This Week's Buzz and Insights
January 18, 2025
Exciting News: Silicon Valley Nordic Beat is Evolving!
It’s been five months since I launched Silicon Valley Nordic Beat on Substack, and it’s been a fantastic starting point. But now, it’s time for the next chapter.
Next week, SVNB is moving to a new platform at another startup, Indiegraf. This move allows for a more flexible business model (part of the plan from the start) and opens the door to expanded journalism, ads, and a few surprises I can’t reveal just yet.
Don’t worry—your subscription moves with us, and you’ll still find the publication at www.svnordicbeat.com.
Already this week, we are introducing a new category: Weekend Read. This section will feature longer stories designed for your downtime, offering in-depth reads perfect for when you’re taking a break from work.
Looking ahead, I’m planning to bring in more talented writers, including rising journalist stars from the Nordic countries. The goal isn’t just to shout, “Sweden is the best” or “Denmark leads in tech.” Real journalism fosters trust, transparency, and democracy—values that benefit everyone, even when the truth stings.
See you on our new platform next week! In the meantime, enjoy the first Weekend Read and have a fantastic long weekend.
Articles
Good and Bad News for Ascendis
Danish biopharma company Ascendis Pharma had an eventful day on Monday. In a J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference presentation, CEO Jan Mikkelsen revealed that the company is well-positioned for rapid revenue growth. But then, there was bad news, too.
Ozempic Challenger Advances
Danish Zealand Pharma is recruiting for a Phase 2 study of its drug candidate, Petrelintide, a potential competitor to the best-selling Ozempic. At the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, CEO Adam Steensberg talked about the drug and the company’s innovative approach to tackling obesity.
Grand Slam for Denmark in Las Vegas
Danish startups dominated the Extreme Tech Challenge Semiconductors and AI Innovation Startup Cup in Las Vegas, winning all three prizes.
Netz Joins Business Sweden
Vinnova’s Head of Tech in Palo Alto, Andreas Netz has been hired as Head of Investment Promotion at Business Sweden in San Francisco.
Cold Case: 1973 Murder of Swedish Woman in Marin Court
On a gray November day in 1973, the young Swedish mother Nina Fischer was found brutally murdered in her home in San Rafael. It was her husband, a vice president at Coronaverken, who discovered her body when he returned from his office in San Francisco. Now, a suspect is finally being brought to trial.