InnovateNordics 2024
The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York (SACCNY), in partnership with Ernst & Young (EY) is pleased to present
the 2024 edition of InnovateNordics Acceleration Program & Investor Summit.
InnovateNordics is a unique initiative offering a deep dive into all the essential information, knowledge, and tools needed to enter the U.S. market effectively.
Spearheaded by SACCNY’s carefully selected professionals and facilitated by industry experts in the U.S., the InnovateNordics program provides invaluable insights and expert advice through a series of carefully selected workshops. Additionally, participants gain access to SACCNY’s unparalleled network of Nordic and global corporations, mentors, and investors.
Companies accepted into the program will participate in the InnovateNordics pitch competition in Stockholm and New York. There, they will compete for the prestigious SACCNY&EY InnovateNordics Award, which includes a one-year membership and access to SACCNY’s premium workspace, Gateway, at 900 3rd Avenue, New York.
Worried about cost? Our valued partner, EY, will sponsor the program fee for all accepted companies (excluding accommodation and travel expenses)!
Application deadline: June 10th, 2024, 23:59 CET
Program agenda 2024
June
Application process
- Deadline for applications on June 10th
- Applications are reviewed by SACCNY and EY
September
Virtual Acceleration Program
- Workshops
- Pitch Review & Coaching Tailored to the U.S.
- Inter-Cultural Professional Training
- Legal Consultation
- Banking in the U.S.
August
Introductory meeting
- Stockholm, May 20th
- Introduction & Pitch
- Kick-off
- Keynote speakers and panel discussion
- Networking and mingle
October
New York delegation trip
- Visit to Nasdaq MarketSite on Times Square
- Reception and mingle at the residence of Sweden’s Consul General
- Roundtable talk with stakeholders, industry leaders and peer companies
- B2B matchmaking and meetings
- Pitch competition and investor summit
-
- Keynote speakers
- Panel discussion
- Price award ceremony
-
What’s in it for you?
There is more to the program than the pitch competition! In this acceleration program, you will learn about various topics preparing you for an efficient and cost-effective U.S. market entry. Read more about what we will cover below.
BANKING IN THE U.S.
Access a comprehensive overview of the American banking system through SACCNY’s banking partners, addressing key aspects such as setting up local bank accounts, money transfers, fraud prevention, and more.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Gain access to valuable networking opportunities with industry peers, investors, and stakeholders in New York.
COMPANY VISITS
ESG AND THE GREEN TRANSITION
INTERCULTURAL COACHING
Benefit from specialized coaching that highlights the nuances between American and Scandinavian business cultures, equipping you with the skills to adapt successfully to the U.S. business environment.
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION
Gain valuable insights into navigating the legal and regulatory landscape of the U.S., covering crucial topics such as establishing a legal entity, taxation, intellectual property, immigration laws, and more, with support from SACCNY’s trusted legal partners.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Receive expert guidance on effectively reaching and engaging with American audiences, ensuring that your message resonates and drives meaningful connections with key prospects and stakeholders.
pitch training
Get all the tips and tools necessary to develop and execute a successful pitch well-tailored to American clients, investors, and partners.
TEAM SETUP AND RECRUITMENT
Gain comprehensive insights into building and managing teams in the U.S., including attracting and retaining local talent and fostering a positive company culture, with guidance from SACCNY’s professional recruiting partner.
Are you a fit?
We have outlined a few specific must-have criteria for companies participating in InnovateNordics.
Criteria for participating companies
- The company has developed a product or service with well established and growing market presence and customer base.
- The company must show a minimum of 2-3 year positive growth and development trajectory.
- The company may not be affiliated with a large or global corporation (such as a subsidiary), nor be an existing/well-established business in the U.S.
- The company must demonstrate early stage or clearly developed go-to-market strategy for establishment and growth on the U.S. market.
- The company product or service is innovative and/or must demonstrate proof of positive enviromental and ESG impact with a measurable net positive societal impact.
- The company must show sound governance structure.
