Learning from a Unicorn: Voi Brings Its AI Experience to GSAI

How do you build a company that can scale beyond its home market? For the startups in GSAI, Movexum’s international pre-scale programme, part of the answer comes from learning from people with hands-on experience of building and developing fast-growing tech companies – including companies that have reached unicorn status.

In June, 14 startups from Sweden, Finland and Estonia gathered in Stockholm for the second sprint of Growth and Scaling Through AI (GSAI) – the international programme run by Movexum together with AI Sweden, Tehnopol in Estonia and Yrityssalo in Finland.

The goal is clear: to help promising startups use AI to build more scalable businesses and prepare for growth in new European markets.

During the Stockholm sprint, hosted by AI Sweden, the participating startups met AI experts, investors and entrepreneurs from some of Sweden’s leading tech environments. One of them was Liv Kåreborn, AI Engineer at Voi Technologies – the Swedish micromobility company that reached a valuation of around USD 1 billion in 2021.

For the GSAI startups, it was an opportunity to hear first-hand how Voi has approached many of the same questions they are facing in their own businesses: How can AI create real business value? How can organizations leverage AI to identify and unlock new business opportunities? And where do you start when the possibilities seem endless?

Start with the problem, not the most advanced AI

One of Kåreborn’s key messages was that companies do not necessarily need to start with the most advanced AI solutions.

At Voi, she instead started with a very concrete problem: parking fine management.

A process that previously took around ten minutes per fine was reduced to approximately 45 seconds using AI. According to Kåreborn, the solution saved around EUR 100,000 in late fees while freeing up the equivalent of two full-time roles.

The example illustrates a simple but important point for startups: A company’s AI journey does not have to begin with a revolutionary new product. It can start with a clearly defined problem where the technology can quickly create measurable value – and build from there.

International perspectives on AI and growth

This practical approach is an important part of GSAI.

Startups from smaller markets such as Sweden, Finland and Estonia often need to think internationally much earlier than companies with larger domestic markets. The programme therefore combines hands-on work with AI and scalability with international networks, investors and perspectives from entrepreneurs and experts.

Alongside Liv Kåreborn from Voi Technologies, the Stockholm sprint brought together expertise from AI Sweden, Tenfifty, RISE and Lightbringer, as well as investors from Foundry Ventures.

The startups also worked hands-on with methods including AI Opportunity Mapping and Project Scoping to identify where AI has the greatest potential to contribute to their business and international growth.

– Through GSAI, startups gain access to world-class expertise from AI specialists, investors, entrepreneurs and international partners – including experience from a unicorn like Voi, says Jini Nälsén, Project Manager GSAI and Business Coach at Movexum.

GSAI – Growth & Scaling Through AI is an international pre-scaleup program co-funded by Interreg Central Baltic Programme and Region Gävleborg.

The next GSAI round is planned to start in spring 2027, with applications opening in February 2027.