Things
THINGS Stockholm is a Stockholm-based deeptech innovation hub connecting ~100 corporate-ready deeptech companies with established corporates through curated membership, proprietary event formats (Executive Summit, eBazaar, eXplore), and advisory services (Co-Pilot, Challenges, Scouting, Acceleration), serving an international member base spanning the Nordics, Japan, the US, and Australia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersStockholm, Sweden
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Things does
THINGS Stockholm (legally The Innovation Growhouse Stockholm AB) is a Stockholm-based deeptech innovation hub and community platform founded in 2015, connecting corporate-ready deeptech companies with established corporates through structured matchmaking, events, acceleration, and advisory services. Operating from the AWL THINGS facility on the KTH Campus with a registered address on Drottning Kristinas väg, the organization maintains a curated membership of approximately 100 companies in a deliberate 50/50 split between deeptech startups/scaleups and established corporates, extended by 200 member/alumni companies and 600+ relevant startups in the broader network, with members spanning Sweden, the Nordics, Japan, the US, and Australia.
The core platform consists of four professional service offerings — Co-Pilot (external advisory for corporates navigating digital transformation), Acceleration Programs (run in partnership with Deep Tech Alliance on Industry 4.0, Clean Energy, Satellite data, and Urban Mobility), Challenges (structured problem-solving sprints), and Scouting (mission-based searches for customers, partners, vendors, or investors) — supplemented by five recurring proprietary event formats: Executive Summit (half-day case-based executive sessions), eBazaar (online marketplace events for 30-60 companies from 5-10 countries), eXplore (online knowledge-sharing sessions), Get On Top Of (physical meetups), and Wall of Fame (annual recognition of exceptional deeptech entrepreneurs, with 12 honorees from 2015 to 2026 including founders of iZettle, Yubico, Tobii, Climeon, and Ferroamp). The platform is not technology-product based: there is no public API, no proprietary AI/ML pipeline, and no app; the underlying "platform" is fundamentally the curated member relationships, event IP, and ecosystem trust compounded over 11 years.
THINGS generates revenue through membership fees (subscription recurring) from the 100 corporate and startup members, professional services fees for Challenges, Scouting, and Acceleration Programs, and event venue rentals plus associated services at the AWL THINGS facility (700 EUR/day room, 500 EUR/day event host, catering à la carte). Public-sector funding from Vinnova (SPACE2 initiative) and the Swedish Energy Agency (Sustaintech Energy Action) supplements program-specific work. Strategic partnerships — including Deep Tech Alliance (operations partner since 2024), CASSINI/EUSPA (EU space matchmaking), Ignite Sweden (national corporate-startup matchmaking), NATO Innovation Fund and ESA (Nordic Space & Defence Summit 2026) — anchor the platform's expansion into space, defence, climate, and clean energy verticals while reinforcing its European footprint.
Things firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Things
- Legal name
- The Innovation Growhouse Stockholm AB
- Website
- https://thingstockholm.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- THINGS Stockholm is a Stockholm-based deeptech innovation hub connecting ~100 corporate-ready deeptech companies with established corporates through curated membership, proprietary event formats (Executive Summit, eBazaar, eXplore), and advisory services (Co-Pilot, Challenges, Scouting, Acceleration), serving an international member base spanning the Nordics, Japan, the US, and Australia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Things industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Deeptech Innovation Hub / Startup-Corporate Matchmaking Services
- NAICS
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Other Computer Related Services (541519)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)
Keywords
Where Things is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Stockholm
- HQ country
- Sweden
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Things business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: THINGS operates with corporate and startup members who pay for access to the network, matchmaking services, events, and programs. The organization has 100 members in a 50/50 mix of deeptech companies and corporates.
- Event Services: THINGS generates revenue by providing event space rental, event hosting, room setup, online services, and catering at their AWL THINGS facility. They also organize proprietary event formats (eBazaar, eXplore, Get On Top Of) that may include sponsorship opportunities.
