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18 Jun 2025
We're excited to launch a new blog series dedicated to highlighting the incredible strengths and connections between Thailand and Sweden! This series will delve into various facets of the Thai-Swedish relationship, from cultural ties to business opportunities, and explore how our shared values foster mutual prosperity.
Our first article kicks off by tapping into the popularity of Thai series of Mad Unicorns (สงครามส่งด่วน), The new Top 10 in Thailand Netflix series inspired by the real-life journey of Thailand's first logistics "unicorn" (a startup valued at over a billion dollars)- Flash Express. has ignited the a nationwide fascination with the magic and potential of startup success.
Did you know?
While Silicon Valley often captures the spotlight in the world of groundbreaking innovation and billion-dollar valuations, did you know that Sweden is the second largest producer of unicorns per capita globally?
This small Nordic nation, known for its stunning landscapes and innovative spirit, has consistently punched above its weight, churning out global giants like Spotify, Skype, Klarna, and Mojang (creators of Minecraft), to name just a few.
What's Sweden's Secret to Startup Success?
Sweden's success isn't just about a few brilliant ideas; it's a culmination of several key factors that create a fertile ground for startups to flourish:
A Culture of Innovation and Collaboration: Sweden fosters an environment where new ideas are encouraged, and collaboration is key. From government initiatives to educational institutions, there's a strong emphasis on research and development, open-mindedness, and a willingness to embrace change. This co-creation creates a supportive ecosystem for Swedish startups.
Strong Digital Infrastructure and Early Adoption: Sweden has long been a leader in digital transformation. High internet penetration, a tech-savvy population, and widespread digital literacy provide a robust foundation for tech-driven businesses to scale rapidly.
Access to Capital and Supportive Ecosystems: While not as vast as Silicon Valley, Sweden has a maturing venture capital landscape and a supportive ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and mentorship programs. This network helps promising startups secure funding and guidance through their growth journey, benefiting Thai businesses looking to expand.
Global Mindset from Day One: Swedish startups often think globally from their inception. The relatively small domestic market encourages companies to internationalize early, building products and services with a worldwide audience in mind.
Emphasis on Work-Life Balance and Social Welfare: This might seem counter-intuitive to startup hustle, but Sweden's strong social safety net and emphasis on work-life balance contribute to a happier, healthier, and ultimately more productive workforce, attracting and retaining top talent in the startup ecosystem.
Lessons for Thailand's Business Landscape
The Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce is committed to bridging these two vibrant nations, facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting partnerships that can help unlock Thailand's full entrepreneurial potential.
Let's learn from the land of unicorns and empower Thailand's next generation of startup success stories!
We invite you to explore the full story and detailed insights into what makes Sweden "The Land of Unicorns" in this comprehensive article from Anna Hammarberg, Senior Project Manager Stockhome, Business Sweden:
Credits:
Anna Hammarberg (2020, Business Sweden) https://www.business-sweden.com/insights/articles/the-land-of-unicorns/
Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) (2024) https://pmuc.or.th/thailandxsweden-ep2/