--- title: Founder of the Year Honorary Award --- # founder of the year ##### HONORARY AWARD ![NIKLAS ADALBERTH](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NIKLAS%20ADALBERTH.jpg?width=1333&height=1333&name=NIKLAS%20ADALBERTH.jpg) ## niklas adalberth ### FOUNDER OF THE YEAR HONORARY AWARD 2025 Niklas Adalberth, Founder of Norrsken Foundation, received the Growth Rings in Gold as Founder of the Year Honorary Award for being a change maker and his work for global impact. *“This isn’t about me, it’s about the thousands of founders, funders and enablers who are building incredible solutions to problems that actually matter, as part of the global Norrsken ecosystem. I’m honoured to accept the award on their behalf”, says Niklas.* [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/from-startup-founder-to-global-changemaker-niklas-adalberth-receives-founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-3406570) ## founder of the year ##### HONORARY AWARD 2025 [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/from-startup-founder-to-global-changemaker-niklas-adalberth-receives-founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-3406570) ![Patricia Olby Kimondo, Founder of the Year Honorary Award (2) (1)](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Patricia%20Olby%20Kimondo%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%20(2)%20(1).jpg?width=1411&height=1411&name=Patricia%20Olby%20Kimondo%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%20(2)%20(1).jpg) ## patricia olby kimondo ### FOUNDER OF THE YEAR HONORARY AWARD 2024 For over twenty years, Patricia has successfully led her company with a mission to revolutionize the Talent Sourcing Industry through innovative solutions. She advocates for women, particularly female founders, and works to improve their conditions worldwide. Her leadership and dedication make her a true changemaker, and we are honored to recognize her remarkable achievements with this award. [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-patricia-olby-kimondo-awarded-for-her-passionate-journey-from-pioneering-recruitment-with-laerarfoermedlarna-and-people-productions-to-launching-pamoja-revolutionizing-education-empowering-women-and-making-a-glo-3344255) ## founder of the year ##### HONORARY AWARD 2024 [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-patricia-olby-kimondo-awarded-for-her-passionate-journey-from-pioneering-recruitment-with-laerarfoermedlarna-and-people-productions-to-launching-pamoja-revolutionizing-education-empowering-women-and-making-a-glo-3344255) ![SVEN HAGSTRÖMER FOUNDER OF THE YEAR 1 HONORARY AWARD copy (1)](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SVEN%20HAGSTR%C3%96MER%20FOUNDER%20OF%20THE%20YEAR%201%20HONORARY%20AWARD%20copy%20(1).jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=SVEN%20HAGSTR%C3%96MER%20FOUNDER%20OF%20THE%20YEAR%201%20HONORARY%20AWARD%20copy%20(1).jpg) ## sven hagströmer ### FOUNDER OF THE YEAR HONORARY AWARD 2023 Sven Hagströmer, founder of Creades, received the Growth Rings in Gold as Founder of the Year Honorary Award for his lifelong work for entrepreneurship and social impact.  *"After following the award since its inception and admiring its recipients, I am truly proud and delighted to be a part of this exclusive circle", says Sven.* [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/sven-hagstroemer-was-awarded-the-growth-rings-in-gold-as-founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-for-his-exemplary-dedication-to-entrepreneurship-and-passionate-commitment-to-improve-society-3275245) ## founder of the year ##### HONORARY AWARD 2023 [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/sven-hagstroemer-was-awarded-the-growth-rings-in-gold-as-founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-for-his-exemplary-dedication-to-entrepreneurship-and-passionate-commitment-to-improve-society-3275245) ##### THE ![Frixos Papadolpolos, Founder of Fontana Food-2](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frixos%20Papadolpolos%2c%20Founder%20of%20Fontana%20Food-2.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Frixos%20Papadolpolos%2c%20Founder%20of%20Fontana%20Food-2.jpg) ## frixos papadopoulos ### FOUNDER OF THE YEAR HONORARY AWARD 2022 Frixos Papadopoulos was awarded with the Founder of the Year Honorary Award 2022 for his lifelong work in building up the family business Fontana Food. Frixos was celebrated together with his family at the Founders Awards Gala, Stockholm City Hall on September 22. [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/frixos-papadopoulos-is-awarded-as-founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-for-his-lifelong-work-in-building-up-the-family-business-fontana-food-3206572) ## the fontana family ##### A SUCCESSION SUCCESS STORY [PRESS RELEASE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/frixos-papadopoulos-is-awarded-as-founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-for-his-lifelong-work-in-building-up-the-family-business-fontana-food-3206572) ## winners