Sting Core
Sting Core is the flagship accelerator of Sting (Stockholm Innovation & Growth), which has supported Nordic tech startups since 2002. It runs two batches a year of up to 12 startups, with weekly coaching, structured sprints and workshops on fundraising, go-to-market and team building, ending in a Demo Day. Selected companies can get an optional seed investment from Propel Capital. It is for Stockholm-based Swedish AB companies with a launched MVP, traction and at least two founders.
At a glance
Sting Core key facts
- Investment
- $63K
- Equity
- 2%
- Deal terms
- Optional investment of up to SEK 600,000 (about $63K) from Propel Capital as a convertible note: SEK 400,000 upfront converting at a 30% discount with a SEK 20M cap, plus SEK 200,000 converting on the next round's terms. Propel typically ends up with 1.5 to 3.5%. Sting also takes a 2% warrant as a success fee. Up to 6 months of free office space at A House.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Format
- In-person
- Headquarters
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Cohort locations
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Stage
- pre-seed, seed
- Sectors
- general, ai, climate, health
- Application cycle
- 2 batches a year; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Verified November 4, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
The next batch starts February 15, 2027. Sting says deadlines are generally in mid-August and late January, but no exact date for the spring 2027 intake is published (the Core page still shows an outdated December 14, 2025 early deadline). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
See all upcoming accelerator deadlines
Notable alumni
- Yubico
- Sellpy
- Airmee
- Worldfavor
- Midsummer
FAQ
Applying to Sting Core
- How much does Sting Core invest?
- Sting Core's standard deal: Optional investment of up to SEK 600,000 (about $63K) from Propel Capital as a convertible note: SEK 400,000 upfront converting at a 30% discount with a SEK 20M cap, plus SEK 200,000 converting on the next round's terms. Propel typically ends up with 1.5 to 3.5%. Sting also takes a 2% warrant as a success fee. Up to 6 months of free office space at A House.
- How much equity does Sting Core take?
- Sting Core takes 2% equity.
- When is the Sting Core application deadline?
- Application cycle: 2 batches a year; applications reviewed on a rolling basis. The next batch starts February 15, 2027. Sting says deadlines are generally in mid-August and late January, but no exact date for the spring 2027 intake is published (the Core page still shows an outdated December 14, 2025 early deadline). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Where is Sting Core based?
- Sting Core is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The program runs in person.
Preparing answers? Our accelerator application tips cover what reviewers look for.
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