#Sweden #EY Award #Monaco #Stina Ehrensvärd #Yubico

Stina Ehrensvärd: Celebrated as EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025

In a momentous award ceremony held at the picturesque Salle des Etoiles in Monaco, Stina Ehrensvärd, the visionary founder of Yubico, was honored with the prestigious title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025. This accolade marks her as the very first recipient from Sweden within the program’s remarkable 25-year history and the fourth woman to achieve this esteemed recognition. Stina earned this honor after being selected from an impressive pool of nearly 5,000 participants hailing from 43 countries and jurisdictions.

Stina’s journey with Yubico began in 2007, driven by her ardent mission to enhance internet safety for all users. Within a year, the company unveiled its inaugural product, the YubiKey, a robust physical security key designed for multifactor authentication (MFA). This innovative introduction not only transformed the cybersecurity landscape but also positioned Yubico as a leader in securing sensitive online transactions for some of the largest tech firms in Silicon Valley. Over time, Yubico has successfully fortified the security of 19 out of the 20 leading internet companies globally, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40% since 2020.

Janet Truncale, the EY Global Chair and CEO, praised Stina for her unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, describing her as a "visionary leader" who is successfully navigating these challenging times with confidence. She acknowledged Stina's incredible achievements at Yubico, celebrating her commitment to creating a more secure digital future and the significant societal impacts of her work. Stina has consistently championed the notion that a secure digital identity is a fundamental human right, a philosophy that echoes the core values promoted by the EY World Entrepreneur program.

Reflecting on her accolade, Stina Ehrensvärd expressed heartfelt gratitude towards everyone who contributed to her journey. "The incredible teams behind Yubico and the persistent support from EY, especially the Swedish team, have been instrumental in this achievement,” she shared. Stina emphasized her dedication to saving the internet for democratic values, free speech, education, and fostering an environment where beautiful things can flourish without fear. She underscored that this acknowledgment is not merely a conclusion, but serves as motivation to persist in building a secure digital environment.

The EY organization annually hosts the World Entrepreneur of the Year event to honor exemplary leaders who are significantly influencing our economy and responding to global challenges. The event provides a platform for founders, CEOs, and business innovators to connect with one another through various networking opportunities and workshops. The EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 title was awarded by a distinguished panel of independent judges based on four main criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact. This year's panel featured a diverse group of esteemed entrepreneurs, chaired by Asif Ramji, Founder and CEO of Venture Worx.

In addition to the laurels and accolades, Stina's story shines as an inspiration for future entrepreneurs and innovators. Her legacy at Yubico, focused on developing new standards in internet security and contributing positively to society, serves as a model for aspiring leaders globally. The celebration of Stina Ehrensvärd not only marks a victory for her personal endeavors but also positions Sweden as a significant player within the global entrepreneurship landscape. Her work promises to illuminate pathways for future progress and innovation, reinforcing the importance of secure digital identities in our increasingly interconnected world.