quotes ##### HONORARY AWARD 2021 & 2020 “ Over the years, I’ve received many awards, but this one is different. This award was given to me by my peers - other founders - and that makes it extra special. DARKO PERVÁN VÄLINGE “ It is almost impossible to describe in words the gratitude and joy I felt when I received this award. For founders this award is worth its weight in gold. CHRISTINA WAHLSTRÖM MAMA MIA “ It feels great fun, it's really an honor and a great recognition to receive this award. I also want thank you for the important work you do for founders. MONICA LINDSTEDT HEMFRID ## founder of the year ### HONORARY AWARD [APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP](https://www.foundersalliance.com/apply-for-membership-criterias) Founder of the Year Honorary Award is Founders Alliance most prestigious accolade and is presented annually at the Founders Awards Gala. By rewarding particularly successful founders who have made a long-lasting contribution, Founders Alliance wishes to inspire sustainable company building and other founders to act as similarly great role models. Each year, the Founders Alliance nominates candidates for the award. Founder of the Year Honorary Award laureates receives The Growth Rings statuette and diploma at the annual Founders Awards Gala.  ###### CRITERIA - FOUNDER OF THE YEAR HONORARY AWARD - has built a limited company with over 10 MEUR in annual sales - has made a long-lasting contribution of sustainable company building - has enhanced societal well being based on employment, tax revenue and community involvement - is a role model for other founders, business and society no longer need to be operational   [ See more photos ](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4608802112504430&type=3) ## previous winners ##### A SELECTION OF AWARDED FOUNDERS ![Darko Perván, founder Välinge, Founder of the Year Honorary Award](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Darko%20Perv%C3%A1n%2c%20founder%20V%C3%A4linge%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Darko%20Perv%C3%A1n%2c%20founder%20V%C3%A4linge%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg) #### 2021 ##### DARKO PERVÁN  Founder Välinge [READ MORE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-darko-pervan-vaelinge-3129912) ![Christina Wahlström, Founder Mama Mia, Founder of the Year Honorary Award](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Christina%20Wahlstr%C3%B6m%2c%20Founder%20Mama%20Mia%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Christina%20Wahlstr%C3%B6m%2c%20Founder%20Mama%20Mia%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg) #### 2021 ##### CHRISTINA WAHLSTRÖM Founder Mama Mia [READ MORE](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/founders_alliance/pressreleases/founder-of-the-year-honorary-award-christina-wahlstroem-mama-mia-3129909) ![Monica Lindstedt, founder Hemfrid, Founder of the Year Honorary Award](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Monica%20Lindstedt%2c%20founder%20Hemfrid%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Monica%20Lindstedt%2c%20founder%20Hemfrid%2c%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg) #### 2020 ###### MONICA LINDSTEDT Founder Hemfrid ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Gunnar Rylander founder Founder IBS, Catella och Rylanderska Stiftelsen.jpeg](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fonts/Patterned%20Backgrounds/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Gunnar%20Rylander%20founder%20Founder%20IBS%2c%20Catella%20och%20Rylanderska%20Stiftelsen.jpeg.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Gunnar%20Rylander%20founder%20Founder%20IBS%2c%20Catella%20och%20Rylanderska%20Stiftelsen.jpeg.jpg) #### 2019 ###### GUNNAR RYLANDER Founder IBS, Catella och Rylanderska Stiftelsen ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award Kristina Lindhe founder The Lexington Company (1)](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fonts/Patterned%20Backgrounds/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%20Kristina%20Lindhe%20founder%20The%20Lexington%20Company%20(1).jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%20Kristina%20Lindhe%20founder%20The%20Lexington%20Company%20(1).jpg) #### 2018 ###### KRISTINA LINDHE Founder The Lexington Company ![Founder of the Year Honorara Award, Barbara Bergström, founder Internationella Engelska skolan](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fonts/Patterned%20Backgrounds/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorara%20Award%2c%20Barbara%20Bergstr%C3%B6m%2c%20founder%20Internationella%20Engelska%20skolan.png?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorara%20Award%2c%20Barbara%20Bergstr%C3%B6m%2c%20founder%20Internationella%20Engelska%20skolan.png) #### 2017 ###### BARBARA BERGSTRÖM Founder Internationella Engelska Skolan ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Carl Bennet](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fonts/Patterned%20Backgrounds/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Carl%20Bennet.