High cost of living? Where’d you get that idea? It’s true that some things are certainly more expensive – gas, alcohol, dinners in mid to high end restaurants – but other things, notably the big ticket items like rent, are typically cheaper than in many other places I’ve been and especially big cities. No need to pay health insurance or other not-really-optional fees is also relevant. Sweden isn’t perhaps cheap per se, but I wouldn’t say it’s much more expensive than anywhere else.

I live in Sweden, and I’ve lived abroad in both the UK and US, and I’d say living in Stockholm is a lot cheaper than London, and certainly a lot cheaper (and much easier, if you can find an apartment that is) than NYC or SF. But of course it depends on your way of life I guess.

FWIW I’ve bootstrapped my business, and as someone else suggested in this context the social safety net takes away a lot of the anxiety in doing this. It’s not easy, but I also know if shit hits the fan I won’t be out on the streets the next morning.

I don't think so. It used to be like 10-15 years ago when many of these startups were created, but things have changed since then. Many people are in denial though since they already have their education, apartment and insurance.

It used to be possible (or at least not impossible) to rent an fairly cheap apartment close to the city and find a way to do something on your own. Conditions for getting a student loan, leave of absence or unemployment used to be more favorable.

Since 10 years ago the government have been actively trying to get more people to work. With the consequence that it is harder to do anything else. Studying, getting unemployment (risking your job) and living (housing costs have doubled) has all become harder to do. Most people these days would risk their job or apartment and do something on their own, because chances are will have a significant reduction in life quality if they fail.

Most startup activities these days seem to be running around cocktail parties trying to get (more) investors for you local clone of something else. Which is understandable, people need to pay their mortgage and attain social standing, but it's largely the opposite of what has made some Swedish startups successful in the first place.

One could try getting investments. But while Sweden is in generally has high degree of equality, it can also be very insular. Especially in recent times as social status matters a lot. You shouldn't expect to show up and compete based on your ideas. It's very much "who you know".

High cost of living compared to... what? Stockholm is much cheaper than Silicon Valley, but it's more expensive than Houston.