So what are you wishing for this year? A large glass of normality, maybe? ? A sunny vacation, most likely? ? Well, we can’t promise those things, but we will bring you the latest Nordic/Baltic tech news and access to great things for the year ahead.

The “C” word that has dominated so much of our lives this year, is still around, but let’s not focus on that one here – let’s focus on another one…no, not the “C” for Christmas – but the “C” for CHANGE. A lot of changes have happened this year, and 2021 will be no different (change is constant, right?). At TNA we pride ourselves on taking action ➡ moving forward ➡ and creating “change” – so we are proud to say that we have a lot of great things cooking on the open fire that we can’t wait to share with you. Things that we know, will make a big difference to the Nordic and Baltic Tech Ecosystem…and create the positive changes, that we all strive for……….Let’s unwrap the box, and dig in… ?

Let’s start with STARTUP OF THE MONTH…

 This is where we highlight a handpicked startup from the Nordic & Baltic Ecosystem that we’ve discovered this month… so let us introduce Statzon: An innovative data platform to access global robotics industry data and forecasts, easily and quickly. The company, which was listed among the top 10 hottest startups in Finland in November 2020 by Startup100, works closely with its verified data partners to offer the most accurate and up-to-date data to its users. The unique solution saves a lot of time in finding, aggregating, and analyzing the data as users can access all relevant data sources via a single platform and with a single search. Read more about them and their latest investment round here

“WOMEN IN TECH” COMMUNITY. BIG NEWS – CHANGE IS COMING… 

 We’re proud to announce a new First Of A Kind (FOAK) Project, this time focused on addressing the female entrepreneurship gap. Sadly, while leaders in digital/tech on so many parameters, the Nordic countries rank below the OECD average for female entrepreneurship. We need to CHANGE that. We said we would. So, Tech Nordic Advocates are now launching Module 1 – an international mentoring programme  – of a 3 Module strategic programme to support (would-be) female founders/leaders. The aim of the Programme is to support more women-in-tech to become entrepreneurs, and help female startup and scaleup founders and leaders grow and scale their digital/tech startups, including internationally, through access to tailored support, international mentors, know-how and markets. The Programme launches in Denmark with support from Industriens Fond with planned expansion to the rest of the region. Learn more and apply here by 10 January 2020.

On a separate but related note:

Also in Denmark Female Invest just raised over 1.6 Million USD to grow their EdTech startup that helps teach women all about investing – an important step on the journey towards closing the financial gender gap.

 In Stockholm, we’re supporting the “Stockholm Scaleup Program” – a great initiative by Invest Stockholm – targeting foreign-born female entrepreneurs looking to grow your business through support from business coaches, investors and peer-to-peer networking. More info here

STARTUP/SCALEUP GROWTH COMMUNITY:
FREE HELP TO GET YOU THROUGH COVID-19 AND BEYOND

 Startups, Scaleups and the entire ecosystem in Denmark can all get direct help with any challenges you face as a result of Covid, through our Startup Ecosystem COVID-19 Resource Hub  – our digital one-stop-shop, offering access to advice,  investors, mentors, partners and resources . Get in touch via the link – no problem is too small or too big… get in touch and we will help you at no cost! How’s that for an offer?

FUNDRAISING? JOIN THIS SESSION AND LEARN HOW TO WRITE A KILLER PITCH DECK – IT’S A MUST!

After the last oversubscribed TNA Academy “How to Make a Killer Pitch Deck” event and great feedback, we promised to run another live training session. So Friday Jan 22nd 10.00am CET, tune into – TNA’s CEO, Startup/scaleup growth mentor, EU Accelerator Advisor and Funding Application Assessor, Jeanette Carlsson, who will present the expert guide on what you should (not) cover when trying to attract investment. We restrict the numbers to ensure we have time for Q&A and interaction, so hurry up, if you want to join. Details and sign up here.

FUNDRAISING FOUNDERS: JOIN “TNA TALKS” WITH THE CHAIR AND CO-FOUNDER OF FIRST CAPITAL

? On TNA Talks Episode 6 – Hazel Moore, Founder and Chair of First Capital, shares advice on “Mergers and Acquisitions” covering Growth Stage Companies, Raising Capital, Silicon Valley, Exits, Nordic success cases, business during Covid19, plans for 2021 + lots more. Watch the video and subscribe to our YouTube channel here

? Fundraising? Did you know we offer a Startup/Investor Scouting Programme, connecting fundraising startups/scaleups with suitable investors from our network for a % finders fee? Special deal for TNA Members. Right now, we’re working on rounds for PropTech, TravelTech and FoodTech companies. If you’re a startup/scaleup raising funds, get in touch here OR if you’re an investor looking for deal flow, please get in touch.