- The company must show a positive fundraising history and trajectory.
Please note that while the program fee is covered by EY, Companies are required to cover travel and accommodation expenses themselves.
In partnership with:
Previous InnovateNordics participants
Questions? Reach out to the InnovateNordics Team!
Therese Ingesson
therese.ingesson@saccny.org
Kajsa Thorselius
kajsa.thorselius@saccny.org
Pre-register
Join our mailing list to get all updates and to be the first to know when we open ticket sales for InnovateNordics 2024!
PITCH TRAINING
This interactive training session will give business owners and entrepreneurs all the tips and tools to develop and execute a successful and enticing pitch well-tailored to American audiences of potential clients, investors, partners – ensuring positive attention in a very different environment from the home arena in Scandinavia. Training and tips will focus on the messaging strategies best suited for the U.S. market, giving an important edge over others competing for funding or business relationships. The group session can, in addition, be followed by individual sessions for more in-depth coaching and finessing.
INTERCULTURAL COACHING
The Intercultural Coaching session covers the differences and similarities between American and Scandinavian business cultures, focused on ways to successfully adapt to U.S. business style and acumen. The president of SACCNY, Anna Throne-Holst, grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, but has spent her entire professional career in the States, thus, uniquely situated to coach the ins and outs of American business markets and culture – and the many ways it differs from the Swedish approach, as well as the importance of understanding and adjusting to it.
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION
The legal webinars cover the essentials of everything business owners need to know with regards to the American legal system – importantly! – before coming to the U.S. and therefore avoiding costly missteps. These interactive sessions are arranged by SACCNY’s preferred legal partners and cover topics ranging from how to establish a legal entity, taxation, risk insurance, intellectual property, immigration law, and more.
BANKING IN THE U.S.
SACCNY’s banking partners offer an introduction to the American banking system, including establishing a local bank account, transferring money, how to avert fraud – and more – will be covered as part of this webinar.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
SACCNY will offer an opportunity to network and mingle with other companies, investors, various stakeholders, and members of the industry on location in N.Y.C.
COMPANY VISITS
In New York, participants will be able get guided visits to different companies with an established presence in New York City.
THE GREEN TRANSITION
What does it mean and what opportunities does it present for Nordic businesses? The current administration and governments on local and regional levels are increasingly committing to addressing the threats of climate change – and now looking to find and invest in cutting-edge technologies to support the process. Also, certain States and Municipalities are offering incentives for Green-tech businesses to attract them to their area. Learn more about it and how your company might benefit!
ESG
Making the Claim to the U.S. Market and Investor Circle: What are U.S. and International Investors looking for and how do they measure? Are Nordic technologies and businesses of interest? Can they compete? Do they even have an edge? If so, where and why?
LOCAL MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
SACCNY’s communications expert will give participating business owners and scaleups an introduction to some of the most important communication differences between Sweden and the U.S., and help them adapt their marketing and communications strategy to best engage their American target audience. This webinar covers a wide range of applicable marketing methodologies tailored to the companies’ particular brand objectives, ranging from traditional media and PR tactics to social media and brand ambassadors.
ROUNDTABLE TALKS: SCALEUP COMPANIES
This panel discussion exposes participating business owners and scaleups first-hand to the many ins and outs of what to do, but most importantly, what not to do when preparing for entry into the U.S. market. The panel includes a number of Swedish scale-up companies that have already successfully walked the same path as those participating companies preparing for a U.S. launch, finishing off with an interactive Q&A session, where no question is not important!
TEAM SETUP & LOCAL RECRUITMENT
This session covers everything companies need to know about building and managing a team in the U.S.. The session is led by SACCNY’s professional recruiting partner and covers important considerations related to attracting, recruiting and managing local talent, and lends important pointers for creating healthy and inspiring company culture.
What’s in it for you?
March
Application Process
- Last day to apply: March 22nd
- Jury review
- Selected companies notified
May
Stockholm Introduction, May 20th
- Introduction of participating companies
- Kick-off
- Keynote Speakers
- Panel Discussions
- Networking Mingle
June
Virtual Acceleration Program
- Workshops
- Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Banking in the U.S.
