SACCNY Newsletter: Top News & Initiatives
Dear SACCNY Members and Friends,
The transatlantic economy is navigating increasingly complex conditions in 2026. Companies today face a convergence of uncertainties—from geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains to trade disruption and currency volatility. The war in Iran is tightening global energy supply, contributing to rising global energy costs and market turbulence. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a pace that is forcing organizations on both sides of the Atlantic to adapt and move faster than ever before.
Despite significant uncertainty, transatlantic business remains strong. More than $6.4 billion in goods and services is exchanged daily between the United States and Europe, reinforced by substantial investment ties that sustain millions of jobs. And while goods trade has captured most of the attention, U.S.–EU services trade rose by 16% year-over-year, reaching $581 billion in 2025.
Looking across our community here in New York, the picture is equally clear: Swedish and Nordic companies are not stepping back from the U.S. market. They are leaning in, with pragmatism and a long-term view. Across our roundtables and events, we consistently see member companies positioning themselves to seize opportunities even in a more uncertain environment.
At our recent Leaders Exchange, we heard from our newest Gold member, Validio, an agentic data management platform, sharing how companies must fundamentally transform their approach to strategy in the AI era. Moments like these—where emerging innovators meet established leaders—capture the Chamber’s central role as a bridge between new technologies and deep industry experience.
As we look ahead, we are sharpening our focus to help members succeed in an AI-driven economy. While AI will transform industries, it will also raise the bar for leadership, judgment, and human connection. The winners will be those who combine technology with strong, values-driven leadership. That is why leadership advisory is becoming a core priority for us, alongside our work with innovators shaping the future.
This quarter’s program reflects that vision: our Nordic–U.S. AI Leadership Summit, and the continued growth of our Innovate Nordics and Skyline accelerators. Together, they reflect the power of combining Swedish innovation with American scale to meet this moment.
We are also proud to mark a major milestone with our 120th Anniversary Gala, a celebration of SACCNY’s longstanding role in strengthening Swedish–American business ties and the relationships that make it all possible.
Thank you for being part of this community. We value your engagement and welcome your input as we continue to grow and evolve.
Warmly,
Barbara Wennerholm
President of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York
Recommended Resources
The Swedish Government: Sweden’s First Comprehensive AI Roadmap
CNBC: Why Section 301 probes matter — and what they mean for Trump’s tariffs
NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT!
Dagens Industri: Svensk AI-raket värderas till 1,7 miljarder: ”Skit in, katastrof ut”
Upcoming & Ongoing Events
Shaping the AI Era: Join the Nordic-US AI Leadership Summit in NYC
On April 14, SACCNY, in collaboration with Accenture and Combient, will host a flagship summit at Accenture’s office at One Manhattan West. The summit is supported by Microsoft, SAP and the Consulate General of Sweden in New York.
As AI moves from experimental to essential, this event bridges the gap between Nordic innovation and U.S. policy to drive a transatlantic competitive edge.
The summit features high-impact sessions covering:
Geopolitics & Security: How AI is rewriting the rules of global power and the transatlantic bond
Operational Excellence: Moving beyond the hype to master scalable, secure, and profitable AI deployment
Strategic Integration: Aligning policy, capital, and compute between the Nordics and the U.S.
Scaling Architecture: Embedding agility and a data-first culture into established enterprises
Featured Speakers include:
Niklas Heuveldop, CEO of Vonage & Group SVP at Ericsson
Charles Myers, Founder & Chairman at Signum Global Advisors
Dr. Kyle Kretschman, Head of AI & Economic Research at Spotify
Dr. Nathan Sheets, Global Chief Economist at Citigroup
Trisha Ray, Associate Director at the Atlantic Council
Gustav von Sydow, Partner at EQT Ventures
...and leaders from Microsoft, Accenture, Legora and many more
When: April 14, 2026 | 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM (followed by an evening reception)
Where: Accenture, One Manhattan West, NYC
Tickets: $250 General / $50 for SACCNY & Combient Members
Celebrating 120 Years of Excellence:
The SACCNY Great Gatsby Anniversary Gala
For over a century, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York has served as the heartbeat of transatlantic innovation.
We invite you to join us for this historic milestone as we celebrate our 120th Anniversary with a night of Gatsby-style glamour and a tribute to the community that makes our mission possible.
