GoWest — Nordic Venture Capital Forum
GoWest is one of the Nordics’ leading venture capital forums for startups, scale-ups, investors, and ecosystem leaders focused on the future of innovation and industry.
Hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden, GoWest brings together founders, venture capitalists, angel investors, corporations, universities, policymakers, and talent from across Europe to accelerate the growth of ambitious technology companies — from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.
At the intersection of deep tech, industrial transformation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, GoWest reflects the unique strengths of West Sweden: a region shaped by world-leading industry, engineering excellence, and an increasingly dynamic startup ecosystem.
A MEETING PLACE FOR FOUNDERS, INVESTORS AND FUTURE INDUSTRIES
GoWest exists to create meaningful connections between startups and capital.
Over the course of several days, we facilitate high-quality matchmaking between founders and investors while also creating a platform for discussions around the future of European innovation, competitiveness, and technology leadership.
The conference focuses especially on sectors where Europe — and the Nordics — have the potential to lead globally:
Deep tech
Climate tech
Mobility and automotive innovation
AI and emerging technologies
Life science and health innovation
Energy and electrification
Industrial transformation
Space and frontier technologies
University spinouts and research commercialization
GoWest is designed not only as an event, but as a catalyst for long-term collaboration between startups, investors, universities, corporations, and public stakeholders.
WHAT HAPPENS AT GOWEST?
GoWest combines structured investor matchmaking with inspiring stage content, networking opportunities, curated side events, and ecosystem-building activities.The conference includes:
Startup-investor matchmaking
Pitch sessions and founder showcases
Investor programs and LP activities
Keynotes and panel discussions
Policy and innovation forums
Workshops and breakout sessions
Community gatherings and side events
Networking experiences across Gothenburg
Every year, hundreds of startups and investors participate in curated meetings designed to create real business opportunities and long-term relationships.
A PLATFORM FOR THE NORDIC INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
GoWest is built around collaboration.
We work closely with incubators, science parks, universities, accelerators, investors, corporations, and public organizations across the Nordics and Europe to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The conference is founded by Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg and developed together with ecosystem partners who share a vision of building globally competitive technology companies from Europe.
WHY VOLUNTEER AT GoWest?
GoWest is powered by people who are passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and building meaningful experiences.
As a volunteer, you become part of an international community working at the center of the Nordic startup and investment ecosystem.
This is an opportunity to:
Build experience in event production and international conferences
Meet founders, investors, and industry leaders
Expand your professional network
Gain insight into startups, venture capital, and innovation
Develop communication, coordination, and operational skills
Work alongside an ambitious and welcoming team
Get behind-the-scenes access to one of the Nordics’ leading tech events
We welcome students, young professionals, international talent, and anyone curious about startups, innovation, events, and community building.
Whether your interests are within business, tech, operations, communication, hospitality, partnerships, or entrepreneurship, GoWest offers a dynamic environment where you can learn, contribute, and grow.