GoWest 2025: Wrapping up A Milestone Event for Innovation and Investment in West Sweden
GoWest 2025, the annual venture capital forum for investors and entrepreneurs in startups and scaleups, concluded last week after intense days of high-impact networking, knowledge-sharing, and deal-making. Held at Karlatornet, the tallest building in the Nordics, the event surpassed expectations, shining a light on Gothenburg as a key hub for innovation, investment opportunities, and collaboration.
As proud organisers, GU Ventures welcomed 1000 attendees that consisted of 373 startups and scaleups, nearly 300 investors and also 300 representatives from the industry, innovation eco system incl. a broad service provider network.
GoWest 2025 had an unprecedented level of engagement with 1,700+ pre-booked meetings, two stages packed with programmes simultaniously and 45 side events incl a pod studio recording interviews. A diverse mix of stakeholders from 20 different countries gathered to explore new investment opportunities and discuss the future of investments, innovation, tech, life sciences, and sustainability.
“This year’s GoWest showcased the strength of our ecosystem, bringing together startups, investors, and industry leaders in an unparalleled way. You can’t miss GoWest—we’re coming for the world. We need to fight harder than ever, and that’s why we do it together,” says Klementina Österberg, CEO of GU Ventures. "I wish to warmly and sincerely thank every one of you, every participant, moderator, speaker, partner, volunteer, everybody at Karlatornet and our fantastic team that put it all together, especially Sofia Hjelmberg for a terrific event and making GoWest 2025 an unforgettable experience!"
This wasn’t just an event – this was a community in action. A kickstart to 2025, filled with new connections, opportunities, and deals to come. Thank you all for being a part of it! ✨
Global Recognition: GoWest 2025 Featured in Forbes
GoWest 2025 also gained international recognition in Forbes magazine in an article titled “Masters Of Collaboration” – Inside Gothenburg’s Sustainable Ecosystem" where Sofia Hjelmberg, Head of Investor Relations at GU Ventures and in charge of organizing GoWest, was interviewed. She emphasized the forum’s role in fostering connections across industries and sectors.
“At times like these, connection is essential,” Hjelmberg is cited in the interview with Forbes. “The core purpose of GoWest is to facilitate matchmaking at different levels and to bring projects and ideas to the Gothenburg ecosystem. This is comprised of Chalmers University, the private sector with companies like Volvo, and the public sector including EIT, the EU innovation body.”
The article underscored the increasing prominence of the Gothenburg region on the global stage, affirming the city’s reputation for collaboration, sustainability, and industry-driven innovation.
New heights’ and milestones crushed - records set and smashed:
💯 1,000 people have given it their all these past days
🌍 Attendees from 20 countries
🌟 Starting with the Deep Tech Investor Day only for investors at Jazy'c
🎤 Followed by 1,5 days of main conference at Karlatornet
🚀 373 startups & 💰 300 investors nearly —a testament to the strength of our ecosystem
🤝 More meetings and sessions than ever before booked through the matchmaking system only
📊 1700+ pre-booked meetings—connections that will spark future deals and collaborations
✨ 45 side events—expanding the conversations beyond the main stage.
Last but not least, we can proudly add to the list of achievements:
"Ride My Pony!" – A Startup Comedy Masterclass 🐎 with stand-up comedian Christoph Sollich, “The Pitch Doctor".
See the Photo album from GoWest 2025 HERE
Looking Ahead to GoWest 2026
As we conclude GoWest 2025, we are happy that this forum has once again demonstrated the strength of the West Swedish innovation ecosystem in a Nordic context with lots of international visitors, and creating lasting connections that will drive investments and growth in the coming years.
See you at GoWest 2026!
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For more information, please visit: https://www.gowest.capital/
GoWest is organised and co-funded by GU Ventures, the European Union regional development fund via the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) the Region of Västra Götaland, along with around 50 partners.
