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Connect runs one of Sweden's largest investor networks with 500+ investors.
We connect entrepreneurs with Capital, Competence, and Connections.
If you are a startup seeking funding, Connect can help you on your journey!
LET's HELP YOU PUT A DENT in the universe - as steve jobs putS it
LET's HELP YOU PUT A DENT in the universe - as steve jobs putS it
Startups are the architects of our future. We look up to you for innovation, for impact, and for creating meaning in our lives. If you are building something scalable and have the commitment to run this marathon - we'll help you with our resources to move forward, faster. Naimul Abd - CEO Connect Öst
HOW IT WORKS: FOLLOW STEPS 1-2-3
HOW IT WORKS: FOLLOW STEPS 1-2-3
STEP 1: CHECK IF YOU ARE A MATCH FOR CONNECT
STEP 1: CHECK IF YOU ARE A MATCH FOR CONNECT
We help promising startups from market introduction to scaling.
If your startup broadly meets the following criteria, you are in a good position to apply:
Business Structure: Registered Swedish AB (Aktiebolag) or an equivalent company format if from outside Sweden
Commitment: Team already in place, at least one founder working full-time
Funding Goal: Planning to raise at least €100K-€2M or more (pre-seed/seed)
Product: A prototype/beta/finished product/service
Traction: Traction from customers (paying, paid pilots, pilots, LOIs)
Internationalization: A long term plan to go international
Impact Focus: At least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals
Active Engagement: Once on-boarded on our investment portal, it is your duty to keep your profile active, track milestones, have crisp pitch material and funding documents in place, and report back progress to Connect regularly.
Please note that Connect Öst does not work with too-early startups. We only work with startups that have come far enough to raise external / angel capital. If your startup is too early, check other ecosystem resources & organizations that can support you instead. Your application does not guarantee a spot for you in one of our tracks.
STEP 2: APPLY TO A RELEVANT TRACK
STEP 2: APPLY TO A RELEVANT TRACK
While majority of startups opt for Connect Fast Track, it may be worthwhile to review these details:
Connect Fast Track is the most common track for startups. It is a rapid onboarding program for startups that are ready for exposure to the Connect community without a detailed investment readiness program. Startups anywhere from Sweden / Nordics are welcome to apply as long as they see Connect's network & ecosystem as a good fit. We follow monthly funding rounds, typically, a startup applying to say October round, could have a chance to pitch in-person at a Connect Pitch Meetup / AW the same month if that round is not full.
Specific Vertical Tracks are available as well. Startups qualifying our screeening processes may be able to pitch at our vertical specific events instead of our monthly Connect Pitch Meetup / AW.
Resilience Tech-X
Life Science-X
Creative Tech-X
Food Tech-X
Sports Tech-X
Flagship events are also a possibility for startups. We organize two such events annually with possibly to pitch online to investors. This is great for startups with a crisp pitch they can share with an investor panel (VCs and angels) online or if they are connecting from another country / region. Online pitching possibilities are available during following flagship events:
Stockholm Demo Day - Fall 2026
Nordic Funding Day - Spring 2027
About admissions: Applications to Connect Öst are competitive. Startup go through an internal screening as well as may be asked to join a screening panel (if there is a scheduling issue, possibly a 1:1 screening meeting). We only work with startups that have come far enough to be ready for investor presentations. IF you are too early, apply to join as member only at this stage. We do not have time / resources to reply in case you are not screened / selected to go further in the process.
What can increase your chances: typical startup cases have some or all of following indicators ...
Completed or enrolled in a startup accelerator, incubator, or a similar startup readiness program
Already started investor outreach
Demonstrable traction and metrics
Pitch deck is almost ready to present to investors
Clear fundraising ask and startup valuation
Clear roadmap on how the startup plans to utilize the capital raised with detailed milestones
Strong committed team
Screening: Startups send us a startup application via this page. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Connect team. Qualifying startups are informed of the admission decision and the next steps. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks, it means your startup did not qualify. We cannot give individual information / feedback. You may be asked to apply again, if you have a good case but are too early. If your startup qualifies the internal screening, you are invited to an Online Pitch Session with our Mentors. In this session, Connect team and Mentors evaluate several startup pitches together for internal ratings. Startups may also receive some feedback on their pitch and business.
What happens after screening: Qualifying startups are assigned to one of our upcoming In-Person Connect Pitch Meetups / AWs or a Connect-X track event or a Connect Flagship Event - depending on their fit. IMPORTANT: qualifying startups need to become a Member of Connect Öst within the next 1-2 days to access Member-Only Benefits (see below).
Startup applications are reviewed on a continuous basis for our monthly pitching rounds. Startups typically make a 3 minute pitch in a pitch review session to proceed with one of the tracks. (Apply ONLY if you have a ready pitch deck). All startup pitches are in English so that startups can use the same material for their global accelerator and investor contacts going forward as well. If you haven't heard back from us within four weeks, unfortunately, you haven't been selected to proceed. We only reach out to companies that are a strong fit for our programs and network.
STEP 3: GAIN VISIBILITY AS A CONNECT STARTUP MEMBER
STEP 3: GAIN VISIBILITY AS A CONNECT STARTUP MEMBER
Connect Öst gives you boost as a leading Nordic startup x investors x partners ecosystem.
STANDARD "MEMBER" BENEFITS - For ALL Startups
Become a part of the Connect Öst community
Access Connect Öst public and startup events to grow knowledge and network
Get visibility in Connect Öst social media / comms upon a key milestone (like a funding round) - startups are encouraged to keep Connect Öst updated on their progress; communication is not guaranteed
Membership fee: ALL startup members pay an annual membership fee of 4,000 kr/year (VAT-free). Membership is for one year and auto-renewed - any termination must be submitted in writing no later than one month before the membership expires.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS - For "QUALIFIED" Startups
Startups with Connect Membership that qualify or clear our screening processes get added benefits:
Pitch once* at an In-Person Connect Pitch Meetup / AW / Event or a Connect-X vertical event or a Connect Digital Pitch Event
Access our Connect's investor portal / deal room to share your startup profile and pitch with our network
Book 1–2 short speed meetings with the Connect team over tenure
Use the Connect logo and mention in your deck as a Connect startup - a seal of quality
What a Connect Meetup / AW Looks Like
At our monthly AWs, 8–10 startups pitch to a room of investors, experts, and partners.
Additional Opportunities for Existing Connect Öst Member Startups
While our events prioritize new startups entering the Connect Öst ecosystem every month, existing member startups may request a re-pitching possibility and a speed-coaching meeting with Connect Öst. This requires a separate fee, screening, and is based on Connect's discretion and availability.
CONNECT PITCH Meetups / AWs: Startups Pitching to Connect Community
CONNECT PITCH Meetups / AWs: Startups Pitching to Connect Community
STAY ACTIVE!
STAY ACTIVE!
Once you are a part of Connect, it's your job you to stay active.
Active engagement in the network is a key to building long-term relationships with the community.
1- Attend our public & member events
2- Keep an active profile on the investment portal
3- Stay in touch with us as your startup journey builds up
Good luck!
Connect Öst is a non-profit organization (Connect Östra Sverige Ideell Förening, Org Nr. 802409-9684).Learn more about Connect and our activities: https://connectsverige.se/ost
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