2025-09-29
Blog
The global ambition: Key takeaways on scaling Nordic tech from Maja Magnusson, CEO of Care to Translate.
A little while ago I had the privilege of speaking on the panel Scaling Nordic Tech on the Global Stage at Nordic Tech Week in Stockholm. It was an essential discussion and I was honored to share my perspective alongside industry leaders: Chris McGahan (London Stock Exchange), Peter Vesterbacka (Slush, Rovio, FinEst Bay), Maria Lindholm (Wellstreet), and Jeanette Carlsson (Tech Nordic Advocates).
We tackled a critical question: What does it really take to turn a Nordic startup into a global powerhouse?
The conversation centered on overcoming the challenges of small home markets and embracing a global mindset from day one. Here are my key reflections from the panel.
My path into tech entrepreneurship has always been driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of improvement. I'm fascinated by how design thinking can be applied to build beautiful products and services that solve real, human problems.That approach led me to help build Care to Translate, a healthtech company dedicated to making health care more accessible through secure, multilingual communication.
For us, scaling globally wasn't an afterthought – it was our default setting.
From day one, our product was built for a global audience. Our translation app wasn't tied to one language or region; it launched with multilingual content, meaning it was immediately usable in multiple markets.
We coupled this global-first product strategy with a two-fold go-to-market approach. First, the app was made available for everyone to download for free, which generated viral spread and immediately put the product into the hands of our end-users: healthcare professionals. By assuring quick adoption and use, we could then approach decision-makers directly, creating awareness and faster adoption in an industry typically known for moving slow.
This strategy is why Care to Translate is downloaded and used in literally every country today. It proves that you don't have to be a multi-national corporation to think globally; you just have to design globally.
The Nordic region is justly celebrated for its innovation culture and early tech adoption. However, our startups still grapple with the limitations of small home markets. Gaining access to capital, top-tier talent, and robust international networks is a common challenge here.
To truly accelerate our growth, we need a stronger, more proactive partnership with our governments.
Companies are often almost forced to look outside the Nordics to survive and scale
Government support isn't just necessary for global expansion; it's just as critical for securing a stable home-market platform. Much more could be done to secure fruitful grounds on the home market to allow companies to grow strong before entering new markets. Unfortunately, today, due to high entry barriers and bureaucracy in key sectors (like health care), companies are often almost forced to look outside the Nordics to survive and scale.
We need systemic support – including forward-thinking policy, strategic public funding, and proactive efforts to de-risk home market entry – to help Nordic startups move faster from local solutions to global impact.
One message I always want to highlight is the undeniable importance of equality and diversity in entrepreneurship.
As a female founder I observe this gap daily and am a proud advocate for female and diverse leadership.
Platforms like Nordic Tech Week have a powerful role to play in showcasing the full breadth of Nordic talent. We must ensure that the stage, and all professional networks, truly reflect the diversity of our population. This is not just about fairness; it's a fundamental issue of performance. When a wider range of perspectives is included, from early-stage teams to venture capital firms, the entire ecosystem benefits from better decision-making and a broader, more accurate understanding of global markets.
We need to work collectively – as founders, investors, and community leaders
However, we have a way to go. To create a truly competitive structure, we need to work collectively – as founders, investors, and community leaders – to foster an environment where every talented entrepreneur has an equal chance. This means ensuring that diverse founders are showcased equally at networking events, funded equally by investors, and highlighted equally in the media.
Unlocking this vast, untapped potential is absolutely key to the Nordics' long-term economic success and our ability to compete globally.
I am deeply grateful to Tech Nordic Advocates for organizing such an important and necessary conversation.
Panels like this are more than just discussions; they are about shaping the future. If we want to see more globally successful companies emerge from the Nordics, we must combine our regional talent for innovation with systemic support, especially on the home front, and a commitment to broad inclusion.
Our journey at Care to Translate shows that a global-first mindset makes it possible to scale from day one. My hope is that the next generation of Nordic startups will have the chance to do the same – starting strong right here at home.
Looking forward to the next Nordic Tech Week!
Reach out to us through info@caretotranslate.com.