Venture Cup Appoints Jennie Kvintåhs as New CEO

Jennie Kvintåhs appointment as CEO of Venture Cup marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organization; she takes office on December 1, 2025. This leadership change is central to Venture Cup’s continued mission to strengthen Sweden’s entrepreneurial landscape and to make it easier for early-stage ideas to grow into successful companies. For more than two decades, Venture Cup has been a key driver of Swedish entrepreneurship. With Jennie at the helm, the organization aims to become even more inclusive and innovative.

Jennie Kvintåhs broad experience sets a new course

Jennie Kvintåhs brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, community development and leadership. Throughout her career she has worked closely with startups, academic institutions and national innovation platforms. Her focus has been creating spaces where people with ideas gain access to networks, mentorship and resources that help transform visions into scalable ventures.

One of her most notable initiatives was leading the introduction of Female Entrepreneurship Day in Sweden, which opened new opportunities for women founders and helped build a more inclusive ecosystem. Her ability to combine public benefit, business development and innovation positions her as a strong leader for the next phase of Venture Cup’s development.

At the time of her appointment she expressed great energy and enthusiasm for the role, stressing that the organization’s strength lies in bringing people, ideas and knowledge together in environments where innovation can take shape.
“I want to strengthen Venture Cup as a platform where more people feel welcome to develop their ideas. By building bridges between academia, industry and society, we can create environments where innovation makes a real impact and contributes to social benefit,” says Jennie Kvintåhs.

A clear vision for the future

Jennie describes her vision for Venture Cup as a blend of renewal and deepening of impact. Her ambition is to both enhance existing programs and launch new efforts that make it simpler for entrepreneurs to start and scale their ventures.

Her three core focus areas are:
• Strengthening and expanding Venture Cup’s network of partners
• Creating more accessible and inclusive innovation environments
• Increasing the visibility of entrepreneurship as a critical force for societal development

By taking a holistic approach to idea development, community-building and long-term growth, she aims for Venture Cup to remain the go-to starting point for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Jennie also emphasizes the organization’s role in inspiring students and young innovators. She wants Venture Cup to be a forum where new solutions, bold visions and entrepreneurial energy can flourish.

Mehkar Sheikh’s legacy and the organization’s progress

Jennie succeeds Mehkar Sheikh, who steps down after a period of substantial development. Under Mehkar’s leadership, Venture Cup strengthened its national presence and deepened collaborations with universities, incubators, industry partners and innovation hubs. The organization carried out several initiatives that brought it closer to students and early-stage companies while establishing a stronger voice on entrepreneurship and societal development.

“It has been a privilege to lead Venture Cup and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. The mission is about building an ecosystem where ideas can grow and create real value. I am proud of what we have accomplished and confident that Jennie will lead the organization forward successfully,” says Mehkar Sheikh.

Board perspective and confidence in the future

Pernilla Johnsson, chair of the board for Venture Cup Sweden, expresses strong confidence in the path ahead.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Mehkar for her significant contributions. She has strengthened our work and leaves an organization well prepared for the future. At the same time, we warmly welcome Jennie as the new CEO. Her commitment and drive make her the right leader to take Venture Cup onward,” says Pernilla Johnsson.

Towards an inclusive and dynamic future

With Jennie Kvintåhs leading Venture Cup, the organization enters a phase characterized by renewed opportunities, deeper partnerships and greater national visibility. Venture Cup will continue to position itself as one of Sweden’s most important platforms for entrepreneurship, innovation and future business creation.