Mehkar Sheikh
Mehkar is an experienced leader with expertise in building mission-driven organizations and growing diverse, high-performing teams. She is currently CEO of Venture Cup – Sweden’s largest national entrepreneurship competition, connecting experts from the business world with the entrepreneurs of the future, while providing a proven process to launch a business. In partnership with major universities, the private sector and the public sector, Venture Cup has supported more than 18,000 business ideas.
Mehkar is also the Stockholm Lead of Founders Live – a global platform that connects founders to people, resources, capital, and exposure, and Managing Director Nordics of The Founder Institute – the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator. With chapters in 90+ countries, The Founder Institute has helped leaders of the world’s fastest-growing companies to raise over $1B in capital. She also serves as a TEDx Stockholm Board member, a Stockholm Business Expo Advisory Board member, and a Jury member for Ung Företagsamhet Stockholm.
Throughout her career, Mehkar has led initiatives that empower changemakers, youth leaders, and early-stage founders to navigate growth, clarify their vision, and develop value-driven strategies. She brings a multilingual, cross-cultural lens to her work, having collaborated with global networks and organizations across sectors.