The startup scene in Oslo

Some statements
When I went through internet looking for these two words together: Startup & Oslo, I actually got gladly surprised.

“The start-up scene in Norway is changing, and it is changing fast. An eco-system of organisations facilitating for innovation ensures the realization of creative economy benefits in Norway” (15/04/2014 Source: Aron Rolfsen)

“Startup culture is on the rise and this month we’re exploring the ways in which Norwegians are having an impact on the international startup scene” (2013 Source: Tiffany Naylor)

“Keep Your Eye on Norway – A Startup Scene Is MESHing Together” (23/04/2013 Source: Greg Anderson)

“Startup Norway’s purpose is to inspire and guide business minded individuals on taking the step to become a successful entrepreneur” http://startupnorway.com/about/

Beginning with Startup Norway, the umbrella organization whose purpose is focusing in facilitating new projects that feeds the ecosystem with more entrepreneurs and startups, I found out an intensive and active scenario, full of genuine ideas and projects, people willing to be part of this generation of innovators, looking into the business world or looking to launch their business.

So… what is going on?
I have been doing some research and get involved in different Startup scenes around the world, meeting people, looking for the meaning of this concept, being curious about this idea…

And suddenly, I took a look at what is going on in Norway and find out that there are many influential and passionate people in the entrepreneurial space, supporting the startup vision of improving and building the Norwegian startup scene.

People are talking about Norway’s new startup scene and it is growing up very fast and with lots of initiatives.
We could talk about MESH, one of the several hot entrepreneurial scenes in Oslo, which got the first co-working space for new startups in Oslo.

Startup Norway, launched in 2011 has 400 registered members in its database, but gets about 3-4 new startups every week.

Startup Lab. It provides the space, advice, investment in innovators.

And lots of tools, frames, ambiance for doing it… Here are some examples:

Startup Weekend
Intensive 54-hour innovation program dedicated to entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. The goal of the event is to bring together people with different backgrounds and interests – developers, game designers, business people, musicians, and artists – to test ideas, start projects and build teams.
15 Startup weekends have been held in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondhein. And it will be expanded to the northern Norwegian city of Brodø.

Open Coffee
“A create your own agenda” event where people have the possibility of meeting supporters, future and current entrepreneurs over a cup of coffee.

Startup Summer
An intensive accelerator program for those who would like to go from idea to a product or service in two / three weeks.

Nordic Startup Awards
An event to recognize the startup eco-system based in the Nordics.

There is a very interesting guide trough the Oslo Startup Eco-system set by Startup Norway, which is based in three tips: Idea / Startup / Growth, where the advice, challenge, network, funding and offices are the main resources to look for.

And in any of these resources people with new ideas can find more than ten organizations, companies, partners and advisors to help and support your idea.

As it was said a few years ago, when someone was wondering if the Norwegian Startup Scene was hot or not, Norway’s startup scene is blooming and Norwegian entrepreneurs put a huge amount of efforts into their startups.
The Team behind co-working spaces, networks, organisations know about it and they are constantly focusing in facilitating new projects that feeds the ecosystem with more entrepreneurs and startups, aiming to build a thriving startup scene in Norway and tie the startup community closer together.

So, as it is said, you do not even need to quit your day job to take a leap: drop into MESH after work, come along to a Startup Weekend and grab a coffee with that friend of yours who always has a fresh idea for a crazy invention.