What happens if your startup doesn't work out?
KTH alum Caroline Forsberg started a company while studying at KTH. It didn’t take off, and today she works at Einride, a job she believes her startup experience helped her land.
While studying, KTH alumna Caroline Forsberg founded the company Shippy together with Marika Daleke and Tobias Brandter. The idea was to connect people who wanted something delivered with those who were already traveling.
Why did you decide not to keep working with Shippy?
“In the end, it was probably because no one really dared to fully commit. We had housing and started to feel that we could actually get a job and a salary, which was quite tempting to us. At the same time, the experience I gained has helped a lot in my job.”
Is Shippy on your CV?
Yes, it’s on my LinkedIn! Having startup experience makes you stand out in interviews, and you also learn a lot about an industry.
How have you been able to use that experience in your job?
It has helped enormously in my current role, especially in matters related to KIPO, bonds, and vesting. I understand why managers ask certain questions and why you need to think 20 years ahead. I have a better grasp of the rules of the game.
What was it like getting your first startup experience at KTH Innovation?
It was great. It was my final year at KTH, and it felt like something completely different from just studying and dragging through courses. This was what I found fun!
Experience to build on
If your idea doesn’t go all the way, you still gain valuable experience that strengthens your CV and gives you a head start. What you learn carries into future projects, roles, and companies, and your next startup will have a higher chance of success.
Among those who took their first steps at KTH Innovation are Anton Osika and Fabian Hedin (Lovable), Hjalmar Nilsonne (Neko Health), and Gustav Söderström, now CEO of Spotify.