Each year, Founders Alliance presents the Founders Awards to celebrate successful founders who drive progress and leave a lasting impact. Honoring excellence in five categories - Founder of the Year for Small, Medium, and Large Companies, Young Founder of the Year, and the Founder of the Year Honorary Award.

At the heart of this recognition is a distinguished jury of experienced founders. With deep expertise and insight, they meticulously evaluate nominees, selecting those whose achievements are most deserving of the Growth Rings, the prestigious award statuette of Founders Alliance.

the jury

The Founders Awards Jury is made up of experienced founders who understand the challenges and opportunities of building successful businesses. 

YOUNG FOUNDER OF THE YEAR

• Charlotte Ljung, Founder, Endbright (Chair, Young Founder of the Year)

• Marcus Honkanen, Founder, Nordic Minds

• Alexandra Leonkrone, Founder, Got Consulting

• Ahmed Hersi, Founder, Jovi

• Emelie Lundberg, Co-Founder, Gotlandschips

• Angela Rossi, Founder, HRM Affärsutveckling

FOUNDER OF THE YEAR SMALL SIZE COMPANIES

• Joachim Karthäuser, Co-Founder, Zelk Energy & Climeon (Chair, Founder of the Year – Small Size Companies)

• Louise Sköld, Founder, BHBD

• Malin Lindfors Speace, Founder, Ethos International

• Johan Frisk, Founder, OpiFlex & Rent a Robot

• Christian Ihre, Founder, Lynxeye

FOUNDER OF THE YEAR MEDIUM SIZE COMPANIES

• Therése Lorentzon, Co-Founder, PRO TEMPORE & COBELEST (Chair, Founder of the Year – Medium Size Companies)

• Lilia Yeghiazaryan, Founder, Dexatel

• Ulf Stenerhag, Founder, Wayout

• Corina Papadopoulou, Co-owner, Fontana Food

• Sami Niemi, Founder, Spintop Ventures

FOUNDER OF THE YEAR LARGE SIZE COMPANIES

• Oliver Lagerström, Co-Founder, MFEX by Euroclear (Chair, Founder of the Year – Large Size Companies)

• Linda Bjernstål, Founder, Tondere & Consola

• Cecilia Ekholm, Founder, Särnmark Assistans

• Håkan Paulsson, Co-Founder, QGroup

• Tore Teir, Founder, Greenstep

CELEBRATING ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCELLENCE

The Founders Awards Jury plays a pivotal role in recognizing and celebrating outstanding founders. Their collective expertise ensures that the awards continue to spotlight those who drive positive change and inspire future generations.

The winners will be revealed at the Founders Awards Gala at Berns Hotel in Stockholm on September 25, 2025. This exclusive gathering will bring together large-scale founders for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and high-level entrepreneurial exchange like no other.