The high number of nominations shows that the Nordic Scaleup Awards is now an integrated part of the Nordic scaleup ecosystem, as Anna-Maija Sunnanmark, Head of Program at Nordic Innovation explains:
“The number of nominations received this year validates the fact that Nordic Scaleup Awards has found its place in the Nordic scaleup ecosystem and is widely appreciated by the scaleup founders and leaders. It is this segment of companies which accounts for an above-average proportion of the economic growth and job creation.”
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“A proof of concept”
It is the second time that we celebrate Nordic scaleups in Stockholm. Last year’s winners were Polarium Energy Solutions from Sweden and Aiven from Finland while Controlant from Iceland got a special recognition.
To win the Nordic Scaleup Awards brings increased visibility, prestige, and exposure to the company.
“The Nordic Scaleup Awards has not only lifted internal employee pride but also contributed to additional recognition among external stakeholders including customers which we are grateful for”, says Maria Gylldorf, Brand and Marketing Communications Manager at Polarium Energy Solutions.
“It is a real proof of concept to have an organization of such high caliber like Nordic Scaleup Awards to recognize the fast growing, entrepreneurial journey that Polarium is on in our mission to unlock endless energy”, she continues.
The jury is on a hard mission
With nearly 150 nominated companies the jury is on a hard mission in selecting the final winner. When evaluating the nominations, the jury will among other look at impact, Nordic values and what constitutes a Nordic scaleup success story. A modern Nordic scaleup company concentrates on more than just growth at any cost, as Anna-Maija Sunnanmark explains:
“An ideal winner should emphasize sustainability, diversity and an inclusive company culture as well as transition to a greener economy.”
Evaluation criteria:
The jury will select the winner based on the following criteria:
Growth and business excellence:
- Evidence of growth mindset, a robust vision and strategy for sustainable long-term growth. Demonstration of a strong management team
- Evidence of commercial success and financial performance. Details around any funding rounds executed
Innovativeness
- Businesses which either offer a ground-breaking product, service or solution or evidence of how the business has disrupted the industry and/or market
Global reach
- Overview of your global trade or global operations, including breakdown of countries you export to or work in. If applicable, evidence of how you are supporting ethical supply chains and global growth
Sustainability
- Evidence of your ESG policy and potential business benefits of your ESG policy
- If applicable, evidence how the company is addressing one or more UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) at the core of the business or integrating SDGs into the business strategy
Company culture
- Evidence of activities which enhance ethical, socially responsible, diverse and inclusive company culture and how it has resulted in running the business
- Evidence of a strategic approach to Human Capital Management
Jury members
- Anne-Louise Thon, Managing General Partner, Vår Ventures
- Nora Bavey, General Partner, Unconventional Ventures
- Javad Mushtaq, Managing Director, EAT
- Juha Lindfors, Managing Partner, Lifeline Ventures
- Svein Berg, Managing Director at Nordic Innovation (Chair of the Jury)
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Nordic Scaleup Awards take place after the Nordic Scaleup Summit. Nordic Scaleup Summit is the premier gathering of leading entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from the Nordic countries. The purpose of the event is to recognize Nordic high-growth companies and the entrepreneurs that run them as well as to highlight their success stories and impact on our economy and society.
Background
Nordic Scaleup Summit and Scaleup Awards is organized by Nordic Innovation and Dagens Industri.
