SACCNY Newsletter: Top News & Initiatives
Dear SACCNY Members and Friends,
As I mark my first year as President of SACCNY, I am filled with gratitude for all that we have built and achieved together.
It has been a privilege to work alongside an outstanding team, full of energy and passion, to drive the SACCNY mission forward. Combined with the increased engagement from our board and members, this has been the key to the remarkable success we have enjoyed.
Over the past year, our programming and reach have accelerated dramatically. With more than 50 events, three acceleration programs, a tripled Young Professionals network, several new initiatives, and 90+ new members, the Chamber is taking bold steps forward.
Thanks to a passionate team and the growing engagement of so many of you, we are not only upholding a proud legacy—we are redefining what it means for the next generation.
Thank you all for supporting the Chamber!
Warmly,
Barbara Wennerholm
President of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York
Recommended Resources
Upcoming & Ongoing Events
It is that time of the year again!
Our immensely popular Lucia Luncheon returns on December 5, 2025, at the historic Union Club in New York.
This year, the event is especially momentous as we, after nearly a decade—long pause, are reintroducing the 30th edition of the Lucia Trade & Innovation Award. The luncheon will feature the iconic St. Lucia Procession and a festive Julbord, bringing a touch of Sweden to the heart of New York City.
We look forward to unveiling the 2025 recipient of this prestigious award and celebrating a day of tradition, innovation, and transatlantic friendship.
Join this cherished tradition—only a few tables left, secure yours now!
Early bird prices end October 15th.
Exclusive Sip-and-Shop with STAUD
On October 8th, from 6-8 PM, all SACCNY members are invited to a special evening with STAUD at their SoHo boutique. This private shopping and networking event offers a unique opportunity to meet the STAUD team and hear directly about the inspiration behind the brand and its latest Fall Collection.
Enjoy drinks, conversation, and an exclusive 15% off all purchases during the event.
Sign up and join us for an evening of style, insights, and connections.
Experience the Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) 2025
As the largest Nordic Film Festival outside of Europe, the mission of NIFF is to build bridges between the Nordic region and the international film communities through the art of filmmaking.
We are presenting a festival with a reinvigorated focus on the filmmakers and the art of Nordic Filmmaking through transformative panels, networking, and a true collaboration of all things that make the Nordics so unique.
The festival, taking place November 6-8 in the distinguished Bjarke Ingels building at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, will feature a diverse schedule of programming that encapsulates different aspects of the human experience. How we cope with grief, new adventures, darkness, relationship, and conflict. The films this year showcase there's many different ways to forge through life, and we celebrate them all.
SACCNY Highlights
Executive Insight Series: The Legacy of Disruption
On August 27th, SACCNY kicked off the fall season in Stockholm with an inspiring edition of Executive Insight Series, at the House of Nobility in Stockholm.
The session brought together leading voices to discuss the Legacy of Disruption and the Future of Transatlantic Relations.
Expertly moderated by Erik Ullenhag, Consul General of Sweden in New York, the conversation explored how disruption is shaping global markets and the future of U.S.-Europe relations.
Our panel included Elisabet Kopelman (SEB), an expert on U.S. macroeconomics and the Federal Reserve; Charles Myers (Signum Global Advisors), who brings decades of experience in both U.S. politics and global financial markets; and Robert Sockin (Citi), a global economist whose insights are regularly cited in international media.
A big thank you to EY and the Consulate General of Sweden in New York for their support, and to all who joined us for making it such a memorable evening.
Erik Ullenhag, Consul General of Sweden in New York with Elisabet Kopelman, Charles Myers, Robert Sockin and Barbara Wennerholm Photo: Allmyfriendsarestars
Board Meeting & Celebratory Dinner in Stockholm
Thank you to EY, who generously hosted the SACCNY August board meeting!
Acknowledging the Chamber’s renewed momentum, the meeting focused on strengthening the value offered to members and defining strategic priorities for SACCNY’s future work. Seeing the board so energetic and enthusiastic was a highlight, and the exchange of perspectives affirmed its strong commitment to SACCNY’s mission and future direction.
