On 6 February at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, eXpression Umeå's investor forum, Creative Stage, was held for the first time - a pioneering forum that provides an opportunity for value-driven investors, financiers and private business angels to establish new partnerships with companies in the creative industries and future commerce. The new forum will be held twice a year with the aim of strengthening the development and growth of companies and promoting sustainable development in society.
Seven companies in both the creative industry and the future of trade in Umeå met with as many national investors when the first Creative Stage of the year took place during Västerbotten at the Grand Hôtel last week. The investors represented a paradigm shift in the industry with a strong focus on sustainability - an approach that is in line with the companies at eXpression Umeå and the eXpression Future Retail accelerator.
It's about companies and investors who want to build a society where we take shared responsibility for sustainable development.
- For us, it is great that we can now bring together innovative and responsible investors with companies with cutting-edge, innovative and sustainable business models in both the retail and creative industries. We are facing a paradigm shift and it is the creative companies that are leading the way through strong ecosystems and close cross-border collaborations. This change sets new requirements for valuing companies, and we are therefore excited about the opportunity to partner with investors who see the same evolution.
Marlene Johansson, CEO of eXpression Umeå
At eXpression Umeå, some 60 ideas and companies are currently being developed. There is an even distribution between women and men and many of the companies in fields such as design, architecture, film and music are run by international creators who have moved to Umeå. The business models are based on close collaboration between co-creators as customers and the focus is on sustainable business. Five of the seven companies presenting their business models at the Grand Hôtel were women-owned companies.
- The issue of future sustainable business models is indeed topical, especially in relation to trade, and the entrepreneurs who participated during the Creative Stage show both ability, vision and integrity saying. We are looking for value-driven and long-term partnerships to create change through business. eXpression Umeå really shows its mettle when it comes to picking up this kind of entrepreneurs and helping them move forward. That makes their venues highly relevant to us.
Johanna Hallin, founder of Srey Invest AB
- Creative Stage was inspiring and full of energy with many interesting companies. I think there was clear substance in the businesses as well as sound and credible values, which was great to see. It's inspiring that many entrepreneurs understand the value of building sustainable businesses with the customer as a "co-creator". For the future of company building is very much about connecting with the customer, not just seeing the customer as a buyer but rather as a co-creator and ambassador for one's brand. It's about building meaningful networks of loyal followers who can promote one's products and services to their respective networks. We at FundedByMe are incredibly excited about the collaboration with eXpression Umeå and look forward to more exciting events together.
Mikael Näselius, Campaign Manager at FundedByMe
Reflections from participating companies:
"Presenting to investors is not so easy. It's been a process of feeling confident and I'm happy with the format, which doesn't mean standing alone in front of critical dragons and being questioned, but rather developing collaboratively."
- Karin Björk, Design by Björk
"A very good event and innovative meeting place organized by eXpression Umeå. Each investor has his own perspective, it gives choices. Very good and concrete advice."
- Simon Nordberg, Childrens House
"As an entrepreneur here in Umeå, I've been given a kick in the pants and I feel I'm on the right track. It feels great and I'm sure it will lead to new exciting collaborations."
- Moa Gahlin, CEO Bigaro
The next Creative Stage will take place in Umeå on 4 June in conjunction with UID Talks at the School of Design and the Arts Campus.
FACTS:
The cultural and creative industries are experiencing strong growth. Between 2016-2017, the value of exports from the creative industries increased from SEK 16 billion to SEK 21 billion, which is a stronger growth than other industries in Swedish industry. The industry comprises around 128,000 companies employing around 143,000 people. Many companies are sole traders and there are a number of large employers. These 128 000 companies have a turnover of approximately SEK 376 billion (Tillväxtverket).
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From left in picture:
Barbro Renkel, eXpression Umeå, Tobias Sedlacek,Team Scandi, Annakarin Nyberg, eXpression Umeå, Simon Nordberg, Childrenshouse.se, Pia Johansson, Pias Stylist & Concept, Anna Wikholm, eXpression Umeå, Moa Gahlin, Bigaro, Karin Björk, Design by björk, Cecilia Sandström, M en Place, Maria Östensson, Östensson Design Studio, Marlene Johansson, eXpression Umeå.
All pictures are taken by Oskar Sandström.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Marlene Johansson
CEO, eXpression Umeå
marlene.johansson@expressionumea.se
070-6749539
