Qgroup Founders Mikael Kretz and Håkan Paulsson Win Global Gold Award for Founder of the Year, Celebrated for Their People-Centered Vision and Relentless Drive for Growth.

Mikael Kretz and Håkan Paulsson, founders of Qgroup, were awarded the Growth Rings in Gold for the global award Founder of the Year category Large Size Companies at the Founders Awards Gala held at Nalen in Stockholm on September 19.

“It is an incredible honor for us to receive the Founders Alliance award for Founder of the Year Large Size Companies! The award truly belongs to everyone at Qgroup”, says Mikael and Håkan.

The Founders Jury Motivation
“The founders have built Qgroup with great passion, focus, and energy into a respected international consulting group. Their relentless ambition to center the company around its people, attracting and keeping top talent, has been a beacon for growth. They have frequently stepped out of their comfort zone to explore new fields of specialization and geographies, seeking opportunities for growth and development.”

The Impactful Journey of Mikael Kretz and Håkan Paulsson, founders of Qgroup
Mikael and Håkan founded Qgroup in 2012, a multinational IT specialist consultant agency within areas such as AI, Big data, Cybersecurity and more. With global reach and over 850 consultants, the next goal is operating on all continents.

How the Winners Are Chosen as Founder of the Year Large Size Companies
The Founder of the Year award honors successful global founders who have built one or more strong private or public limited companies. It aims to spotlight these founders and inspire growth in medium to large-sized internationally expanding companies.

To honor founders across various stages of company development, the award has three categories: small, medium, and large companies. In the category Founder of the Year Large Size Companies are active founders of a private or public limited company with a revenue of more than 50 million euro and approximately 20% ownership in a profitable company, based on the fiscal year 2023.

The finalists have been assessed by the Founders Alliance Index, which takes into account past performance, future potential, and social benefits, and they have been evaluated by a jury of experienced founders.

The Founder Jury consisted of Chair of the jury Magnus Tegborg, founder of Alumni, Cecilia Ekholm, founder of Särnmark Assistans, Sabina von Arx, founder of House of Quality Brands, Helena Casserlöv Kvist, founder of Meritmind, Martin Gren, founder of Axis and David Kristensson, founder of Northern Offshore Services.

Photo: David Thunander & Evan Pantiel