We rounded off the Stockholm days with an intimate dinner at Djurgården, in presence of SACCNY Patron H.R.H. Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
Thanks to everyone who attended and a special thank you to Investor AB!
SACCNY President Barbara Wennerholm, SACCNY Chair Madeleine Ekholm, Mr. Christopher O’Neill, SACCNY Patron H.R.H. Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Jacob Wallenberg
Skyline 2025 Accelerator: Swedish Innovation Meets New York’s Climate Goals
The 2025 Skyline Accelerator Program have been in full swing, and brought nine Swedish companies, Quandify, Copa Solar, Midsummer, Comsys, Nrlyze, Mivo, Nodon, Trifilon and Elvaco, into the heart of New York City’s climate innovation ecosystem. Focused on building energy optimization and decarbonization, these companies have actively been engaging with the U.S. market to scale their sustainable solutions.
Last week, in conjunction with Climate Week NYC, the Skyline cohort participated in an intensive program of workshops, building tours, and networking events. Highlights included tours of energy-efficient buildings such as 30 Hudson Yards and 345 Hudson, sessions on U.S. market entry and legal frameworks, investor meetings, and pitch training. These activities provided the companies with firsthand insights into the city’s sustainability challenges and opportunities, while connecting them with industry stakeholders, investors, and potential partners.
“Skyline 2025 brings an exceptional group of innovators to New York. Their solutions align directly with the city’s sustainability goals and its urgent demand for smarter, more resource-efficient buildings” - Barbara Wennerholm, President of SACCNY.
The program continues to equip Swedish companies with the tools, connections, and knowledge needed to thrive in the U.S. market, while contributing to New York’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The Skyline cohort is already making its mark on the city’s clean energy transition, advancing practical and scalable solutions for the built environment.
In September it was time for the accelerator program Medcelerator 2025 to lift off. The program brought a cohort of Swedish medtech, healthtech, and biotech companies to Boston and New York during Climate Week for three jam-packed days of networking, insights, and investor meetings.
The program, initiated by SACCNY and Invest in Skåne, in collaboration with SACCNE, is designed to help small and medium-sized companies establish and grow in the U.S. market by providing direct access to two of the world’s most dynamic life science hubs. This years cohort consisted of Colzyx, Ironic Biotech, MedBeat, Xaga Surgical and Starfish of Sweden.
The cohort first visited Boston for a packed agenda that included market introductions, company presentations, and networking opportunities with the local life sciences community - from policy advisors to industry pioneers.
Next stop was New York, where participants connected with investors, pitched at the Swedish Residence, and joined sessions on FDA regulations, reimbursement, and legal frameworks. Special thank you to Patricia Industries, Getinge, JP Morgan, TMV, ERA NYC, Mission 3A and many others who joined the match-making!
Through targeted investor meetings, curated introductions, and in-depth market insights, Medcelerator 2025 gave participating companies a strong platform to accelerate their U.S. journey and strengthen transatlantic ties in the life sciences sector.
We wish all participating companies the best of luck and are looking forward to following their journey!
SACCNY recently kicked off the post-summer season by bringing together the city’s finest Nordic Young Professionals for an evening in the lovely garden at the Scandinavian restaurant Hildur. There, under the stars (and a very light drizzle), around 30 attendees gathered to network, exchange ideas, and reconnect with the Nordic community.
The highlight of the night was Emelie Khilstrom, Hildur’s owner, who shared her inspiring journey as a restaurateur in New York City, offering insight, stories, and advice that sparked plenty of conversation. The energy was high, and DJ Kristo Kraft made sure the vibes were just right.
As a bonus for SACCNY members, Hildur is offering a 10% discount. Keep an eye on your inbox for the details and enjoy this exclusive opportunity to experience one of the city’s favorite Nordic dining spots.
Moody’s is a leading global integrated risk assessment firm, empowering governments, institutions, and businesses to make confident financial decisions in a constantly evolving marketplace. Through credit ratings, analytics, research, and data-driven solutions, Moody’s delivers the insights needed to assess risk, unlock opportunities, and build resilience.
