The first CapitalOnBoard one-day event was held in March. CapitalOnBoard provides an arena for forging connections between West Swedish start-ups and national investors on a return trip to Fredrikshamn on the Stena Danica ferry. A successful event with 150 participants and over 300 pre-booked meetings.

On the morning of 12 March, 150 expectant participants gathered in the departure lounge for breakfast and registration before boarding the Stena Danica ferry. During the trip, they had the opportunity to network with West Swedish and national investors. The day also offered inspiring lectures, panel debates, business pitches and over 300 pre-booked one-to-one meetings.

“Our vision was to create a new networking arena for start-ups, investors and industry stakeholders. We knew the demand was there, and after carrying out the first CapitalOnBoard event, we have received highly positive feedback and immediate requests for the next event. The participants were partially isolated from the outside world during the day. This encouraged them to focus completely on each other, which we believe resulted in even more new meetings and future relations. We now have clear proof that there is a need for this type of arena. We look forward to developing the concept and following up on the effects of the first event,” says Alexandra Björk, organiser of CapitalOnBoard.

The event was organised by Peter Kurzwelly and Alexandra Björk, who both have extensive experience of start-ups and the innovation system. They wanted to avoid the classic conference venue scenario where participants can come and go as they please. This lead to the idea of holding the event at sea, in true Gothenburg spirit.

“We have plenty of excellent businesses in West Sweden, but there is a lack of capital. In light of this, we wanted to connect capital with start-ups and promote future relations with investors,” explains Peter Kurzwelly, organiser of CapitalOnBoard.

CapitalOnBoard is organised in partnership with Region Västra Götaland, Venture Cup, Business Region Göteborg, Chalmers Ventures, GU Ventures, Delphi, Fabbelito and Göteborg & Co’s Trade and Industry Group.

For more information on CapitalOnBoard: https://capitalonboard.confetti.events/