She is a serial entrepreneur, visionary leader, and a pioneer in digital services. With nearly 25 years of experience building companies that drive positive change, she has now taken on a new challenge—developing gene therapies for ALS. We spoke with her about her journey, motivations, and daily life.
From Interface Design to Groundbreaking Biotechnology
Sofia has a background in human-computer interaction from the Royal Institute of Technology and founded her first company, Ocean Observations, in 2001. With a focus on digital innovation and interface design, she worked with global clients across industries ranging from telecom and automotive to healthcare.
Her passion for improving people’s lives led her to Elsa Science, a health tech startup that enabled self-care and remote care for individuals with rheumatic diseases. When she and her childhood friend, Professor Eva Hedlund, saw an opportunity to translate research into tangible benefits for patients, they founded Axial Cell Systems in 2024—a biotech startup dedicated to developing new gene therapies for ALS.
Biotechnology with a Focus on ALS
Axial Cell Systems is built on over 20 years of ALS research, led by Professor Eva Hedlund. The company develops early-stage gene therapies and plans to license its drug candidates to major pharmaceutical companies that can advance them through clinical trials and bring them to market.
– We spend a lot of time in the lab working with stem cells, organoids, and robots. My role focuses on company and business development, market analysis, and fundraising, says Sofia.
A Calling to Improve the Lives of Those with Chronic Illnesses
Her driving force has long been to improve the lives of people with chronic illnesses through new technology.
– I’ve been working with that vision for over ten years. After Elsa Science, I knew I wanted to stay in this field. When Eva was ready to build a company around her research, everything just fell into place, she says.
Resilience, Heart, and Humor
As an entrepreneur, Sofia has learned that patience and persistence are essential.
– I have grit, heart, and humor—three essential traits when working in complex environments where results take time. Axial Cell Systems is still young, but I hope we’ll have many reasons to be proud in the future.
When she’s not working, she loves lacing up her running shoes and heading out into the forests of Nackareservatet.
– I’ve been running my whole life, and it’s still one of my greatest sources of inspiration and relaxation. I often dream about the fjords in Norway—sea, forests, and mountains in perfect harmony!
She also loves the contrast between nature and city life and is fascinated by Tokyo, a place she frequently visited during her time with Ocean Observations. Music is another passion and a constant source of energy.
Energy at Helio
Sofia spends part of her workweek at Helio, where she finds both tranquility and inspiration.
– It’s valuable to be able to work undisturbed while still being surrounded by the energy of other entrepreneurs and companies. And of course, I get to enjoy the great tea and daydream about having a dog of my own, she says with a laugh.
With a strong vision and a clear goal, Sofia continues to drive innovation and change—now with the hope of improving the lives of ALS patients worldwide.
Find Sofia on LinkedIn here, and if you’d like to be office neighbors with her, you can find her at Helio Stockholm City on Malmskillnadsgatan 29.