With a presence in over 40 countries, Moody’s combines global reach with local expertise, supporting clients across industries and markets as they navigate complexity and drive long-term growth.
Founded in Sweden, Spotify is a global unicorn that revolutionized the music industry. The world’s leading audio streaming platform, it connects artists and listeners across the globe with millions of songs and podcasts through a seamless, personalized experience. With free and premium options, Spotify combines innovation and accessibility, empowering creators and bringing music and podcasts to hundreds of millions of fans worldwide.
The strength and reach of a global firm - paired with the agility and creativity of a boutique.
KingsRock Advisors is an independent advisory firm with a worldwide network, delivering objective and innovative financial and strategic advice to a broad range of clients and investors. With decades of deal-making experience across industries and markets, they combine deep expertise with the flexibility to guide clients through every stage of growth, asset class, and special situation.
For over 25 years, the Virala Group has built a diversified, family-owned industrial group with a focus on strategic ownership. Long-term commitment, active ownership, and strong values have shaped a foundation that not only endures but continues to grow and evolve across generations. Acting as an active owner, Virala develops both listed and private companies across sectors, building sustainable value over generations.
Los Angeles–based fashion brand STAUD is known for its modern yet timeless designs. Founded on the belief that fashion should be both accessible and inspiring, STAUD combines modern aesthetics with classic craftsmanship. With global reach and a devoted following, the brand has become a leader in shaping the future of women’s fashion. If fashion is a never-ending pursuit of style, then STAUD is what happens after you find it.
Lionshead Wealth Management is an independent advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals and families build, preserve, and grow wealth across generations. Combining deep financial expertise with a client-first approach, the firm delivers personalized investment strategies and comprehensive planning. Guided by integrity and long-term vision, Lionshead empowers clients to achieve financial security and lasting success.
Founded in 2012, USA Denmark Law is a Danish-American firm supporting businesses and individuals with legal, immigration, tax, and payroll services in the U.S. With offices in Copenhagen, New York, and Washington, D.C., the firm combines transatlantic expertise with a client-first approach, guiding organizations across industries with clarity and long-term perspective.
Camphouse is a media planning platform created by former advertisers to simplify and improve campaign management. With tools for collaboration, media buying, budgeting, reporting, and presentations, it streamlines the entire process for both independent advertisers and global agencies. By saving time and resources while offering best practices, Camphouse empowers users to achieve better results with greater efficiency.
Founded in 1978 by Björn Wetterling, Wetterling Gallery is one of Scandinavia’s leading contemporary art galleries. Based in Stockholm, the gallery showcases a dynamic schedule of exhibitions - both emerging Swedish and highly acclaimed international artists, combining quality, relevance, and approachability for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. By providing a unique and playful entrance to the art world, Wetterling Gallery stands for quality and relevance.
UBIQ NY is a boutique real estate and advisory firm. With the expertise of a New York-barred attorney and licensed real estate brokers, UBIQ helps European companies expand to the U.S. by securing office and retail spaces, managing property needs, and supporting executive and employee relocations - ensuring a seamless transition to New York.
Founded in 1993, Nordic Equities is an independent asset manager with a clear, fact-based, and globally focused investment strategy. Serving foundations, pension funds, banks, insurance companies, and family offices, the firm applies a disciplined, long-term approach across its five equity funds. With strong ties to Stockholm Business School and as a signatory of the UNPRI, Nordic Equities is committed to responsible investment and sustainable value creation.
Björk Café & Bistro, located at Scandinavia House in New York, brings Nordic flavors and traditions to life. With a menu inspired by Scandinavian classics, the café offers an authentic and modern culinary experience in the heart of Manhattan.
Born in Sweden, Sitoo is a cloud-native Unified Commerce Platform with a Point of Sale built for global fashion and lifestyle retailers. By unifying physical stores and online sales channels in real time, Sitoo empowers retailers to deliver seamless shopping experiences, streamline inventory management, and never miss a sale.