Building a company is not just about having a strong idea, but about developing it with the right support. UIC Accelerate helps growth companies expand quickly, sustainably, and strategically through coaching, expert support, and networks that make a real difference.
For Arendra, which aims to change how Swedish workplaces approach health and responsibility, the collaboration with UIC has brought structure, even more courage, and new opportunities to grow on their own terms.
From frustration to change and action
Arendra was founded by Susanna Linder and Annika Stenberg, who both saw how many resources were lost when people ended up on sick leave that could have been prevented. They wanted to challenge traditional occupational health care and instead focus on the responsibility each employee has for their own work ability.
The result was the company Arendra, which -with its clear method and digital platform-helps employers create sustainable and healthy workplaces by strengthening both managers’ and employees’ sense of responsibility. The method also highlights the power of follow-up.
– We talk too little about our obligations in working life. We need to do it in a more engaging way, because when people take responsibility, they also feel better, says Susanna Linder.
“UIC follows up, encourages, and helps us see progress and think bigger. It’s given us even more courage to build for the future“
From idea to scalable business with guidance from UIC
When Arendra was accepted into UIC’s acceleratorprogram, the company already had a functioning platform that provided managers with practical tools to act early at signs of ill health. Through UIC, Arendra gained access to business coaching, product development expertise, networks, and pitch training—everything needed to grow strategically and sustainably. UIC’s coaches challenged Arendra to think in scalable terms, sharpen their business model, and build a long-term growth plan.
– UIC follows up, encourages, and helps us see progress and think bigger. It’s given us even more courage to build for the future, says Annika Stenberg.
Building long-term on their own terms and capital
Unlike many other companies, Arendra chose to grow without external investors. The team built the platform using their own capital, without taking a salary in the beginning, and focused on real customer needs.
– We wanted first to prove the value of what we’d built and create a stable foundation. That means we’re stronger when we do bring in investors, explains Susanna.
Through UIC, Arendra also connected with investors such as Linnéa Capital but chose to decline – for now.
– We know we can grow independently right now, but we’re open to capital later when the right investor appears, says Annika.
“UIC has helped us think bigger while staying true to who we are. They see both the people and the companies behind the ideas, and that makes all the difference“
Responsiveness and collaboration that drive growth
For Arendra, UIC Accelerate has provided not only practical tools but also strengthened the team’s confidence. When they identified that Jenny Arnström was the right person to coach the company further, they took the initiative to introduce her to UIC. UIC showed great responsiveness and then decided to bring Jenny in as an official business coach.
– UIC has helped us think bigger while staying true to who we are. They see both the people and the companies behind the ideas, and that makes all the difference, concludes Annika Stenberg.