Insights Accelerated
The Vikings are coming - how Stockholm is an emerging capital of capital
As the global life science community gathers for JPM Healthcare Conference Week, attention turns to where capital will flow next. Drawing on a recent Economist analysis, Anders Månsson examines Stockholm’s emergence as a European “capital of capital” — driven by stability, proximity between science and finance, and an innovation-led growth model.
From Biomarkers to Breakthroughs: Advancing Disease-ModifyingTherapies in Type 1 Diabetes
Disease-modifying therapies are redefining Type 1 Diabetes care by shifting the focus from insulin replacement to preserving beta cell function. Insights from Breakthrough T1D, Diamyd Medical’s DIAGNODE-3 program, and patient education highlight how biomarkers, precision immunotherapy, and collaboration are accelerating real clinical impact.
Meet Our Accelerators
Meet Tracy Humphries, one of our Accelerators, who shares her perspective on the evolving B2B buyer journey. Drawing on 25+ years in life sciences, she discusses why trust, lifecycle marketing, and close alignment between marketing and sales are essential for engaging customers in a digital and AI-driven world.
Academic–Industry Collaboration as an Engine for Vaccine Innovation
Academic–industry collaboration is emerging as a critical engine for vaccine innovation. Drawing on a Venture Road Nordics panel presented by Janet Hoogstraate and Matti Sällberg, this piece highlights how cross-border partnerships enable scientific breakthroughs to translate into real-world impact.
Breaking Through the Bottleneck: Rethinking Early-Stage Innovation Funding in Nordic Life Science
At a panel discussion organized by EY Parthenon, investors and industry leaders examined the tightening funding landscape for early-stage Nordic life science companies. The message was clear: strong science alone is no longer enough. Success now requires strategic clarity, disciplined execution, early investor engagement, and partnerships that build credibility in a more selective market.
It’s all about Impact
Busyness creates motion, but impact requires direction. In this editorial, Anders Månsson challenges the culture of constant activity and argues for a sharper focus on judgment, clarity, and purposeful leadership. Because real results come from what truly matters, not from doing more.
Meet Our Accelerators
One of our Accelerators, Rebeca Varela Lores, shares her journey from biomedical sciences to bioentrepreneurship and how her international experiences have shaped a global outlook on innovation. Now part of the Ventures Accelerated team, Rebeca reflects on lessons from early-stage ventures, the excitement of working at the intersection of science and strategy, and the mindset needed to turn bold ideas into impact.
Venture Road California: Stories of Vision, Collaboration, and Boldness
As part of our collaboration with Phosworks, we have shared a series of interviews from Venture Road California, capturing the people and ideas driving Nordic innovation abroad. From bold fundraising lessons to shared ambition and future visions, these short films highlight how collaboration turns ideas into impact.
Watch the videos and experience the spirit of global collaboration.
Inside Aqilion’s NLSDays Journey with CEO Sarah Fredriksson
At Nordic Life Science Days, we spoke with Sarah Fredriksson, CEO of Aqilion, a Swedish biotech advancing novel therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases. Sarah shares key updates on Aqilion’s clinical progress, including new data paving the way for Phase 2 trials across the US, Canada, and Europe, and reflects on the value of NLSDays for connecting with investors and partners.
A Conversation with AAX Biotech’s CEO, Maria Lisa Knudsen
Fresh from the Nordic Life Science Days stage, Maria Lisa Knudsen, PhD, CEO of AAX Biotech, shares how the company is transforming antibody drug design through its breakthrough crosslinking platform. Combining cutting-edge science with strategic partnerships, AAX Biotech is building therapies that are more stable, effective, and durable. In this conversation, Maria Lisa reflects on the company’s innovation journey and what’s next as they continue to push the boundaries of antibody engineering.
Possibia Wins 100 Pitches at DNB NXT
Possibia, led by Chief Business Officer Chelsea Ranger, claimed first place at this year’s DNB NXT 100 Pitches — one of Norway’s leading startup competitions. Following the win, we spoke with Chelsea about what the victory means for the team, Possibia’s vision for scaling innovation in healthcare, and her advice for founders preparing to take the stage.
Driving Interdisciplinary Innovation: Helena Strigård joins Global Leaders at THE Science Forum
Helena Strigård, Founder of Ventures Accelerated Life Science, will join global leaders at the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Forum in Washington, D.C., on 20 November. She will speak on the panel Driving Interdisciplinarity: National Strategies and Investment Models, sharing insights on how cross-sector collaboration and long-term strategies can accelerate innovation in science.
The Nobel Prize 2025: From basic research in immunology to clinical application
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine honors Dr. Fred Ramsdell, Dr. Mary E. Brunkow, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for discoveries that transformed our understanding of the immune system. In exclusive interviews, Ventures Accelerated speaks with Nobel laureate Fred Ramsdell, Dr. Karin Rosén of Diamyd Medical, Sarah Fredriksson of Aqilion, and Dr. Patricia Beckmann to explore how decades of research are now translating into new treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Biotech in 2025 – A Nobel Prize Case Study
What can this year’s Nobel Prize in Economics teach biotech? In this editorial, Anders Månson dives into the laureates’ ideas on innovation-driven growth and creative destruction to unpack today’s biotech “funding winter.” He challenges the industry’s growing risk aversion and explores how rekindling bold innovation could reignite the sector’s momentum.
Impact Day 2025 - Official Program
We are thrilled to share the final program for Impact Day 2025, taking place on December 11th at Bank Palace. Discover an inspiring agenda and join us in supporting SANC’s mission to strengthen neurosurgical care across Africa.
Venture Road California: Connecting Nordic and Californian Life Science Hubs
We are launching the Venture Road California video series in collaboration with Phosworks.Follow our ten-day journey across California, highlighting the growing bridge between the Nordic and U.S. life science ecosystems.
Watch the first video and experience the spirit of global collaboration.
Maximise Your NLSDays 2025 Impact with Ventures Accelerated
As Ventures Accelerated joins Nordic Life Science Days 2025, we are helping our clients stand out in the crowd. Explore our Exclusive Communication Package and AI-Driven Matchmaking Intelligence, designed to maximise visibility, investor engagement, and measurable outcomes before, during, and after NLSDays.
Discover how we can support your success at NLSDays.
Meet our Accelerators
Meet our Accelerator, Ingela Hallberg, MD, with 25+ years across AstraZeneca, Bayer, and IQVIA. She discusses the biggest challenges for Nordic companies, from early clinical planning to reimbursement strategies.
Discover her vision for how the Nordics can stay at the forefront of global innovation.
Why VCs Struggle to Say “No”
In our conversation with Johan Bloom, CEO of Curus and experienced healthtech investor, we unpack the psychology of investor indecision, from fear of missing out to complex decision chains. He shares actionable insights on how founders can manage expectations, maintain momentum, and build trust throughout the fundraising journey.