On June 16th, our co-founder Max took the stage at Norrsken House in Stockholm to speak alongside an inspiring group of young entrepreneurs from around the world. The event, hosted by the We Are Family Foundation together with Grale, Ung Företagsamhet and Norrsken Foundation, brought together a diverse group of changemakers who are using business as a tool for impact.
Joining us was music legend and activist Nile Rodgers, and the conversation focused on what happens when young people are given real tools and support to lead. Some of the speakers were still in their teens, and all of them had already started companies or projects aimed at tackling major global challenges. Max was invited to share Grale’s journey, from its earliest days as a university idea to the company it is today, working with brands across Europe to replace single-use plastics with plant-based alternatives.
Speaking to the crowd, Max reflected on the highs and lows of building something from scratch. He spoke openly about the setbacks Grale faced in its early stages, the importance of staying flexible, and the belief that even small steps can lead to big shifts when driven by purpose. He also highlighted how important access is. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity often isn’t. That’s why events like these matter.
One moment that stood out came from Nile Rodgers himself, who reminded the audience, “Most of my projects fail. But I never let that stop me. I just dream bigger.” That idea, of learning through failure and growing forward, was echoed by Max and many others in the room.
We’re proud to see Max representing Grale in these conversations, not only as a founder but as someone committed to creating space for the next wave of innovators. At its core, Grale has always been about more than materials or packaging. It’s about building something better, and doing it in a way that brings others along.
Research-based innovation built on several patents around proprietary processes.
Research-based innovation built on several patents around proprietary processes.
Research-based innovation built on several patents around proprietary processes.