Scaling an event is a delicate balancing act. You have to stay true to your origins, but at the same time attract prominent speakers and achieve sustainable business growth.
Techarena has successfully navigated this challenge, growing from a Nordic startup competition into an event platform featuring global figures like Sir Richard Branson, and connecting thousands of founders, investors, and industry leaders annually.
Techarena has even attracted venture capital, securing €1.1 million from Stockholm-based VC firm BackingMinds to fund its expansion.
To understand what this investment means for Techarena’s next chapter, we caught up with Techarena’s CEO Omid Ekhlasi to talk about the critical role events have in building the innovation ecosystems Europe needs, and how BackingMinds’ support will accelerate the company’s growth overseas.
Sesamers: Can you speak a little bit about Techarena? What is your plan for the next 5 years?
Omid Ekhlasi: Techarena is a Nordic-born platform for innovation and entrepreneurship that gathers thousands of founders, investors, business leaders, and policy-makers annually.
Through our international events, accelerator programs and channels, our goal is to bring together all key players who can support the growth of companies creating high-impact solutions.
In the coming five years, we want to bring our platform to the world by entering new markets.
Sesamers: How has your platform evolved over the years? How did your role change?
OE: 11 years ago, we started off as a startup competition in a small town in Sweden. Today, we gather 18,000 participants across our events and programs throughout the year.
Our core mission has always been to support founders in building better and faster. As founders grow and their needs change, we’ve also grown with them to make sure we can help with the different stages of their journey. Our platform continues to scale with the ecosystem.
Sesamers: Why are Stockholm and Sweden so special for tech startups?
OE: As a small nation, we proved that great innovations and solutions can come from anywhere. We have the infrastructure, the talent, the urge to solve global challenges, we have the role models. All in all, it’s a great melting pot for entrepreneurs. Swedish tech has become synonymous with quality and credibility on the global stage.
Sesamers: What will you use the money for; why these venture investors?
OE: We’ve known BackingMinds since the early days; they have been part of our community for as long as we have existed as a company. Our values are aligned and we love working with amazing entrepreneurs who understand the founder journey.
With their support, we’ll scale to new cities and bring our signature Nordic-style events and programs to more global communities.
Sesamers: What would you say to those who think organizations like yours aren’t venture-backable?
OE: I believe today’s VCs are looking for founders who build companies that create real impact and value across industries, with scalable business models and global potential.
Over the past few years, we have grown substantially, built a strong presence, diversified our revenue streams, and established clear product-market fit.
Sesamers: Anything else you’d like to share with our community?
OE: Platforms, events and local communities will become ever more essential in building strong national and international ecosystems and hubs. To all the creators and facilitators behind these important efforts, keep going. You are playing a key role in driving Europe’s future success in tech.
Save the date: on 11 and 12 February 2026, more than 10,000 people will gather in Stockholm for Techarena 2026, under the theme ‘New Era, Next Mindset.’