This year’s celebration is made even more special by the presence of SACCNY Patron, Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
An Evening To Remember:
Cocktail Reception: Start the night with networking and hors d'oeuvres
Anniversary Banquet: A formal three-course dinner in a historic Manhattan setting with unforgettable entertainment
Celebrating into the Night: Let the festivities continue with music and dancing as the evening unfolds
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM – Late
Where: New York City
Dress Code: Gatsby Glamour / Black Tie
SACCNY Highlights
Champagne & Cheers: A Sparkling Start to 2026
We officially kicked off the new year with a night of celebration, connection, and true Nordic spirit at our "Champagne & Cheers" event!
It was a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together for a night of laughter and friendly competition. Most importantly, this was a collaborative effort to unite the Nordic Chambers of New York.
A special thank you to our partners at the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce, The Icelandic-American Chamber of Commerce and The Danish-American Chamber of Commerce for helping us create such a memorable gathering.
Mindsets: UNLOCKED — A Masterclass in Bold Leadership
SACCNY, in partnership with the Consulate General of Sweden in New York and the Sweden-America Foundation, hosted a high-impact leadership workshop: Mindsets: UNLOCKED.
We were beyond excited to welcome Josh Cohen, Co-CEO of GIANT Innovation, to guide our community through a session designed specifically for leaders who have seen it all—and are still hungry for more.
There was no standard playbook. Just bold conversations, sharp strategy, and a room full of leaders ready to challenge the status quo and explore new dimensions of leadership.
A Huge Thank You to everyone who showed up curious, engaged, and ready to think differently. The level of collaboration in the room was a powerful reminder of why we continue to curate these spaces for our community.
Finance AI Hackathon
“Choose a CFO headache. Build an AI app to solve it.” A few weeks back, we got a front-row seat to watch it happen in real time.
At the AI Hackathon hosted by Lovable, Light, Abacum, and J.P. Morgan — held at J.P. Morgan's stunning New York office — the energy was off the charts.
The premise was simple: identify a real CFO pain point and build an AI-powered solution to address it, in a single day. What followed was a vivid demonstration of just how rapidly the barrier between "business problem" and "working application" is collapsing. Finance teams who arrived as problem-havers left as builders.
SACCNY President Barbara Wennerholm had the privilege of sitting on the judging panel — helping evaluate the solutions that emerged from an intense and energizing day of Nordic and global innovation colliding in the heart of NYC.
The future is not coming. It is being built right now.
Leading the American Enterprise — The Swedish Way
Our latest edition of the Executive Insight Series took place at the Swedish Residence in New York, bringing together three of the most accomplished Swedish business leaders operating in the American market.
Hans Vestberg (business leader & former CEO of Verizon), Stefan Larsson (CEO of PVH), and Lovisa Afzelius (General Partner at Flagship Pioneering) joined a candid conversation on what it means to lead major American enterprises — and what the Swedish perspective brings to that challenge.
Across the discussion, several themes emerged clearly: the value of staying genuinely curious, the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted advisors, and the discipline of remaining present and engaged even as organizations grow in complexity. Perhaps most strikingly, all three speakers returned to the idea that leadership, however much the business evolves, must rest on a stable foundation of values.
The conversation was moderated by Consul General of Sweden in New York, Erik Ullenhag, and SACCNY President Barbara Wennerholm. We are grateful to our speakers for their candor, and to all who joined for what proved to be a genuinely inspiring session.
Executive Women's Conference: Gender Equality as a Growth Strategy
Gender equality isn't just the right thing to do — it's a competitive advantage.
Against the backdrop of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (#CSW70), SACCNY's Executive Women's Conference, co-hosted with the Consulate General of Sweden in New York, brought together leaders from business, government, and technology for a breakfast discussion on why inclusive leadership is one of the most underutilized levers for economic growth.
The panel featured four exceptional voices, moderated by SACCNY President Barbara Wennerholm:
Minister Nina Larsson, Sweden's Minister for Gender Equality
Atsi Sheth, Chief Credit Officer, Moody's Ratings
Anita Wooley Nelson, Regional Executive Officer, Skanska Advanced Technology & Skanska Integrated Solutions
Åsa Johansen, Director, Women in Tech Sweden
Sweden's structural track record set the foundation for the conversation — gender-neutral parental leave, accessible childcare, and rigorous disclosure standards have meaningfully increased women's participation in both the workforce and in leadership. The result is not just a more equitable society, but a more competitive and resilient one.
The most striking data point came from Moody's: there is a clear, observed correlation between stronger female board representation and higher credit ratings. Governance quality is a leading variable in credit assessment, and diverse boards consistently demonstrate stronger risk evaluation and longer-term thinking. Diversity isn't a soft metric — it shows up in the numbers.
