Promise of the Experience — bring the absolute best version of myself to every interaction
I read somewhere that you typically have over 1,000 interactions in any given year. Three of those interactions might change your life, but you have no idea which three. Having both co-founded and angel invested in some +10 companies, and also served as seasoned advisor spending time helping early-stage entrepreneurs finding their PoC and scaling, I can testify to that. Seizing the opportunity that is given at any moment in the intersection with the entrepreneur is therefore an important trait that I try to foster and make part of my own personal brand. By taking on a new experience and, instead of investing out of my own pocket nowadays investing through a SEK 3,5 billion fund at ALMI Invest, I intend to continue to display a high level of intellectual curiosity. I see it as essential in both the pre-investment- (see, pick, and win the deal) and post-investment (add value, return capital to LPs) phase.
Hence, a “Promise of the Experience” when interacting with me as an investor,
1) I have a genuine interest and a desire to learn more about you and your company
2) Having been on the “entrepreneurial side of the table” I have a rather good understanding of what your up against
3) I have made so many mistakes in my life that so I’m not even ashamed anymore. I own up to everything that I do
4) I expect returns and will plan for a future exit, so should you. The best practice to accomplish that is to foster a “mentor-mentor” relationship (as stated by Simon Sinek below) where we put common growth first and advances the personal development of both parties.
5) Keep in mind, if it would be simple, everyone would do it. Plan for success but expect a struggle; I promise I’ll do my best to support you on that journey
In regards to a mentor-mentor perspective — instead of looking back at 2020 in an attempt to reflect — let us look ahead. I have long thought — perhaps in moments of “delusions of grandeur” — about my potential contribution to the tech startup scene. Today — many start-up journeys later, with several million invested on my own, as well as in received venture capital backing, and now in the position as a venture capitalist myself — I have established a platform that allows me to share my own experiences in the light and with leverage from the combined experience and data from two venture capital funds over twelve years.
One might say that “why provide people with skills they could learn from an Internet video — it is really inexpensive and easy to get”. Yet, by “walking that path” and nowadays operating out of a platform where I daily have the privilege to meet with talented entrepreneurs, investors, and executives, that kind of quote gives me a pithy insight-from-a-consultant-in-an-elevator kind of feeling. With knowledge circulating rapidly and easily, it’s actually the person who can distinguish and understand the value of a certain piece of knowledge who can make the best use of it. And that requires knowledge. Skills too, but absolutely knowledge.
Feel free to follow me on whatever social media suits you best and don´t be a stranger. I intend to cover thoughts and experiences including (not excluding) topics around how I look at finding, supporting, and amplifying talents, essential principles for success in my role, and whether it is a numbers business or a people business I am looking for.
