ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

This new wave of founders signals a shift in how seasoned entrepreneurs view early-stage innovation. Rather than stepping back, they are diving in, joining forces with emerging talent to explore cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence, healthtech and digital services. The mix of veteran leadership and fresh perspective is creating a dynamic environment where first-time founders can learn from those who’ve scaled globally, and experienced builders can test new ideas with greater speed and flexibility. 

For the SSE Business Lab, the presence of such high-profile entrepreneurs is more than simple validation, it is a recognition of the Lab’s growing role as a hub for Nordic innovation with ambitions to challenge globally. 

“When founders at that level choose to join us, it’s a clear sign that we offer something no other place in the Nordics can,” says Sebastian Knutsson, Chair of the Admissions Committee and co-founder of game company King.

This year’s highlights: AI for dentistry, intelligent agents, and in-home vet care

One of the most talked-about startups is Pluto Vets, offering high-quality at-home veterinary care. The founding team includes former leaders from Klarna and Voi, including Caroline Hjelm, former Chief Marketing Officer at Voi. Even before launch, Pluto Vets secured investments from Fredrik Hjelm (Voi), Johannes Schildt (Kry), and John Guidetti (professional footballer).

“We want to transform how veterinary care works – making it as seamless and accessible as Klarna. SSE Business Lab gives us the structure and access to a network of experienced operators who know how to scale. For us, building Pluto Vets here was an easy decision,” says Saverah Faridooh, CEO and co-founder.

And Pluto Vets is just the beginning. The new cohort also includes a stealth startup led by a founder behind several billion-kronor companies – a rare return to early-stage life from one of Sweden’s most accomplished tech entrepreneurs.

Serial founders continue building from the Lab

Serial founders continue to build from the Lab, with several returning entrepreneurs from previous cohorts choosing to scale their ventures further within the SSE Business Lab ecosystem. Douglas Stark, formerly at Voi, is now developing the healthtech startup Helsa. Andreas Franke, founder of Telgea, recently secured a $2.7 million funding round to accelerate growth. Meanwhile, Sara Landfors continues to lead as co-founder and CEO of the AI platform Normain, pushing forward innovations in intelligent systems.

“Having serial entrepreneurs and first-time founders side by side raises the bar for everyone. The experienced share what they’ve learned – and get new energy from those who think differently. Whether it’s your first idea or your fifth exit, the right environment accelerates everyone,” says Isabel Keulen, CEO of SSE Ventures and SSE Business Lab.

The latest cohort

• Ayra – Digital worker, human results. We build AI agents for communication and marketing.

• Dentio – An AI powered assistant for dentists with a vision to eradicate administrative work. Founded by dual-degree students from KTH and SSE.

• Her – Your personal second brain that turns goals into action – one conversation at a time. Founded by alumni from SSE and KTH AI Society.

• Pluto Vets – There is no place like home, for you and your pet – and your next Vet visit. 

• Loyative – Customers leave. We give them a reason to stay. Founded by the team behind Tipser.

• Lynora – One-click agentic workflows for B2B sales.

• Stardust – Chat with your ads. AI that watches, listens and learns. It helps you understand why your best ads work and outlearn the market. Winner of the Lovables hackathon.

• Tolly - Tolly creates AI-powered, psychologist-informed stories as unique as your child—fueling imagination, learning, and joy.

• Valigate - An AI platform that streamlines and automates media data workflows to ensure quality, transparency, and efficiency.

• Four additional stealth startups – led by profiles from unicorn founders, and fast-scaling Swedish tech ventures.

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

The School is accredited by EQUIS, certifying that all of its principal activities – teaching as well as research – maintain the highest international standards. The Stockholm School of Economics is also the only Swedish member institution of CEMS and PIM, which are collaborations between top business schools worldwide, contributing to the level of quality for which our school is known. 

Press contact

Ylva Mossing
Content and Media Relations Manager
Email: ylva.mossing@hhs.se
Phone: +46 730 97 26 16

For more information about the Stockholm School of Economics, or to read all of our press releases, please visit our website.