?
Einride is notable for its self-driving, electric trucks that enhance eco-friendly freight operations. They have significant partnerships with companies like GE Appliances and Maersk to expand their autonomous transport technology, making them a key player to watch in 2024.
What is Kry's impact on digital healthcare in Sweden?
Kry has revolutionized access to medical advice and treatment through their app offering video consultations with licensed healthcare professionals. They are blending physical and digital healthcare, using AI to reduce administrative costs and improve efficiency, and plan to continue growing their services in 2024.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.