? Could you do with a Mentor? Did you know that we offer a global mentoring programme matching our members with mentors across the globe from our Global Tech Advocates network, spanning 18 tech hubs globally? Join today (Solo membership or Business Membership) and get access to top quality mentors across all continents, who can help accelerate your growth.

OUR STARTUP ECOSYSTEM AT WORK…

Our COO for TNA Sweden, Barry O’Brien, shared his advice on entering, and succeeding in the tech scene, in an interview with the Swedish EdTech Startup Inicio for their “StarTechies” series. Inicio empower teenagers with the skills necessary to succeed in the digital world. See the interview here

Understand the scale and scope of Fintech innovation in the Nordic region – Our Board Member for Norway, Susanne Hannestad, CEO of FinTech Mundi, was part of the team that published a great report. Read about what it takes to build a successful fintech hub and more, DOWNLOAD IT here

WORKING WITH GREAT PARTNERS TO DELIVER CHANGE AND GROWTH..

 Many thanks to Invest Stockholm for their warm welcome to Sweden. We’re looking forward to working with Invest Sweden and everyone else in Sweden as we ramp up in 2021, helping to grow the Stockholm region’s and swedish tech community, including Women in Tech (see above)

With the launch of our additional partnership project – our women-in-tech international female founder programme – with the Industrial Foundation, we were featured, once again, in Berlingske . Check it our here (In Danish) including what our Chair Stine Bosse, CEO Jeanette Carlsson and CEO of the Industrial Foundation Thomas Hofman-Bang have to say about the key drivers and aim of the Programme.

…..EXPERT PARTNERS ON STANDBY TO SUPPORT YOUR GROWTH 

?? BREXIT ADVICE – The way Swedish businesses trade with the UK is about to change, regardless of whether or not the EU and the UK manage to agree a trade deal. Read Magnusson’s latest article for advice on how your business can Prepare here: https://www.magnussonlaw.com/news/brexit-time-is-running-out/

 Our Swedish member, Outsized were featured in a Forbes article earlier this month, highlighting their strong 2020 performance. Founded by Swede Niclas Thelander, they have an exclusive focus on the emerging markets white-collar freelancing market. Their platform matches independents to clients in banking, insurance and management consulting. The focus on the high-end, professional segment is paying off as clients across Africa and Asia are increasingly looking for agile, flexible workforce models also for more strategic positions.

   This year’s Baltic Startup Scene report, a joint effort between  Startup Wise Guys and EIT Digital, is the largest-ever report of its kind and was made possible by partnerships with Accenture Latvia and the UK Department for International Trade (DIT), along with cooperation with Change Ventures and Crunchbase, among other organizations. Read the full report here

EVENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR GROWTH…
 
 As we ramp up in Finland, we’re kicking off a new strategic
partnership with Startup Space Helsinki in 2021 starting with a joint event (talk) on January 13th about our Startup Community and the benefits of international networks for growth. More info here

On 21 January 3-4 (5) pm CET (additional optional hour after the core 1-hour programme) to speak directly to investor, business, technical, legal partners on any aspect of how to navigate and grow your digital/tech Startup during Covid. Focus on #Urbantech , #Proptech #Urbaninnovation #builtenvironment
– Join here

2nd February  2021- Kreab are hosting a Webinar to help you hones your communication. Is your message clear? Or can your communication be improved? Find your answer at Kreab’s webinar on February 2 at 8.30-10 CET, focusing on effective, targeted management communication in both times of crisis and peace – Register to join here

GLOBAL TECH ADVOCATES (GTA) NEWS

Great communities achieve great things and we were pleased to join our sister organisation and close friends at Tech London Advocates (TLA) to celebrate the recent milestone – 10,000 advocates! Wohoooo. What a milestone

Congrats to TLA & GTA founder and TNA Board Member, Russ Shaw!

NOT A TECH NORDIC ADVOCATE YET? JOIN OUR HAPPY COMMUNITY…
Joining us from Canada