Facilitating remote leadership - receiving funding

A record number of workplaces have gone digital and the changes are placing new demands on leadership. Start-up company PQM Systems has developed a digital tool to help. They are now receiving SEK 300 000 in funding from Vinnova.

- It feels fantastic! The confidence from Vinnova is a good proof that we are on the right track! Our service is needed and has a high level of innovation. The money will be used to continue working on our business model so that we are ready for expansion," says Markus Sulkupuro, CEO and co-founder of PQM Systems.

During the pandemic, a record number of workplaces have gone digital. However, leadership processes are not keeping up, according to the founding team Petter Sigvaldsen and Markus Sulkupuro, who have many years of experience in quality management and leadership. The team has developed a total quality process for leadership that customers can benefit from via a digital platform. 

- The key to a healthy and effective organization is leadership. PQM is a digital support that helps leaders and employees to create and achieve common goals, but also to create a positive balance between work and everyday life, Markus continues.

"The hard part is not measuring but implementing the changes"

What distinguishes PQM Systems is that they focus on the entire management process.

- There are many great digital tools out there that help companies collect data on employee engagement and well-being. The hard part is not measuring but actually implementing the changes. Many leaders fail to manage that process. PQM's strength is to help the organization all the way!

PQM is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, and its customers include IT company Trinax, giant Cater and consulting firm Nikita.

Burnout was the start

The idea for PQM Systems was born as early as 1997, but it was not until more than 20 years later that Petter and Markus decided to invest wholeheartedly in the idea.  

- Over the years, we have seen how the demands on leadership have changed and have experienced the consequences of inadequate processes for follow-up and development, and have ourselves suffered from exhaustion syndrome earlier in our working lives.

The team is supported by the incubator

In the fall of 2020, the team was admitted to the startup incubator at Innovatum Science Park where they are now receiving business advice and support to help them expand.

- The incubator has been invaluable to us since the day we joined. Getting a good driving coach, good premises and access to networks and resources has accelerated our expansion journey.

-"QQM has found a unique niche in the market with an innovative product that is adapted to both managers and employees. I strongly believe that their platform will make a big difference for many workplaces in the future," says Frida Jägerband, the company's business coach at Innovatum Science Park, who is herself an entrepreneur and investor.