Stockholm, 2026-02-17
sofi franzén: from award‑winning founder to jury chair founder of the year
LARGE SIZE COMPANIES
Scaling a company to large size demands resilience, vision, and the courage to lead through complexity. This year, Sofi Franzén brings that experience to the forefront as Chair of the Jury for Founder of the Year – Large Size Companies at the Founders Awards.
Just a year ago, Sofi stood on stage as Founder of the Year. Now, as Chair, she brings her insight and experience to help select the winners who will continue shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
Sofi’s entrepreneurial journey began in Åre, where she co‑founded Eventyr in 1995 together with Kristoffer Schjött‑Quist. What started as a small event agency quickly became one of Sweden’s most influential experiential firms, giving Sofi early insight into how creativity and a people‑centered approach are essential to lasting business success.
Later, she joined forces with Timo Aalto and Joonas Patama to launch LIWLIG, a Nordic agency dedicated to redefining live, hybrid, and digital experiences. Sustainability, inclusivity, and culture have been at its core from day one. Today, LIWLIG spans Europe, proving that scale and purpose can grow together.
Sofi is also a long-time highly valued member of Founders Alliance, former member of Founders Alliance Board of Directors, and member of Founders Group 8 for many years with a deep connection to the Founders Alliance community.
Her leadership has been recognized repeatedly. In addition to being named Founder of the Year (2025), she has been celebrated as CEO of the Year in Sweden, a testament to her ability to build resilient, high-performing teams and scale organizations with clarity and purpose.
Even while driving innovation across the European event scene, Sofi has returned to her roots in the mountains. Together with partners Carolina Angland, she has invested in Sällsjö Fjällhotell, near Åre. The hotel offers retreats and conferences in a stunning natural setting, reflecting the same principles that guide Sofi’s professional life: purposeful creation, thoughtful leadership, and lasting impact.
As Jury Chair, Sofi Franzén brings first-hand experience in building, scaling, and sustaining large companies. Under her leadership, the Founders Awards will honor the next generation of founders who are not only delivering results but also shaping the future - through bold vision, responsible leadership, and a lasting positive impact on their teams, industries, and communities.
Photo: Peter Knutsson