The discussion also tackled where the gaps remain most acute. In construction, women represent just 11% of the workforce. In technology, urban planning, and engineering, the picture is similar. These are not just equity gaps — they are skills gaps, at a moment when the global labor market can least afford them. Early exposure, visible role models, and deliberate pipeline investment are not optional. They are strategic necessities.
Looking ahead, the panel was clear-eyed about AI. Algorithms inherit the biases of the teams that build them. As digital systems become embedded in safety infrastructure, urban planning, and organizational decision-making, the composition of those teams matters enormously. Inclusive development is not just fairer — it produces better, more trustworthy technology.
The conclusion was straightforward: inclusion cannot be treated as a standalone initiative. It must be embedded as a core strategic process — one that positions organizations to navigate technological disruption, demographic change, and the labor challenges ahead.
Gender equality drives growth. That's not a talking point — it's a strategy.
SACCNY brought together its Gold and Silver members for the second edition of Leaders Exchange — a closed-door roundtable designed for exactly the kind of frank, peer-level conversation that rarely happens in open settings.
The question framing the discussion was one that many in the room are navigating daily: in an environment shaped by geopolitical volatility and the accelerating integration of AI, how are senior executives making decisions — and what can we learn from each other?
The value of the format lies in its intimacy. With no audience and no agenda beyond honest exchange, participants were able to share what is genuinely working, surface shared concerns, and stress-test their thinking with peers from across sectors.
A huge thank you to Nixon Peabody for hosting us, and to Atlas Copco Group for their partnership in making this edition possible. We look forward to continuing the series throughout the year.
Ongoing Events
Innovate Nordics 2026: Accelerating Life Science into the U.S.
SACCNY is proud to announce the 2026 edition of the Innovate Nordics Acceleration Program. In partnership with EY, the program brings together a selected cohort of innovative Nordic life science companies looking to bridge the gap between the Nordics and New York.
Through workshops, expert insights, and access to SACCNY’s network of corporations, mentors, and investors, the program supports companies throughout their U.S. expansion.
Program Highlights
Stockholm Kick-off: May 7
Featuring keynotes, panel discussions, and introductory pitches from participating companies.
New York Delegation: May 26–28
A high-impact three-day program in New York City, including:
B2B matchmaking and roundtables with industry leaders
Networking reception at the residence of the Consul General of Sweden in New York
Site visits to leading global life science companies
Investor summit featuring the SACCNY & EY Pitch Competition
Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and more
Why Innovate Nordics?
Year after year, Innovate Nordics serves as a launchpad for companies such as Mavatar, Multi4 Medical, BrainZell, Neogap, and MedBeat. By connecting participants with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners in New York, SACCNY plays an active role in helping Nordic companies establish a presence in the U.S. market.
Stay tuned for updates from our May events as our cohort prepares to take the stage in New York!
Skyline 2026: Scale Your Energy Innovation in New York
SACCNY, in partnership with the Swedish Energy Agency and Build Edison, is calling for applicants for Skyline 2026.
This accelerator program is designed for small and medium-sized Swedish companies with scalable sustainable solutions for New York’s buildings, urban infrastructure, and energy systems.
New York is investing billions in energy efficiency, electrification, and next-generation infrastructure. With ambitious climate legislation reshaping the real estate sector, demand for Swedish innovative solutions has never been stronger.
What Skyline Delivers:
Market-Access: Tailored U.S. market analysis and go-to-market support
Two High-Impact Delegation trips to New York: Including a delegation visit during Climate Week NYC (September) and a follow-up visit in November
Business Development: Access to NYC decision-makers in Energy and Real Estate, with investor, financing, and pilot project connections
Sponsored Participation: Skyline is financed by the Swedish Energy Agency. There is no participation fee for selected companies
The program runs from June to November 2026
Why New York?
New York is a global leader in the Green Economy, with buildings accounting for 70% of the state's energy use. For Swedish tech providers, this represents an unparalleled opportunity to deploy solutions at scale in one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets.
Spotlight!
Some of Our Newest Members
Validio is an agentic data management platform that automates data observability, quality, lineage, and cataloging. Founded in Sweden in 2019 by Patrik Liu Tran, Validio serves data and AI-driven enterprises globally, enabling them to unlock competitive advantage through high-quality data in the AI era. Customers include Nordea, ABB, Ecolab, AllianceBernstein, and Canva.
