The conversation around European competitiveness often centers on a single, pressing question: Why does a continent with world-class talent struggle to fund its own breakthroughs? As the “innovation deficit” becomes a central theme for policy-makers and investors alike, the shift from public markets toward high-growth private equity has never been more critical. Heiko de Boer,...

Lars Lindgren is a cornerstone of the Swedish investment landscape. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has witnessed the birth and maturation of the Nordic startup ecosystem. From founding the Swedish Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (SVCA) to publishing his experiences in his book, Mitt liv som affärsängel, Lars has seen it...

With a background in archaeology and anthropology and over a decade of experience in international marketing agencies and as an independent consultant, Nika Bogdanic has become a pivotal support for companies in the European startup scene. By transforming complex tech into relatable narratives, she propelled Leapfunder’s blog to the global top 10, secured endorsements from...

Success in the startup world is often built on two pillars: capital and connections. Elin Myrström, Investor and Connector at Elin Myrström Capital AB, has mastered both. With a career rooted in high-level sales management and a deep passion for international expansion, Elin has become a vital bridge between the Nordic ecosystem and global markets...

Angel investing is a personally rewarding activity, and can deliver great investment returns. But where do you start? Angel investing is not an easy game to learn. Find out how Leapfunder’s Angel Clinic can help you kickstart it. Regional Skills Gap Many regions have great potential to become Angel investment hotspots. There is enough wealth...

Eva-Maria Markutzik is the Lead and Community Manager at the MAFINEX Technology Center in Mannheim, home to around 80 startups spanning IT, AI, and sustainable technologies. With a background in entrepreneurship education and ecosystem building, she plays a key role in shaping the regional startup landscape.  We spoke with Eva-Maria about her journey into entrepreneurship,...

From guerrilla marketing in Madrid to unifying Europe’s innovation ecosystems, Olivia Czetwertynski has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of communication, entrepreneurship, and community-building. As co-founder of Unboxing the Future and a consultant at the Berlin Innovation Agency, she believes that clarity, collaboration, and culture, not just technology, are what truly drive innovation forward....

Christoph Raethke has been part of the European startup and angel ecosystem since the late 1990s. As the host of the Angels of Deutschland podcast, he has spent years demystifying angel investing and startup funding for a broader audience. In its third season, the podcast turns its focus to: Defence Tech Investments for Angels. We...

Michael Akampa has spent his career navigating between two distinct worlds — emerging markets in Africa and highly structured innovation ecosystems in the Nordics. As a founder, investor, and ecosystem builder, he works at the intersection of finance, technology, and impact, helping companies and capital flow across borders. We talked about his journey, what he’s...

Naimul Abd is the Co-Founder and CEO of SweBAN, the national network organization for business angel networks in Sweden. He’s also the CEO of Connect Sverige Region Öst – an ecosystem connecting startups, investors, and partners. He also leads several Nordic startup ecosystems originating from Silicon Valley / US, including Founder Institute, Startup Grind, and...