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Carl%20Bennet.jpg) #### 2017 ###### CARL BENNET Founder Carl Bennet Company ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Gun Nowak, Founder FACE Stockholm ](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Gun%20Nowak%2c%20Founder%20FACE%20Stockholm%20.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Gun%20Nowak%2c%20Founder%20FACE%20Stockholm%20.jpg) #### 2016 ###### GUN NOWAK Founder FACE Stockholm ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Rune Andersson Founder Mellby Gård](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Rune%20Andersson%20Founder%20Mellby%20G%C3%A5rd.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Rune%20Andersson%20Founder%20Mellby%20G%C3%A5rd.jpg) #### 2016 ##### RUNE ANDERSSON Founder Mellby Gård ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Margareta Jonsson founder Polarbröd](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Margareta%20Jonsson%20founder%20Polarbr%C3%B6d.png?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Margareta%20Jonsson%20founder%20Polarbr%C3%B6d.png) #### 2015 ###### MARGARETA JONSSON Founder Polarbröd ![Martin Gren, founder Axis Founder of the Year Honorary Award](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Martin%20Gren%2c%20founder%20Axis%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Martin%20Gren%2c%20founder%20Axis%20Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award.jpg) #### 2015 ###### MARTIN GREN Founder Axis ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Björn & Lillemor Jakobson founder BabyBjörn](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Bj%C3%B6rn%20%26%20Lillemor%20Jakobson%20founder%20BabyBj%C3%B6rn.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Bj%C3%B6rn%20%26%20Lillemor%20Jakobson%20founder%20BabyBj%C3%B6rn.jpg) #### 2014 ###### BJÖRN & LILLEMOR JAKOBSON Founders BabyBjörn ![Founder of the year Honorary Award, Bengt Nilsson founder IFS](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Bengt%20Nilsson%20founder%20IFS.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Bengt%20Nilsson%20founder%20IFS.jpg) #### 2014 ###### BENGT NILSSON Founder IFS ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award, Anders Wall founder BeijerAlma ](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Anders%20Wall%20founder%20BeijerAlma%20.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%2c%20Anders%20Wall%20founder%20BeijerAlma%20.jpg) #### 2013 ###### ANDERS WALL Founder Beijer Alma, Anders Wall Stiftelse ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award 2013, Sten K Johnson - Midway Holding](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202013%2c%20Sten%20K%20Johnson%20-%20Midway%20Holding.png?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202013%2c%20Sten%20K%20Johnson%20-%20Midway%20Holding.png) #### 2012 ###### STEN K JOHNSON Founder Midway Holding ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award 2012, Signhild Arnegård Hansen - Svenska Lantchips](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202012%2c%20Signhild%20Arneg%C3%A5rd%20Hansen%20-%20Svenska%20Lantchips.jpg?width=3296&height=3296&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202012%2c%20Signhild%20Arneg%C3%A5rd%20Hansen%20-%20Svenska%20Lantchips.jpg) #### 2011 ###### SIGNHILD ARNEGÅRD HANSEN Founder Svenska Lantchips ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award 2010, Jonas af Jochnick, Oriflame](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202010%2c%20Jonas%20af%20Jochnick%2c%20Oriflame.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202010%2c%20Jonas%20af%20Jochnick%2c%20Oriflame.jpg) #### 2010 ###### JONAS AF JOCHNICK Founder Oriflame ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award 2009, Bicky Chakraborty Elite Hotels](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202009%2c%20Bicky%20Chakraborty%20Elite%20Hotels.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202009%2c%20Bicky%20Chakraborty%20Elite%20Hotels.jpg) #### 2009 ###### BICKY CHAKRABORTY Founder Elite Hotels ![Founder of the Year Honorary Award 2008, Ulla Lundevall Dustin](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202008%2c%20Ulla%20Lundevall%20Dustin.jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Award%202008%2c%20Ulla%20Lundevall%20Dustin.jpg) #### 2008 ###### ULLA LUNDEVALL Founder Dustin ![Founder of the Year Honorary Awards 2007, Sven Hagströmer Creades (1)](https://www.foundersalliance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Awards%202007%2c%20Sven%20Hagstr%C3%B6mer%20Creades%20(1).jpg?width=1000&height=1000&name=Founder%20of%20the%20Year%20Honorary%20Awards%202007%2c%20Sven%20Hagstr%C3%B6mer%20Creades%20(1).jpg) #### 2007 ###### SVEN HAGSTRÖMER Founder Creades