Do I pay for Sting’s services?

We don’t charge for participation in Sting Core or Sting More. Instead, we apply a success-fee model in the form of stock warrants. This means we only benefit if your company succeeds — and when we do, the proceeds go back into helping the next generation of founders.

As a non-profit, founder-first organization, this model helps us stay independent and aligned with your goals — while keeping Sting free at the point of access for early-stage startups.

Here’s how it works:

• Sting Core comes with a 2% warrant.
• If you continue into Sting More, you’ll grant an additional 2% per 6-month extension, up to a maximum of 6% over 18 months.
• These warrants may convert into shares when your company succeeds or exits.
• If Sting chooses not to exercise the warrants, a minimum cash payment of €5,000 may apply instead.

These warrants are completely separate from the terms of Propel Capital’s convertible investment, which is optional and offered to selected companies in the program.

In short:
If your startup grows, you help fuel the next wave of Nordic founders. If not, you won’t owe us anything.

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More details about the Sting Agreements here.