- Challenge & Scouting Services: THINGS conducts challenges for organizations to find solutions to challenges, ideas for new offerings, and partners. They also offer scouting missions turning member needs into defined searches for customers, partners, or solutions.
- Acceleration Programs: THINGS runs acceleration programs in partnership with DeepTech Alliance for corporate partners, deeptech investors, and corporate-ready deeptech companies on topics like Industry 4.0, Clean Energy, Satellite data, and Urban Mobility.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Event Space Full Day rental |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Event Host service |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Room Setup & Basic Cleanup |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Online Event Registration Setup |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Catering - Sandwiches |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Catering - Wraps |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Catering - Salads |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Catering - Pastries |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Beverages |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Things product offering
Product offeringCore offering
THINGS is a deeptech innovation hub and member-based platform that connects corporate-ready deeptech companies with established corporates through a portfolio of services including innovation challenges, acceleration programs, Co-Pilot advisory, scouting missions, and matchmaking. It also operates proprietary event formats (eBazaar, eXplore, Get On Top Of, Executive Summit, Executive Update) and the Wall of Fame recognition program, focused on industry, infrastructure, utilities, space, and defense sectors across Europe and internationally.
Product overview
THINGS (The Innovation Growhouse Stockholm AB) is a deeptech innovation hub and accelerator platform that connects corporate-ready technology companies with established corporations. Rather than a single unified product, THINGS operates as a portfolio of service offerings and event programs. The core services include Co-Pilot (advisory), Acceleration Program (business acceleration), Challenges (problem-solving programs), and THINGS Scouting (market intelligence). These are complemented by a suite of event formats: eBazaar™ (online marketplace events), eXplore™ (knowledge sharing), Get On Top Of™ (physical meetups), and eXecutive Summit™/Update™ (executive events). The organization also runs the Wall of Fame™ award program to recognize exceptional deeptech entrepreneurs. THINGS focuses on deeptech companies in industry, infrastructure, utilities, space, and defense sectors, providing cross-border services including matchmaking, workshops, and ecosystem navigation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- THINGS eXplore™: Online knowledge sharing session focusing on hot topics or broader fields like SDGs
- THINGS eBazaar™
- THINGS Get On Top Of™
- Executive Summit™
- Wall of Fame™
- SPACE2
Products and services
- Co-Pilot An external advisory service providing corporates with a dedicated advisor who offers relevant experience, serving as a sounding board to help navigate digital transformation challenges through collaboration with tech companies.
Quantifiable outcome
- 277 guests from 23 countries at Nordic Space & Defence Summit 2026
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Things
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Things technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Things partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Deep Tech Alliance (DTA)coreDeepTech Alliance is a European alliance bringing together leading deep-tech startups, corporates, and investors to explore how science-based innovation can shape industries. THINGS serves as operational partner, contributing to programs in Industry 4.0, Space, and Clean Energy.
- CASSINIcoreEC-funded program where THINGS co-hosts CASSINI matchmaking events in Sweden, connecting space-related startups, corporates, and investors. Part of international consortium facilitating business creation in space-related areas.
- Ignite SwedencoreNational matchmaking program initiated by THINGS with incubators to provide Swedish startups with opportunities to meet their first corporate customer. Part of Startup Energy Action initiative.
- StingmajorStockholm's incubator for startups. THINGS collaborates on Startup4Climate challenge with GodEl and Ellevio, and on Sustaintech Energy Action initiatives.
- Akademiska HusmajorEvent partner for THINGS eBazaar Smart Buildings, providing support for events focused on smart building technology and sustainable real estate solutions.
- GodElmajorCo-founder of Startup4Climate challenge with Ellevio, supported by THINGS and We Don't Have Time. Initiative accelerates energy transition with SEK 2M prize for winning startups.
- ElleviomajorCo-founder of Startup4Climate challenge with GodEl, supported by THINGS and We Don't Have Time. Energy company seeking innovative solutions for sustainable energy transition.
- We Don't Have TimeminorClimate tech network partner for Startup4Climate challenge, bringing together innovators and organizations focused on climate solutions.
