Innovation and Equality: Insights from Paulina Brandberg, Sweden's Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life

Venture Cup Sweden CEO Mehkar Sheikh recently had a talk with Paulina Brandberg, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life. Paulina is also the Keynote speaker at the Venture Cup Sweden National Final in Helsingborg this year.

Mehkar: Hi Paulina, it’s a pleasure to have you with us, and thank you for being such an important part of the Venture Cup Sweden National Final this year.

Paulina: Thank you, Mehkar. I’m honored to be part of the Venture Cup Sweden National Final. Entrepreneurship is the backbone of Sweden and organizations like Venture Cup are the ecosystems that entrepreneurs need to strengthen and scale their businesses.

Mehkar: As Sweden’s largest national competition, we do our best to bring momentum to ideas and startups by pushing entrepreneurs to get better at presenting.

Paulina: And that is so important! Presentation is crucial for innovation to see the daylight and shine. If you can articulate your ideas as an entrepreneur, you can capture the audience, customers, partners, and investors.

Mehkar: Paulina, we are curious. How do you see your role as Minister for Gender Equality intersecting with the entrepreneurial spirit we celebrate at Venture Cup?

Paulina: Entrepreneurship is the future. And for our future to be equal, it is important we make entrepreneurship a level playing field. My role is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to work and make an impact. It's about breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where diverse ideas and leadership can thrive, which in turn strengthens our society.

Mehkar: What do you think are the biggest hurdles for women, and how can we, as a society, better support female entrepreneurs?

Paulina: Access to funding and networks remains a significant challenge for many women, even in Sweden. It’s crucial that we as a society ensure these resources are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. We need to continue fostering environments that empower women in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Mehkar: What can we do here in Sweden to ensure that our startup ecosystem is as inclusive and supportive as possible for all entrepreneurs?

Paulina: We need to continue building on our strong foundation by ensuring that policies and initiatives are in place to support underrepresented groups. This includes targeted funding, mentorship programs, and creating networks that are open and welcoming to all. Key here is collaboration. By doing so, we can ensure that our startup ecosystem remains vibrant and inclusive.

Mehkar: As someone deeply involved in promoting gender equality, what are your thoughts on the importance of diverse leadership in Sweden’s startup ecosystem?

Paulina: Diverse leadership is critical in all ecosystems. It brings different perspectives to the table, which is essential for innovation and problem-solving. In Sweden, we’re seeing more and more how inclusive leadership teams can drive both social and economic progress.

Mehkar: Sweden is seen as a leader in promoting work-life balance. How do you think this contributes to the success of female entrepreneurs?

Paulina: Work-life balance is a cornerstone of Sweden’s success in fostering innovation. It allows entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their ambitions without sacrificing personal well-being. This balance is crucial for long-term success and sustainability in any venture.

Mehkar: Since 1998, over 30,000 individuals and 18,000 startups have competed in Venture Cup. We constantly strive to encourage more and more women to participate and take more room in the innovation space. What advice would you offer to young women who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey?

Paulina: My advice to all young women is to believe in your vision and not let societal expectations hold you back. There will always be challenges, but it's important to seek out support networks, mentors, and resources that can help you navigate these obstacles. The government is committed to creating an environment where women can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without facing undue barriers. Above all, don’t be afraid to take risks.

Mehkar: Thank you so much, Paulina, for sharing your insights. We’re excited to hear your keynote at the Sweden Final in Helsingborg!

Paulina: Thank you, Mehkar, I’m excited to join you at Sverigefinalen.

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