Equity The Nordic startup scene has quietly become one of tech’s fastest-growing hubs
Nov 26, 2025
Dennis Green-Lieber, co-founder of AI-driven consumer intelligence platform Propane, dives deep into the evolution of the Nordic startup scene. He discusses how Denmark's social safety net allows founders to take risks without fear of personal ruin, leading to a surge in ambitious startups. Green-Lieber highlights free access to quantum computing resources and the competitive edge it gives to deep-tech ventures. He also explores the cultural shift towards greater transparency, longer employee tenures, and the rapid acceleration of innovation in the region.
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Watching Slush From Afar
- Dennis skipped Slush this year for family reasons but watched the conference buzz remotely.
- He noted Nordic founders and founders from Europe were more prominent on stage than in past years.
Cultural Shift Fuels Nordic Risk-Taking
- Nordic founders shifted from keeping low profiles to taking bigger, public bets on startups.
- That cultural change accelerated risk-taking and attracted more capital to the region.
Safety Net Lowers Founders' Personal Risk
- The Nordic social safety net reduces personal downside for founders taking entrepreneurial risks.
- Free healthcare and education let people take swings without risking their family's long-term welfare.
