35 million people. 85+ unicorns. The world’s highest unicorn density outside Silicon Valley. And yet — the New Nordics is still leaving enormous value on the table. Here’s why that’s about to change. What is the New Nordics? The New Nordics isn’t just a geography. It’s a mindset. Traditionally, “the Nordics” meant Sweden, Denmark, Norway, […]
With 100’s of sessions and 1000’s of participants, we’ve seen every outcome imaginable in Scale Up! One thing we learned: clearly define a ‘winning goal’ that resonates with your participants. Here are 12 ways you, the facilitator can define ‘winning’ in Scale Up! Why winning matters In Scale Up! founders, investors, students, angels, ecosystem builders […]
Scale Up! is a powerful tool for building entrepreneurial skills, supporting founders, angels, investors and ecosystem builders. Globally, 6.000+ have been through Scale Up! But, as a new Scale Up! Facilitator and Partner, how do you actually take Scale Up! to market? In this article, we explore elven proven ways to bring Scale Up! to […]
We have just finished reviewing a large number of startup pitch decks. Founders from across the ecosystem, at various stages, preparing for fundraising. Some early-stage, some early growth-stage. Some first-time founders, others serial entrepreneurs. It was a revealing exercise. There is a lot of raw founder talent out there. Real problems being solved. Genuine ambition […]
This year we will pass 2.000 participants in the Fund Manager! Masterclass. Since launch, participants from 50+ countries have mastered new elements of the venture capital fund journey with the Masterclass. But who are they, and who joins the Fund Manager! Masterclass? 70+ Masterclasses. 5 Continents. 33 Participant Groups In most parts of the world, […]
Entrepreneurial Finance Readiness Level (TRL, but for founders raising capital) Most startups are familiar with the technical readiness of their product, commonly referred to as ‘TRL’ or Technology Readiness Level. But what about ‘investor readiness level’. What would a EFRL, Entrepreneurial Finance Readiness Level look like? Based on our work with 1000’s of founders across […]
Hey, founders. If you’re heading to Web Summit — or any other major startup and investor conference — you probably need to prepare a little bit. That’s okay. That’s exactly why we put together this 10-item checklist. A lot of founders zero in on the pitch deck, and yes, that matters. But as you’re about to […]
Going to an investor conference this month? Here are the 15 questions you should know cold — to nail your conversations and leave a lasting impression. This article is part two in our three part-series helping startup founders prepare for major startup- and investor conferences. Read part I and part III. Investor conferences are not pitches. They are […]
Did you know, pitching might not be your secret weapon after all. Instead, pitch less , and ask your investors better questions. This article is part two in our three part-series helping startup founders prepare for major startup- and investor conferences. Read also part II and part III. You’re heading to Web Summit — or any major investor […]
It started in 2012 with five words: “I have someone you should meet.” That introduction led to one of my earliest angel investments — a Norwegian drilling technology company that would eventually IPO, jump from 1 to 60 per share, and remind me that angel investing is rarely a straight line. But it works. And […]