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That Charlotte Stigen Låstberg would become an entrepreneur was never the obvious path and certainly not within chemical engineering. She grew up with the industry present around the kitchen table through her father’s work in the family business focused on surface treatment. But joining the company herself was never part of the original plan.

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“I’m a social psychologist by background and genuinely interested in relationships and human behavior. It was never really my intention to get involved in the family business,” she says.

Still, it was impossible to ignore the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped her upbringing. She saw firsthand the passion that drove her father.

“I have never heard him complain about a single workday. It was always about making things happen and building a growing, healthy company. That mindset rubbed off on me.”

The family business works on components few people ever notice, yet many industries depend on; wheel bolts for Volvo, turbine discs for Siemens, and parts for Assa Abloy.

Everything changed in 2010 when an opportunity arose to acquire assets from a bankrupt company. Charlotte had been out of university for only two years when she was asked to take responsibility for HR and finance.

“When I got to sit on the board and contribute from a business perspective, I suddenly realized how exciting it was, especially building trust and relationships with customers.”

Five years later, she became CEO of a subsidiary within the group, focused on formulating, producing, and selling chemical technology products. During frequent customer visits, the first seed of what would later become Digiclean Solutions was planted.

“I saw how many customers were guessing and often overdosing chemical products. It became clear that a volume-based business model benefits neither the customer nor the planet. The real value lies in using the product correctly.”

That insight led to a bigger idea: turning the product into a service model and helping customers use chemistry smarter, more efficiently, and more sustainably.

> “Digiclean is fundamentally built on customer value. I realized the greatest difference I could make was not selling more chemicals, but helping industry use less.”

### Building Digiclean Solutions

In May 2024, Charlotte founded Digiclean Solutions, an AI-driven deeptech company transforming how industry manages process chemicals and reduces waste.

> “It is a SaaS platform that monitors process liquids in real time. Using sensors and AI algorithms, the system automatically controls dosing, ensuring chemicals are used correctly while improving industrial efficiency.”

Digiclean is not only creating a new operating model for industrial productivity. It is establishing a new framework for how industry can combine efficiency with sustainability.

**Its software can:**

* cut carbon emissions by up to 50%
* reduce chemical consumption by up to 60%
* lower water consumption by up to 97% 

 

The results have attracted major customers including Volvo, SKF, companies in the defense sector, and Parker Hannifin. 

 

### Facing the Capital Gap

But when Charlotte entered the venture capital world, she encountered another reality.

“I was devastated by how unevenly capital is distributed. Women own an incredibly small share. Since then, it has become a strong motivation for me to help change those numbers.”

Today, Digiclean Solutions is majority owned by women. Among its investors is Feminvest Ventures, which backed the company early.

“Having Feminvest as a partner has been fantastic. They bring not only capital, but tremendous commitment and network value. They support us throughout the growth journey.” 

 

### Building a Company and a Family Life

Outside work, Charlotte is also raising four children, alongside a husband with an equally demanding career.

“I’ve spent a lot of time on self-leadership, planning, and creating structure at home. Making everyday life work is a balancing act between the company and family. It’s about prioritizing and accepting that everything cannot be perfect.”

For her, structure creates freedom and with the right systems in place, high ambition and active family life can coexist. 

 

### Driven by Something Bigger

When Charlotte looks ahead, it is not growth alone that motivates her.

“If we can help industry truly transition, then we are impacting more than a single business. We are contributing to something bigger. That is what drives me.”

Article by [Elin Liljero Eriksson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elin-liljero-eriksson-a6112629/) 

 

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From Social Psychologist to Deeptech Founder: How Charlotte Stigen Låstberg Is Transforming Industry