Biography of Mehkar Sheikh: Founder of Venture Cup Sweden & Live Stockholm
Mehkar Sheikh: A Journey of Leadership and Innovation
Mehkar Sheikh is an experienced entrepreneur and leader in
the startup ecosystem. Currently, he holds the position of CEO at Venture Cup
Sweden, Sweden’s largest national competition for startups and business ideas.
With a strong track record in building organizations, managing teams, and
fostering global networks, Mehkar has become a key player in the Swedish and
Nordic startup scenes. His role as CEO involves steering the organization to
support future entrepreneurs by providing inspiration, education, and
opportunities for growth.
Educational Background: A Foundation in Peace and
Development
Mehkar’s academic journey began at Stockholm University,
where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Teaching.
His interest in global issues led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Peace and
Development Work from Linnaeus University. This academic foundation has
equipped him with a unique perspective on leadership, social impact, and
development, which he has carried into his career in the startup world.
Stepping into Venture Cup Sweden: Leading the Charge
In 2024, Mehkar Sheikh took on the role of CEO at Venture
Cup Sweden. His leadership is pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission
to create a platform where emerging entrepreneurs can thrive. Venture Cup
offers a structured process for individuals with business ideas, from
inspiration and education to networking and guidance. Under his leadership,
Venture Cup has grown in importance, with over 18,000 business ideas competing
since its inception in 1998.
Strategic Partnerships and Growth: A Vision for the Future
As part of his work at Venture Cup, Mehkar is also heavily
involved in strategic partnerships. His experience in business strategy and his
ability to build relationships with industry experts and organizations help
shape Venture Cup’s vision for the future. Through these partnerships, he is
fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurial spirit can
flourish.
Regional Manager: Shaping Sweden’s Startup Ecosystem
Before taking the helm as CEO, Mehkar served as the Regional
Manager for Venture Cup Sweden. In this role, he was responsible for managing
and overseeing the regional operations, ensuring that the organization’s
activities reached all corners of Sweden. This role provided him with in-depth
insight into the local startup ecosystem and further honed his skills in
managing large-scale initiatives that impact the startup community.
Biography of Mehkar Sheikh: Founder of Venture Cup Sweden & Live Stockholm-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/Venture Cup Sweden story/Mehkar S
Founders Live: A Global Stage for Startup Innovation
In addition to his work at Venture Cup, Mehkar is the
Director for Founders Live in Stockholm. Founders Live is a global event series
that connects startup communities around the world. The event allows founders
to pitch their innovations in a 99-second presentation, followed by a live vote
from the audience to determine the winner. The winner receives recognition and
the chance to participate in the global Prime Time tournament, along with a
prize package that includes $10,000 in AWS credits.
Co-Founder of Nutty Ventures: Empowering Startups and Impact
Mehkar is also a Co-Founder of Nutty Ventures, an
organization that plays a significant role in the Nordic startup ecosystem.
Nutty Ventures connects the Nordic startup and impact ecosystem with the rest
of the world through acceleration programs, events, and corporate innovation.
The organization runs the Founder Institute in the Nordics, which is the
world’s largest pre-seed accelerator with a network of over 25,000 mentors.
This initiative provides invaluable resources to early-stage startups, helping
them grow and scale.
Managing Director for the Founder Institute Nordics
For a few years, Mehkar served as the Managing Director for
the Founder Institute in the Nordics. The Founder Institute helps aspiring
entrepreneurs transform their ideas into reality by offering a structured
business-building process. With its global network and a track record of alumni
raising over $1 billion, the Founder Institute plays a crucial role in
empowering the next generation of startup leaders. Mehkar’s role as Managing
Director further solidified his position as a driving force in the startup accelerator
space.
Building Global Networks and Communities
Mehkar’s efforts in building global networks have been
central to his success. Through his work with Founders Live, Nutty Ventures,
and the Founder Institute, he has fostered connections between entrepreneurs,
investors, and industry leaders. By organizing events and accelerators, Mehkar
has played a crucial role in strengthening the startup ecosystem in Sweden and
beyond.
A Commitment to Inclusive and Impactful Work
One of the key aspects of Mehkar Sheikh’s work is his
commitment to inclusive and mission-driven efforts. He is dedicated to creating
environments where innovation and social impact go hand in hand. Through his
leadership roles in various organizations, Mehkar strives to ensure that
entrepreneurial initiatives are not only economically successful but also
contribute positively to society.
Mentorship and Support for Early-Stage Startups
Mehkar’s career has been marked by his focus on mentorship.
Whether through his role at Venture Cup or the Founder Institute, he has
provided guidance and support to countless early-stage startups. His belief in
the power of mentorship is evident in the networks he helps build, offering
startups access to valuable resources, industry insights, and capital to grow
their businesses.
An Entrepreneur with a Global Perspective
Mehkar Sheikh’s journey in the startup ecosystem is shaped
by his diverse background and global outlook. With his experiences in the
nonprofit sector, his leadership in startup accelerators, and his work with
both local and international organizations, Mehkar has built a unique
perspective on entrepreneurship. His leadership continues to inspire many in
the startup community, and his efforts have had a lasting impact on Sweden’s
innovation landscape.
Mehkar Sheikh’s career is a testament to the power of
leadership, mentorship, and dedication to building inclusive and impactful
ecosystems for startups. Whether through his roles at Venture Cup, Founders
Live, or Nutty Ventures, he remains a driving force behind the growth of
startups and entrepreneurs across Sweden and beyond.
Timeline for story
2024: Mehkar Sheikh becomes CEO of Venture Cup Sweden,
leading the national competition for startups and fostering global networks.
Co-founder of Nutty Ventures: Mehkar plays a pivotal role in
connecting the Nordic startup ecosystem with the world, through acceleration
programs and events.
Director of Founders Live Stockholm: Mehkar oversees the
global event series that connects startup communities worldwide.
Managing Director for Founder Institute Nordics: Mehkar
leads the world's largest pre-seed accelerator in the Nordics, helping
early-stage startups grow.
Educational Background: Mehkar completes a Master’s in Peace
and Development Work from Linnaeus University and a Bachelor’s in Secondary
Education and Teaching from Stockholm University.
