Participants summarize this fall's ScaleUp: – Ten out of ten on quality

The reactions show a process that both challenges and uplifts growth companies in a way that is perceived as relevant, concrete, and inspiring.

Asgeir Sæbø and Ernestine Fanjara.

Asgeir Sæbø and Ernestine Fanjara from InnoLipid explain that ScaleUp has helped them shift their focus from technology to the market.

— It has been very nice to participate in this, as we needed to get this angle on things. We are deep into technology, but now we have managed to pivot a bit towards what is important for the business, says Asgeir.

— It has been an educational journey. We have learned quite a lot, and we have somewhat transitioned from a research mindset to a mindset more focused on sales, marketing, and business, continues Ernestine.

The shift has had concrete ripple effects.

— We feel better equipped for further growth now. This has helped us to see a broader perspective on everything, says Asgeir.

— We have gone from seeing things from our perspective to seeing things from the customers' perspective. We understand more how customers perceive our product now, concludes Ernestine.

Read more about ScaleUp here

The expert panel: – An energy boost

Through the program, the participants had close dialogue with external experts. Marius Koksvik describes it as both inspiring and meaningful:

Marius Koksvik and Glen Bradley.

— It is very nice to get out and see new cases and hear what is going on. It is very exciting, so it is rewarding. Additionally, I hope to provide feedback that might be useful for the recipients.

Glen Bradley highlights the energy in the room:

— It is an energy boost to come here and see the kind of breadth there is in both creativity and determination. Here are many companies that with limited resources have embarked on quite lengthy processes. They refuse to give up and are now beginning to break through and secure relatively significant contracts.

He also has a clear piece of advice for growth companies:

— I encouraged them to practice their elevator pitch because when you’re working on building the company, you tend to be very detailed. It’s easy to forget that when communicating with others, you first need to take that first step and let them into your world, and then you need to make it very simple so it can be understood what problem it is they are trying to solve.

Hide Industry: – Ten out of ten on quality

For Lise Trehjørningen and Lars Jakob Nagelsaker from Hide Industry, ScaleUp has been much more than expected.

Lise Trehjørningen and Lars Jakob Nagelsaker.

— I had expectations, but this became much more than I thought it would be. There are very competent people at ÅKP; everyone who has played a role in this process has impressed us. It is very inspiring. We have learned a lot about things we didn’t know and what we need to focus on. I am simply very impressed with the program, says Lise.

— What we have learned here has forced us to work on process, which is very important now considering the pace of innovation required and that we now need to integrate our products at a very high tempo, adds Lars Jakob.

In conclusion, Lise summarizes the experience like this:

— All in all, it has been ten out of ten on quality. Additionally, it was a nice group in general, where everyone has been willing to share. We have learned a great deal from the other companies we have gone through the process with.

Also read: Focus and growth with ÅKP ScaleUp

A wide range of expertise

Ina Eldøy in the expert panel highlights the diversity in the participant portfolio:

Ina Eldøy.

— There has been a large and good variation in the cases, with much competence and exciting projects. 

For Stein Bjørhovde and Runar Aasen from B&A Software, ScaleUp became an awakening and a valuable sparring arena.

Stein Bjørhovde and Runar Aasen.

— This has been very educational. What is unique about us is that we have been working for a long time. What we have discovered now is that we need to set things up in a special way to be able to grow. We need to establish internal processes for that to happen, says Runar.

Stein adds:

— If you see this from another angle, I think it has value just to get out of the office and meet others and be part of such a process. And one thing is the concrete values you gain in feedback on what you’re working on; you often discover a value or that something comes out of it in the long run that you didn’t think of before you signed up.

Bente Lund Jacobsen, who is the driving force for ScaleUp in ÅKP.

Do you want to see all the photos from this gathering? Click here.

Runar emphasizes the learning involved in meeting other companies:

— Meeting the participants from other companies has been very educational. Especially because the diversity has been so great. We have gained a bit of new momentum and very concrete benefits from this process.

Stein values the openness in the room:

— I think it has been great that we not only got to hear the success stories but also stories about why things went wrong. What made something fail. Everyone has ups and downs. It is nice to hear that others have also.

The way forward for Bjørn Bjerke and Vivian Larsgård-Ingebrigtsen

Bjørn Bjerke and Vivian Larsgård-Ingebrigtsen also walk away with important insights.

Bjørn Bjerke and Vivian Larsgård-Ingebrigtsen.

— Throughout this journey, we have had ups and downs. We have received a lot of feedback regarding the need to clarify what we are selling. We need to sharpen our product so that both investors and customers understand what we are selling, says Vivian.

Bjørn points out the international potential:

— What we have learned is that the product we have is one that must go out of Norway. We feel that we have a unique product, but Norway is not quite ready for us.

Vivian summarizes the experience like many know it:

— Meeting other companies has been very exciting. The professional aspect has been very good.

Sparebank 1 SMN: — A meaningful engagement

 Arild Eiken and Britt Tøsse Aandal also sat on the expert panel during the last gathering and reflect:

Arild Eiken and Britt Tøsse Aandal.

— This was very nice. There are many skilled people out there. It is fun to present something that is completely different from what I work with daily. It is impressive how creative people are, says Britt.

Arild highlights the growth potential he sees in the companies:

— I just want to chime in. There are many good ideas and we have been presented with companies that have significant growth potential, which might not have been realized yet. Many great presentations.

As representatives for Sparebank 1 SMN, which is a sponsor, Arild states that the engagement from the bank's side is more than just goodwill:

— As a sponsor from Sparebank 1 SMN, it is very meaningful to contribute. We want these companies to grow and strengthen the foundation for businesses in our local community. So this is not just "nice money". We want to take a social responsibility, and we want the region to develop in terms of business. This process from ÅKP is one of the most exciting things for growth because it not only includes typical startup companies but also those already in operation who are looking for their potential to really become big.