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 Founders Live, and founded Nutty Ventures to accelerate ecosystems. 

Naimul’s mission is to unite fragmented ecosystems in the Nordics and empower founders to build purpose-driven companies. We spoke with him about the evolution of the Nordic startup ecosystem, his work in connecting investors and founders, and his advice for entrepreneurs who want to make a real impact.

• Hi Naimul, thank you very much for agreeing to do the interview. Could you tell us about your background and how you first got connected to the startup world?

Thank you for having me. I began in strategy and marketing, working across advertising, research, and consulting firms/organizations and helping dozens of global brands like Nestlé, Honda, Coca-Cola, and Tetra Pak. I led high-impact campaigns, built commercial departments, and steered growth across multiple sectors. But it was after moving to Sweden ten years ago that I chose to shift my energy toward building ecosystems, supporting founders, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship. My focus is on building ecosystems: a thriving ecosystem is a springboard for impact. I am fortunate to have been involved in building several ecosystems in the Nordics on both the startup and investor sides.

• You’re the Co-Founder and CEO of SweBAN. Tell us more about your mission.

SweBAN was created from a simple yet powerful insight — Sweden has thriving but fragmented angel networks. Our mission is to unite and strengthen these networks into a national collaborative force for angel investing.

We focus on five main areas:

• Launching and accelerating Business Angel Networks (BANs)
• Creating a shared space for knowledge, collaboration, and co-investment for these networks
• Bridging Swedish angel networks with Nordic, European, and global ecosystems
• Connecting angel networks and venture capital for better scale-up pathways
• Advocating for policy frameworks that support early-stage innovation and investing
  

Our vision is for SweBAN to become the central nervous system of angel networks in Sweden — driving capital efficiency, education, and international reach. In essence, we are a network of networks.

• You wear another hat as well. As the CEO of Connect Sverige Region Öst. Tell us about Connect and your role, and your advice to startup founders.

Connect has been the backbone of Sweden’s angel investing ecosystem for more than 25 years. As CEO of Connect East, which covers Stockholm and the surrounding regions, I oversee the most active startup area in the country.

Each year, around 100–150 startups go through our Connect East processes. We organize monthly demo days that bring together startups and investors, as well as large-scale summits and a dealroom for startup–investor matching.

My advice to founders is simple: be mission-obsessed. Passion beats perfection. Investors back people who are all-in, who are clear about their “why,” and who execute relentlessly. The product can evolve, but your belief, clarity, and commitment must stay unshakeable.

• As the Regional Director Nordics for several global/Silicon Valley-based ecosystems, please tell us what it is about entrepreneurship that particularly attracts you.

Entrepreneurship is the strongest force for real change. Unlike large corporations, which are often trapped in legacy thinking and shareholder-first mentalities, startups move fast, stay connected to the present, and build with purpose.

I’ve seen how small, focused teams can be far more agile and impact-driven than large organizations. Startups aren’t just companies — they are missions. If we care about the future of our people and our planet, it’s our collective responsibility to support those missions.

• Tell us about the startup ecosystem in Stockholm. What are the challenges the ecosystem is facing, what are the opportunities, and what do you predict for the near future?

Stockholm is one of the most active startup ecosystems in the world. The deal flow, talent, and cross-sector innovation here are exceptional. But what makes Stockholm truly special is its soul — founders here build not just for financial returns, but for relevance and responsibility.

The main challenge we face is fragmentation and complexity. Europe still operates across multiple languages, regulations, and markets. We need a more unified startup and investment framework that mirrors the fluidity of the U.S. ecosystem. Organizations like EBAN, where SweBAN is an active member, are leading that effort.

The future looks bright. The next wave of iconic companies will come from purpose-led founders — not those chasing unicorn status, but those reshaping what economic and social impact mean at a global scale.

Thank you very much for sharing your story and insights, Naimul. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

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