Multiple award winner and first company in the world to produce a universal bioink at Connect2Capital

CELLINK is one of Sweden’s hottest startups, Gothenburg in particular, which has grown from 2 to 16 employees in less than a year. CELLINK is the first company in the world to produce a universal bioink. Along with selling bioinks CELLINK also makes 3D Bioprinters.

CELLINK has won numerous awards in 2016 and continues to thrive. Just 10 months after CELLINK launched they became a publically traded company on Nasdaq. See what their CEO/Co-Founder Erik Gatenholm had to say:

Why did you start CELLINK?

There is a massive need for human tissue and there is a massive shortage of supply for human tissue whether it's on the human or on a plate for testing. I started CELLINK because I realized and found a way of producing human tissue for testing and possibly implantation in the future. We have developed a technology that allows scientist and researchers to print tissue on demand which can help with development of new medication and cosmetic products and even further the personalized medicine area. Our partners are using our technology for cancer research, tissue engineering, stem cell research and many more areas.

In short, I started the company because I believe that this technology has the possibility of changing medical research and the way we treat patients in the future.

What do you find to be the most exciting part about running a startup?

Being part of an amazing team that is so diverse and that allows you to create ripple effects in all these different areas. The idea of being able to change the world in one way or another is thrilling.

Why did you decide to go public?

It’s a very attractive financing model that’s almost only available for startups in Sweden. The other route that was available was VC where you give up a lot of equity and control. Going public has allowed us to raise the money needed and has also given us the publicity we have been looking for to help brand CELLINK on a global level.

What advice would you give to others starting out in the startup world?

Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who are smart, build a culture that enables and motivates people to grow. Start selling asap, with sales everything else will come so much faster.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I have a record deal and was a music producer before I started CELLINK. Find me on Spotify!

Want to hear more about CELLINK’s journey? Come to Connect2Capital! 

Register here.

Connect2Capital is the venue that offers growth companies, investors and other actors in funding the ideal place to meet in an efficient and inspiring way. The forum is featuring emerging technology companies across various streams such as ICT, Industry, Life Sciences Technology and more. Gothenburg is located in an exciting region at the center of northern European regional growth and development by connecting Oslo and Copenhagen in the heart of western Sweden.

During two days we facilitate growth by providing matchmaking and pre-booked meetings. The program contains a wide range of keynotes discussing present trends and success stories, and for the third year in a row we're teaming up with Startup Grind to bring you a truly relevant event.