- Keynote Speakers
- Panel Discussions
- Pitch Review & Coaching Tailored to the U.S.
- Inter-Cultural Professional Training
- U.S. Do’s and Don’tsd from Swedish Trailblazers
October
New York Pitch and Investor Summit
- Company Visits
- Investor Summit and Pitch Competition
- Mingle with winning companies
March
Application Process
- Last day to apply: March 22nd
- Jury review
- Selected companies notified
May
Stockholm Introduction, May 20th
- Introduction of participating companies
- Kick-off
- Keynote Speakers
- Panel Discussions
- Networking Mingle
June
Virtual Acceleration Program
- Workshops
- Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Banking in the U.S.
- Keynote Speakers
- Panel Discussions
- Pitch Review & Coaching Tailored to the U.S.
- Inter-Cultural Professional Training
- U.S. Do’s and Don’tsd from Swedish Trailblazers
October
New York Pitch and Investor Summit
- Company Visits
- Investor Summit and Pitch Competition
- Mingle with winning companies
What’s in it for you?
PITCH TRAINING
This interactive training session will give business owners and entrepreneurs all the tips and tools to develop and execute a successful and enticing pitch well-tailored to American audiences of potential clients, investors, partners – ensuring positive attention in a very different environment from the home arena in Scandinavia. Training and tips will focus on the messaging strategies best suited for the U.S. market, giving an important edge over others competing for funding or business relationships. The group session can, in addition, be followed by individual sessions for more in-depth coaching and finessing.
INTERCULTURAL COACHING
The Intercultural Coaching session covers the differences and similarities between American and Scandinavian business cultures, focused on ways to successfully adapt to U.S. business style and acumen. The president of SACCNY, Anna Throne-Holst, grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, but has spent her entire professional career in the States, thus, uniquely situated to coach the ins and outs of American business markets and culture – and the many ways it differs from the Swedish approach, as well as the importance of understanding and adjusting to it.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
SACCNY will offer an opportunity to network and mingle with other companies, investors, various stakeholders, and members of the industry on location in N.Y.C.
COMPANY VISITS
In New York, participants will be able get guided visits to different companies with an established presence in New York City.
LOCAL MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
SACCNY’s communications expert will give participating business owners and scaleups an introduction to some of the most important communication differences between Sweden and the U.S., and help them adapt their marketing and communications strategy to best engage their American target audience. This webinar covers a wide range of applicable marketing methodologies tailored to the companies’ particular brand objectives, ranging from traditional media and PR tactics to social media and brand ambassadors.
ROUNDTABLE TALKS: SCALEUP COMPANIES
This panel discussion exposes participating business owners and scaleups first-hand to the many ins and outs of what to do, but most importantly, what not to do when preparing for entry into the U.S. market. The panel includes a number of Swedish scale-up companies that have already successfully walked the same path as those participating companies preparing for a U.S. launch, finishing off with an interactive Q&A session, where no question is not important!
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION
The legal webinars cover the essentials of everything business owners need to know with regards to the American legal system – importantly! – before coming to the U.S. and therefore avoiding costly missteps.
These interactive sessions are arranged by SACCNY’s preferred legal partners and cover topics ranging from how to establish a legal entity, taxation, risk insurance, intellectual property, immigration law, and more.
BANKING IN THE U.S.
SACCNY’s banking partners offer an introduction to the American banking system, including establishing a local bank account, transferring money, how to avert fraud – and more – will be covered as part of this webinar.
TEAM SETUP & LOCAL RECRUITMENT
This session covers everything companies need to know about building and managing a team in the U.S.. The session is led by SACCNY’s professional recruiting partner and covers important considerations related to attracting, recruiting and managing local talent, and lends important pointers for creating healthy and inspiring company culture.