The company is backed by leading investors, including Plural, Lakestar, J12 and high-profile founders and angels including Kevin Ryan (MongoDB), Denise Persson (Snowflake), Emil Eifrem (Neo4j), and Sven Hagströmer (Avanza Bank).
Recently closing a $30M Series A funding, Validio is now expanding globally, and opening up an office here in New York.
DNB is Norway's largest financial services group and one of the world's leading banks in shipping, energy, and seafood financing.
With a New York presence established in 1975, the U.S. operations offer a complete range of investment services and industry-specific expertise and serve corporate and institutional clients across capital markets, lending, and advisory.
In 2025, DNB combined with Carnegie to form DNB Carnegie — now the leading investment bank in the Nordic region, with offices in Stockholm, Oslo, London, New York, and Singapore.
Debevoise & Plimpton is a premier international law firm with deep New York roots and a global reach spanning nine offices across three continents.
With more than 900 lawyers, the firm is widely regarded as one of the leading practices in private equity, M&A, insurance, financial institutions, complex litigation, white-collar investigations, and international arbitration.
Founded in 1931 and consistently ranked among the most profitable and highly regarded firms in the world, Debevoise brings a distinctively high standard of quality and commercial judgment to every matter.
Tradedoubler helps brands grow through partnerships.
Their network connects companies with publishers, creators, and influencers who promote products across major online channels — with brands only paying when results are delivered.
Founded in Stockholm in 1999, Tradedoubler was one of Europe’s early pioneers in affiliate marketing. Today they support more than 3,000 brands and a global community of 300,000 publishers across 90+ markets.
BNP Paribas is one of Europe's largest and most internationally active financial institutions, present in 64 countries with approximately 180,000 employees worldwide.
In the United States, BNP Paribas operates across more than 20 locations with over 3,500 employees, with New York serving as the hub for its Corporate & Institutional Banking and Asset Management activities.
The Group supports corporations, institutions, and individuals through a comprehensive range of financing, investment, and advisory services — with a strong commitment to sustainable finance and the transition to a net-zero economy.
Fox Rothschild is a full-service American law firm with more than 1,000 attorneys across 30 offices nationwide.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1907, the firm serves businesses of all sizes, from family-owned companies to multinational corporations, across a wide range of practice areas including corporate, litigation, M&A, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, and financial restructuring.
Fox Rothschild combines the reach and resources of a national firm with the responsiveness and personal investment of a boutique practice.
SACCNY Recommends
Kosta Boda: Bertil Vallien’s STARMAN
We are delighted to share that Kosta Boda is opening a monumental exhibition in New York this spring: STARMAN: Sixty Years of Exploring Glass Art — a survey show celebrating the artistic partnership between renowned glass sculptor Bertil Vallien and Kosta Boda, on view at the Robert Lehman Gallery at UrbanGlass from April 3 – May 3, 2026.
At 88, Vallien is a legend and one of the most celebrated glass artists in the world. The presentation features 35 career-spanning works — from the introspective Resting Heads and the mythic Ships, to a never-before-seen Black Glass sculpture marking a return to his signature sand-casting technique.
In addition to the exhibition, a documentary film — The Master (Mästaren), directed by Staffan Bengtsson — will be screened at UrbanGlass on three occasions, offering a rare window into Vallien’s creative world. Tickets are $10 + tax, with all proceeds benefiting Svenska kyrkan.
Screening Dates:
Wednesday, April 15 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Thursday, April 23 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29 | 6:00–8:00 PM
A collaboration with SACCNY, the Consulate General of Sweden in New York, and Svenska kyrkan i New York.
Honorary Mention
In Memory of Henry “Hank” E. Gooss
(1941–2026)
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Henry “Hank” E. Gooss, a former Chairman and Honorary Board member of SACCNY whose leadership and warmth left a lasting impact on our community.
Throughout his long tenure — notably as a leader at Investor AB and a Senior Advisor until 2013 — Hank was a cornerstone of the Swedish-American business bridge. His dedication to fostering these ties was formally recognized in 2019 when he was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star for his outstanding service.
Beyond his professional brilliance, Hank was known for a laugh that filled the room and a rare ability to make everyone feel welcome. He was a devoted philanthropist, serving Goodwill Industries for 27 years, and a cherished friend to many within the Chamber.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Barbara, and the Gooss family.
Memorial Service: June 4, 2:00 PM | Church of the Heavenly Rest, NYC
In Memoriam: Donations may be made to the Peconic Land Trust or Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and NJ.