Sting Core
Sting Core is a six-month, high-impact program for early-stage startups. We offers tailored coaching, funding opportunities, and access to Sweden’s top startup network




















<p class="display-6">Sting Core is our flagship six-month program for early-stage startups with high growth potential. Designed to help founders accelerate faster and smarter, the program offers hands-on coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, access to funding through Propel Capital, and connections to a powerful network of investors, partners, and fellow founders.<p>
Sting Core is a six-month program designed to fast-track early-stage startups ready to grow and scale. We offer close, personal coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, access to 600,000 SEK in funding through Propel Capital, and deep connections to investors, industry partners, and peers.
You’ll get practical, hands-on support through weekly coaching, structured sprints, and high-impact workshops covering everything from fundraising and go-to-market to team building and product development.
Throughout the program, you’ll be surrounded by an ambitious community of founders — and it all culminates in a high-profile Demo Day. Once you graduate, you’re part of our network for life.
Hard Facts:
Length
6 months
Next program start
October 6th 2025
Next application deadline
August 17th 2025
Admission
2 batches per year, up to 12 startups per batch
Investment
Seed Investment of SEK 600 000 convertible note (in addition to Sting’s 2% warrant).
Requirements
- Launched MVP and can show traction
- A founding team of minimum two people
- Product or solution based on a scalable innovation and solving a big important problem
- Ambition to build an international growth company
- Incorporated Swedish AB, team presence in Stockholm during program
<p class="display-6">Sting Core is our flagship six-month program for early-stage startups with high growth potential. Designed to help founders accelerate faster and smarter, the program offers hands-on coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, access to funding through Propel Capital, and connections to a powerful network of investors, partners, and fellow founders.<p>
Sting Core is a six-month program designed to fast-track early-stage startups ready to grow and scale. We offer close, personal coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, access to 600,000 SEK in funding through Propel Capital, and deep connections to investors, industry partners, and peers.
You’ll get practical, hands-on support through weekly coaching, structured sprints, and high-impact workshops covering everything from fundraising and go-to-market to team building and product development.
Throughout the program, you’ll be surrounded by an ambitious community of founders — and it all culminates in a high-profile Demo Day. Once you graduate, you’re part of our network for life.
Hard facts
Hard Facts:
Length
6 months
Next program start
October 6th 2025
Next application deadline
August 17th 2025
Admission
2 batches per year, up to 12 startups per batch
Investment
Seed Investment of SEK 600 000 convertible note (in addition to Sting’s 2% warrant).
Requirements
- Launched MVP and can show traction
- A founding team of minimum two people
- Product or solution based on a scalable innovation and solving a big important problem
- Ambition to build an international growth company
- Incorporated Swedish AB, team presence in Stockholm during program
Words from our founders

Propel Capital Investment
Secure a 500K SEK investment from Propel Capital.
Financing
Sting provides startups with access to experienced professionals to help create optimal fundraising conditions.
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Office space
You get free office space at Sting’s office in A house for up to 6 months while you are in the Sting program.
Business Development
You get a dedicated and experienced Sting coach who works closely with you and your team, several hours per week, and both challenges and supports you on all critical business activities.

Industry mentors & external experts
Not only do you get weekly coaching from your Sting coach, but also from external mentors and expert coaches, hired by Sting, who are true wizzes in their fields.
Marketing, PR & communications
Sting provides startups with access to experienced professionals to help create optimal fundraising conditions.

Partners & Perks
We’ve negotiated a range of special offers worth over SEK 1 million that you can access after joining Sting.
Recruitment & team development
After working with more than 400 startups, we have learned how to recruit and develop a successful team. You get access to two coaches to help you succeed in this area.
Network & community
You gain access to the most developed investor network in Europe as well as a large network of business contacts, both Swedish and international, which Sting has built since 2002.
Have any questions?
Browse through the FAQs to gain insights and clarity on various topics related to our organization.
Applications are open several times a year. Simply visit sting.co and select the program you’re interested in. Each application includes a question form, an opportunity to upload your pitch deck, and an optional short video. Selected startups are invited to pitch to our selection committee.
Propel Capital typically ends up with 1.5% to 3.5% ownership, depending on your startup’s valuation at the time of conversion. The final percentage is calculated based on the terms of your next qualified financing round.
Propel Capital gives you exposure to a curated portfolio of Sting-supported startups, with the option to invest further. Contact us to learn more about the structure and how to get involved.
Startups accepted to Sting Core have the opportunity to receive SEK 600,000 in an investment through a convertible note from Propel Capital, the investment company linked to Sting. The investment is optional and offered to selected companies early in the program based on clear selection criteria.
Sting’s Core program starts twice every year, in October and March. The application deadlines are generally in mid-August and late January. We evaluate applications continuously, and in certain cases, we may accept companies between the application periods.
Startups registered in Sweden as AB companies with bold ideas and real determination to drive change can apply. We focus on founders solving major challenges in HealthTech, ClimateTech, DeepTech, and beyond, ready to build scalable businesses and accelerate growth.
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