F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Vasteras, Sweden #542

City Scores

City Total Score

0.32

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.03

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.04

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.25

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

69

Startup Ecosystem in Västerås, Sweden 🚀

TL;DR

Västerås is currently ranked as the 542nd city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. Known for its strong industrial base and innovative spirit, Västerås offers a supportive landscape for startups, particularly in technology and sustainability.


Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Simple online registration process, making it quick and efficient to launch a startup.
  • Startup Incentives: Local government promotes entrepreneurship through various support programs and tax incentives.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive laws ensure employee rights, but navigating them can be intricate for small startups.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Generally straightforward, though visas and work permits are essential for non-EU staff.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: The standard rate is around 22%, with various deductions available for innovative startups.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive rates, particularly for tech and service-oriented businesses.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: High quality with clean, green surroundings; affordable cost of living compared to larger Swedish cities.
  • Culture and Leisure: Rich cultural scene with plenty of parks, museums, and community events that foster networking.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally efficient, but some permits may still require time and effort.
  • Government Support: Active support from municipal bodies for startups focused on innovation.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Accessible options for entrepreneurs wishing to establish a business in Sweden.
  • Residency Options: Various paths available for long-term stays for qualifying entrepreneurs.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • A variety of meetups, workshops, and networking events available throughout the year.
  • Local incubators host competitions and seminars attracting diverse participants.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Significant backing from regional development funds aimed at tech-based initiatives.
  • Multiple grants available, especially for startups prioritizing sustainability and innovation.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: Growing interest from local and regional venture capitalists targeting innovative startups.
  • Major Firms: Presence of both domestic firms and international VCs with an eye on Swedish innovation.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Active incubators including regional programs focusing on tech and sustainability.
  • Support includes mentorship, office space, and potential funding access.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Renewable energy, robotics, tech innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.
  • Government Initiatives: Strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices and innovation across traditional industries.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Swedish is predominantly used in business; however, English is widely spoken.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and innovative, with a focus on sustainability and quality of life.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Strong governmental support for startups.
  • High quality of life and low competition in the startup space compared to larger cities.
  • Increasing network opportunities within tech and sustainability sectors.

Cons:

  • Smaller startup community compared to cities like Stockholm.
  • Some bureaucratic processes may still be slow despite efficiencies.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Growing focus on initiatives and grants aimed at supporting women in entrepreneurship.
  • Various networks and events encourage female-led startups and collaboration.

Västerås presents an inviting landscape for entrepreneurs looking to tap into Sweden’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, coupled with a charming quality of life. 🚀

MeanCEO Index for Västerås, Sweden 🚀

Västerås, emerging as a promising hub for startups, also offers a unique environment for female entrepreneurs. Let’s delve into the MeanCEO Index score based on ten critical factors that shape the entrepreneurial landscape for women in this charming Swedish city.


1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 6/10
    • Västerås experiences a mix of warm summers and cold winters. It offers a fair amount of sunny days, but the winters can be quite chilly. While it’s not the best in terms of weather, there are enough pleasant days to enjoy outdoor activities.

2. Location 🏖️

  • Score: 4/10
    • Though not situated directly on the coast, Västerås is near Lake Mälaren. While the area provides opportunities for lakeside leisure, it lacks easy beach access, which limits swimming and typical coastal activities.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 8/10
    • Sweden is known for its progressive gender policies. In Västerås, initiatives that support women in entrepreneurship are gaining momentum, and societal norms generally promote gender equality, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for women.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 7/10
    • The local community is open and accepting, with many Swedes speaking English. Networking opportunities are abundant, making it easier for foreign women to integrate and form connections.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 9/10
    • English is widely spoken in business contexts, allowing international entrepreneurs, especially women, to navigate the local business environment with relative ease.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 6/10
    • Swedish cuisine may not be renowned for its culinary diversity, but local dishes focus on health and sustainability. While onions are often present, the quality and freshness of local ingredients, especially fish, provide a satisfying dining experience.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 5/10
    • Västerås has a charming community for dating, but the cultural focus on career and work-life balance may impact relationships. Nonetheless, it offers a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of parks and recreational areas.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 7/10
    • Sweden has a robust healthcare system, and while access to appointments may vary, receiving care is generally efficient and affordable compared to many countries.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 8/10
    • Västerås offers good public transport options and is close to major transport hubs. While the city isn’t home to a large international airport, nearby Stockholm provides excellent connectivity for traveling abroad.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 7/10
    • The startup culture is evolving, with a growing acceptance of failures and learning experiences. However, being a smaller city means the entrepreneurial spirit is still developing compared to larger Swedish cities.

MeanCEO Index Score: 69/100 🎉

Västerås is a promising landscape for female entrepreneurs looking to leverage Sweden’s commitment to equality and sustainability. While certain challenges, like limited seaside accessibility and a smaller startup community, exist, the supportive environment, strong healthcare system, and emphasis on gender equality present exciting opportunities for women in the startup space.

Here’s to thriving in Västerås! 🚀