THE GREEN TRANSITION
What does it mean and what opportunities does it present for Nordic businesses? The current administration and governments on local and regional levels are increasingly committing to addressing the threats of climate change – and now looking to find and invest in cutting-edge technologies to support the process. Also, certain States and Municipalities are offering incentives for Green-tech businesses to attract them to their area. Learn more about it and how your company might benefit!
ESG
Making the Claim to the U.S. Market and Investor Circle: What are U.S. and International Investors looking for and how do they measure? Are Nordic technologies and businesses of interest? Can they compete? Do they even have an edge? If so, where and why?
What’s in it for you?
Previous Innovate Nordics Companies
What’s in it for you?
PITCH TRAINING
This interactive training session will give business owners and entrepreneurs all the tips and tools to develop and execute a successful and enticing pitch well-tailored to American audiences of potential clients, investors, partners – ensuring positive attention in a very different environment from the home arena in Scandinavia. Training and tips will focus on the messaging strategies best suited for the U.S. market, giving an important edge over others competing for funding or business relationships. The group session can, in addition, be followed by individual sessions for more in-depth coaching and finessing.
INTERCULTURAL COACHING
The Intercultural Coaching session covers the differences and similarities between American and Scandinavian business cultures, focused on ways to successfully adapt to U.S. business style and acumen. The president of SACCNY, Anna Throne-Holst, grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, but has spent her entire professional career in the States, thus, uniquely situated to coach the ins and outs of American business markets and culture – and the many ways it differs from the Swedish approach, as well as the importance of understanding and adjusting to it.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
SACCNY will offer an opportunity to network and mingle with other companies, investors, various stakeholders, and members of the industry on location in N.Y.C.
COMPANY VISITS
In New York, participants will be able get guided visits to different companies with an established presence in New York City.
LOCAL MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
SACCNY’s communications expert will give participating business owners and scaleups an introduction to some of the most important communication differences between Sweden and the U.S., and help them adapt their marketing and communications strategy to best engage their American target audience. This webinar covers a wide range of applicable marketing methodologies tailored to the companies’ particular brand objectives, ranging from traditional media and PR tactics to social media and brand ambassadors.
ROUNDTABLE TALKS: SCALEUP COMPANIES
This panel discussion exposes participating business owners and scaleups first-hand to the many ins and outs of what to do, but most importantly, what not to do when preparing for entry into the U.S. market. The panel includes a number of Swedish scale-up companies that have already successfully walked the same path as those participating companies preparing for a U.S. launch, finishing off with an interactive Q&A session, where no question is not important!
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION
The legal webinars cover the essentials of everything business owners need to know with regards to the American legal system – importantly! – before coming to the U.S. and therefore avoiding costly missteps.
These interactive sessions are arranged by SACCNY’s preferred legal partners and cover topics ranging from how to establish a legal entity, taxation, risk insurance, intellectual property, immigration law, and more.
BANKING IN THE U.S.
SACCNY’s banking partners offer an introduction to the American banking system, including establishing a local bank account, transferring money, how to avert fraud – and more – will be covered as part of this webinar.
TEAM SETUP & LOCAL RECRUITMENT
This session covers everything companies need to know about building and managing a team in the U.S.. The session is led by SACCNY’s professional recruiting partner and covers important considerations related to attracting, recruiting and managing local talent, and lends important pointers for creating healthy and inspiring company culture.
THE GREEN TRANSITION
What does it mean and what opportunities does it present for Nordic businesses? The current administration and governments on local and regional levels are increasingly committing to addressing the threats of climate change – and now looking to find and invest in cutting-edge technologies to support the process. Also, certain States and Municipalities are offering incentives for Green-tech businesses to attract them to their area. Learn more about it and how your company might benefit!
ESG
Making the Claim to the U.S. Market and Investor Circle: What are U.S. and International Investors looking for and how do they measure? Are Nordic technologies and businesses of interest? Can they compete? Do they even have an edge? If so, where and why?
In Partnership with
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Are you a fit?
We have outlined a few specific must-have criteria for companies participating in InnovateNordics.
Previous InnovateNordics participants