How cross-border collaboration helped a creative entrepreneur grow in the gaming industry

Hind Toufga’s journey from Libya to Sweden reflects not only personal resilience but the power of the right support at the right time. As founder of Julicia Studio, she has turned life experience into a creative business, offering digital content, consultancy, and community-building in the gaming industry. But to scale her efforts and amplify her impact, she needed structured visibility and strong cross-border connections. Enterprise Europe Network provided these essential requirements.

The Network helped Hind connect with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and solidify her place in Sweden’s creative sector. Her story shows how tailored support can transform a founder’s trajectory, especially for entrepreneurs in an industry where women are underrepresented.

Expanding a creative business through international support

Julicia Studio was founded after the COVID-19 pandemic, when Hind combined her UX design background with her passion for gaming. Through the Mid Sweden Games community, she connected with Enterprise Europe Network advisor Heli Blomberg based at Almi Mitt.

In June 2023, she joined a company mission to Helsinki, co-organised by the Network’s Swedish and Finnish partners Almi and Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. The mission included company visits, industry meetups, and networking with Finnish gaming stakeholders. 

The programme was built around a structured approach: preparation workshops before the trip, targeted meetings during the mission, and follow-up support from both advisors. What made it stand out was the tailored matchmaking, the timing alongside Helsinki’s Games First event, and the hospitality of Finland’s gaming sector, from global leaders to advocacy groups.

"One of the most defining moments was when I connected with key players in the Finnish gaming ecosystem, such as Supercell, Neogames, Remedy, and the incubator in Tampere," says Hind Toufga. "What stood out wasn’t just the innovation or professionalism, but the openness and sense of community. I felt genuinely welcomed and recognised, not only as a service provider but as a valued contributor to the industry."

Since the trip, Hind has maintained those connections, collaborated with peers, and secured roles such as community manager at Triolith Games AB and international delegate coordinator with Nordic Game. She also continues to support other women through her role as Swedish representative for Women in Games.

Championing diversity and sustainability in the gaming industry

Hind’s growth has inspired others in the sector. She is now a regular speaker at European gaming events, podcast guest, and mentor for women entering creative tech. With a focus on sustainable business practices, she plans to expand her studio while supporting local talent and promoting inclusion across northern Europe.

"What stood out immediately was Hind Toufga’s ambitious vision and her proactive, curious mindset," says Heli Blomberg, international advisor at Almi Mitt. "She demonstrated a strong drive to innovate and create meaningful change, not just within her own company, Julicia Studio, but also in the broader creative ecosystem."

"I see that there has been a great impact from the way that Hind operates. For instance, she got Neogames and some other gaming companies to join the big gaming event in Sweden in 2024," adds Johanna Niemistö from Helsinki Chamber of Commerce. "The impact may have been biggest for her, as the company mission helped her go further with her career in the gaming industry and modify what she was doing."

The mission also contributed to deeper Nordic cooperation. Inspired by its success, the Network partners launched follow-up initiatives. This case has since been cited as a reference point for cross-border collaboration in the sector.

Today, Hind continues to build on the momentum sparked by the mission. She is growing her network, applying for new opportunities, and inspiring others through her work. A clear example of how international collaboration and targeted support from the Enterprise Europe Network can unlock growth in Europe’s creative industries.