From Pet Insurance and Prevention to One of Sweden's Biggest Rounds | Panathēnea 2026

How do you turn a simple idea into one of Europe's fastest-growing startups? At Panathēnea 2026, Hedda Baverud Olsson, Co-Founder and CEO of Lassie, joins Sam Eshrati, Founder of Nordic Angels, for a conversation on building a category-defining company, raising capital, and scaling a mission-driven business. Starting with a vision to rethink pet insurance through prevention and technology, Lassie has grown into one of Europe's standout startups, culminating in one of Sweden's largest funding rounds. Drawing on her entrepreneurial journey, Olsson shares lessons on building products customers love, navigating rapid growth, and creating a company that combines commercial success with meaningful impact. Together, Olsson and Eshrati discuss fundraising, founder resilience, product-market fit, and the evolving startup landscape in the Nordics and across Europe. The conversation also explores how mission-driven companies can build lasting competitive advantages while solving real-world problems. Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, or technology enthusiast, this session offers valuable insights into scaling startups, raising capital, and building businesses with purpose. Panathēnea is an international festival bringing together founders, investors, scientists, artists, and innovators to explore the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and culture in Athens. The 2026 edition welcomed more than 11,500 participants from over 60 countries.