meet the founders jury -

founder of the year 2026

SMALL SIZE COMPANIES

Receiving recognition from your peers is one of the highest honors as a founder. Our jury members - esteemed founders and previous award winners - have embraced this responsibility to support the next generation, generously sharing their experience, insights, and commitment to building stronger founder ecosystems.

We are proud to present the Founders Jury for Founder of the Year – Small Size Companies 2026:

- Elvira Eriksson - Chair, Co-Founder of Mockberg
- Jaakko Wäänänen – Founder of Hellon
- Andrius Francas (he/him) – Founder of Alliance for Recruitment
- Dave Slocombe – Co-Founder of WUKA
- Johanna von Sydow – Founder of Equestrian Stockholm
- Alexandra Leonkrone – Founder of Care by IRIS

These founders represent a powerful mix of entrepreneurial journeys, international perspectives, and a shared passion for elevating peer founders.

✨ Stay tuned as we approach the 25th Anniversary Founders Awards Gala in Stockholm on September 24, 2026 - a celebration of the founders shaping the future.