BLING Incubator
Supporting great founders from day zero.
We offer capital, networks, support and knowledge to help your business succeed faster.
Join a 12-month program dedicated to taking your business to the next level – whether you are in the prototype phase or have already launched.
What is included in our program
Our program is designed to provide resources and support that make a real difference.
The program in brief
- 300,000 SEK in investment
- 12-month program divided into four three-month periods
- Coaching
- Community
- Network
- Access to investment network
- Credits worth more than 2 million SEK from Google, Microsoft & Amazon
- Benefits worth 1 million+ SEK
- Office space
- Help with marketing, PR & branding
- Help with recruitment
INVESTMENT
We offer the crucial capital needed to build, establish and scale companies. If you are accepted into our incubator, we invest 300,000 SEK for an ownership stake of 3 – 6%. Companies that do not initially meet our investment criteria can still join the program and are re-evaluated after three months.
COACHING
Each company is assigned a coach with experience in company building and with in-depth knowledge of what it takes to build a successful early-stage startup. Our coaches focus on the go-to market and they become the companies’ contact person throughout the program.
GOOGLE FOR STARTUPS
- First year of Google Cloud and Firebase usage covered with credits up to $100,000
- 20% of the cost of using Google Cloud and Firebase is covered in year two (up to an additional $100,000 in credits)
- Connect with Google experts, exclusive events and networks
- Guidance from a dedicated Startup Success Manager and Google Cloud engineers
- Extended access to Google Workspace discounts, Google Maps Platform credits, skills development opportunities and more.
MICROSOFT FOR STARTUPS
- All companies get free access to leading AI models via Azure, including OpenAI GPT-4, Llama 2 from Meta, and more. Get up to $150,000 in Azure credits plus $2,500 in OpenAI credits.
- Plus, they get an additional 30 free and discounted tools, technologies, and services from Microsoft and our partners, including M365, GitHub, LinkedIn, expert support, and more.
AMAZON FOR STARTUPS
- The AWS Startups team is made up of experts from across the global ecosystem, including former founders and CTOs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and mentors to help you founders navigate challenges and opportunities.
- Access to up to $100,000 in AWS credits through AWS Activate. AI startups building foundation models may be eligible for up to $300,000 in credits to test AWS Trainium and AWS Inferentia.
Investors' network
The companies get exclusive access to BLING’s extensive investor database and the opportunity to pitch their idea to our wide network of investors. This is a unique chance to make valuable contacts and secure the capital needed to take the company to the next level.
MARKETING, PR & BRANDING
Our experts help companies to connect with users, media and investors and secure their first paying customers.
Mentoring network
We have a network of industry experts, successful entrepreneurs and investors who offer guidance on your specific challenges.
Community
Build and grow with other founders who face similar challenges and share the same drive. Through our community, companies receive invaluable support to navigate the many challenges of startup life.
RECRUITMENT
We help with the recruitment and development of high-performing teams and exposure to a network of thousands of talents.
OFFICE LOCATION
Startups get free workspace at BLING’s co-working space in Kista for up to 12 months.
Partners & benefits
We have negotiated a range of special offers worth over 1 million SEK that companies can access when they are accepted.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Do you invest in the companies that join?
Yes, we invest 300,000 SEK in the companies that join the incubator. Some companies receive investment immediately upon admission and some companies receive an investment after a three-month trial period.
How do you value my company?
We take 3-6% in the companies we invest in. Which corresponds to a valuation of SEK 5-10 million. What determines the valuation of your company is how much market validation you have. For example, if there are indications of strong interest from customers, a turnover of a few 100,000 SEK or similar.
What does the program look like?
Our program is 12 months long and divided into four quarters, with an initial quarter serving as a trial period. For startups that have not received investment at the start of the program, an evaluation is done after the trial period. Based on this evaluation, a decision is made to invest in the company, end the program or extend the trial period.
Throughout the program, each company is assigned a dedicated coach who works closely with the team. Focus areas include customer acquisition, achieving product-market fit, developing an effective go-to-market strategy, improving pitches and driving capital raising. Progress is monitored continuously based on goals set together with the coach.
The program will conclude with a demo day, where participants will have the chance to pitch to investors and industry leaders.
Throughout the period, participants have access to the services described further up the page.
Do you need to be present in Stockholm?
No, you can participate physically or digitally. You are welcome to apply regardless of where in Sweden you live. However, we would like you to come and meet all participants in the program from time to time.
Which companies are accepted?
We don’t have a specific focus on the companies we take in. We look for ambitious founders who are ready to address real problems in large and growing markets.
Will it cost?
No, the program is free of charge.
What can the investment be used for?
You can use the investment for anything that will help your business grow. For many founders, the first priority is to secure an income, which means using the funding to pay out a salary so they can work full-time on their business.
Beyond that, the investment can be used to cover travel costs, buy necessary equipment, use services or other resources your business needs to take the next step. We support you in making the priorities that best benefit your growth journey.
How much time does the incubator take?
Less than many participants first think – usually a few hours per week if you participate in all the recommended activities. The program is designed to be flexible, and all parts are optional.
As a founder, we expect you to choose how to spend your time to maximize the odds of your business succeeding. We understand that your time is valuable and that your focus is critical to achieving your goals.
I have no turnover. Can I still apply?
Absolutely! The Incubator is designed to support companies at an early stage of their journey. In some cases, a well thought-out and promising idea may be all it takes to get started. We focus on potential and ambition, not just numbers.
We have already raised capital. Can we still apply?
Of course you can! You are very welcome to apply even if you have already secured investments before. We see this as a strength and continue to offer support to accelerate your growth journey.
Should I apply again if I am rejected?
Yes, absolutely! There is no disadvantage in applying more than once. Even if you have been rejected many times before, you may be accepted on another occasion.
Can a sole founder apply?
Yes, sole founders are welcome to apply. That said, we would like to point out that running a business on your own can be challenging, and the chances of success often increase with a co-founder.
If you’re looking for a co-founder, we recommend you check out our Founder Matching tool – a free platform where entrepreneurs can find and build teams together.
Do you get feedback on why you did not join?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback to all applicants due to resource constraints.
I am looking for more capital at a higher valuation, how do I go about it?
If you feel that you need more capital and at a higher valuation, the incubator may not be right for you. We recommend you apply to our BLING Capital fund instead.
Do I need to have registered a company before?
No, if you are admitted, we will help you with the registration so that everything is setup correctly right from the start.
