A Bengaluru-born entrepreneur has opened up about being forced to shut down his startup in Sweden and return to India, blaming visa complications and bureaucratic hurdles for cutting short his venture.
From Europe career to startup dream
Abhijith Nag Balasubramanya, 30, had built an impressive international profile, working across Germany, Sweden, and France in engineering and sustainability roles. Despite a stable career, he chose to pursue his passion for hydroponics and sustainable food systems.
After securing a residence permit in 2024, he moved to Sweden with the goal of building a business that could address the shortage of fresh produce in northern regions.
Building a business from scratch
Starting small, Abhijith began growing vegetables in his basement in Skellefteå using hydroponic techniques. His produce quickly gained attention, with strong interest from local communities and even supermarkets.
He later founded Hydro Space Sweden AB, supplying fresh greens under the brand “Plokka”. Early validation came through customer demand and partnerships, including interest from retail outlets.
Visa issues derail progress
However, just as operations began scaling, his visa renewal application ran into trouble. Abhijith claimed that the Swedish Migration Agency cited multiple reasons for rejecting his application, including lack of prior business experience, insufficient language proficiency, and limited customer base.
He has strongly disputed these claims, stating that he had relevant experience, had completed Swedish language courses, and had already secured clients.
Despite submitting documents and seeking clarification, he said he received no response for months before being informed of the likely rejection.
Forced exit and business loss
Following the visa setback, Abhijith was compelled to leave Sweden and sell his startup. He described the experience as frustrating, noting that while he appreciated the local community and support from municipalities, the bureaucratic process ultimately ended his entrepreneurial journey there.
He returned to Bengaluru in February with just one suitcase, carrying both disappointment and lessons from the experience.
Broader concerns for global founders
The incident highlights the challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs navigating foreign regulatory systems. While countries encourage innovation and startups, visa uncertainties can create barriers for founders trying to establish businesses abroad.
Abhijith’s story has sparked conversations around the need for clearer, more supportive policies for international entrepreneurs contributing to local economies.