- Kista Science CitycoreEvent partner for Nordic Space & Defence Summit 2026. Collaborative relationship hosting events at Kista facility. THINGS organizes summit in close collaboration with Kista Science City.
- CORE12.01 ConsortiummajorEuropean initiative helping climate-tech innovations move from lab to market. THINGS partners with Anthology Ventures (BG), Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (GR), Social Innovation Exchange (UK), and The Innovation Growhouse Stockholm (SE).
- European Space Agency (ESA)majorESA participates in Nordic Space & Defence Summit as a partner, bringing expertise in space technology and fostering innovation in the European space ecosystem.
- EUSPAmajorEuropean Union Agency for the Space Programme powering CASSINI space matchmaking sessions at Nordic Space & Defence Summit.
- KTH Royal Institute of TechnologymajorPartner in Startup Energy Action initiative. THINGS co-founder Magnus Melander associated with KTH Innovation for venture building programs.
- Giesecke & Devrient (G+D)majorSecurity technology company co-hosting Smart IoT Design events with THINGS. G+D Ventures is a theme-driven investor focusing on TrustTech startups.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Things competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sting: Stockholm-based startup incubator and talent optimizer. Directly comparable because it operates in the same Swedish deeptech/startup ecosystem and is already a partner of THINGS on programs such as Startup Energy Action and the Startup4Climate challenge.
- Kista Science City: Stockholm-based innovation hub focused on deeptech and ICT. Highly relevant because it is the venue partner and co-organizer of the Nordic Space & Defence Summit 2026 hosted by THINGS, serving overlapping corporate and startup audiences.
- Ignite Sweden: National Swedish startup-corporate matchmaking program. Directly comparable because it is the same model THINGS helped initiate, pairing startups with their first corporate customer — overlapping mission and customer base.
- EIT InnoEnergy: European deeptech innovation catalyst focused on sustainable energy and clean-tech. Comparable because it operates a pan-European deeptech alliance, runs acceleration/venture-building programs, and bridges corporates with science-based startups — overlapping with THINGS' DeepTech Alliance remit.
Broad incumbents
- Plug and Play Tech Center: Global innovation platform and accelerator running corporate-startup matchmaking programs across multiple verticals. Comparable because it pursues the same corporate-innovation partnership model at vastly larger global scale.
- Techstars: Large global accelerator network with industry-focused programs (including deeptech). Comparable as it operates curated cohort-based acceleration programs and corporate partnerships for technology startups.
- Antler: Global early-stage VC and founder-builder platform. Comparable because it supports ambitious technology founders, runs acceleration cohorts, and brokers introductions to corporate partners and investors — a structurally similar matchmaking model to THINGS.
Others
- Dealroom.co: European startup and growth intelligence platform with deeptech investor/corporate data. Relevant because Dealroom frequently partners with European hubs and accelerators (including THINGS-adjacent ecosystems) to provide ecosystem intelligence for matchmaking.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Things social profiles
Digital presenceThings financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Things leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Things funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Things M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Things
What does Things do?
THINGS is a deeptech innovation hub and member-based platform that connects corporate-ready deeptech companies with established corporates through a portfolio of services including innovation challenges, acceleration programs, Co-Pilot advisory, scouting missions, and matchmaking. It also operates proprietary event formats (eBazaar, eXplore, Get On Top Of, Executive Summit, Executive Update) and the Wall of Fame recognition program, focused on industry, infrastructure, utilities, space, and defense sectors across Europe and internationally.
Is Things a public or private company?
Things is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Things founded?
Things was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Things based?
Things is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, in the Europe region.
How does Things make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are event Services, challenge & Scouting Services and acceleration Programs.
Who are Things's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sting, Kista Science City, Ignite Sweden and EIT InnoEnergy. Broad incumbents are Plug and Play Tech Center, Techstars and Antler. Dealroom.co is listed as an others.
Does Things have an API?
No public API is recorded for Things.
What industry is Things in?
Things's product category is Deeptech Innovation Hub / Startup-Corporate Matchmaking Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEANAC, Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions). Its NAICS code is 5416 and its SIC code is 7370.