Raja Skogland

Some entrepreneurs think:
1. Raise money
2. Build the product
3. Launch

Some others think:
1. Build the product
2. Raise money to hire salespeople.
3. Launch

How it actually works:
1. Launch: sell what you don´t have yet
2. Build what you just sold
3. Raise money to grow

You just saved 53h of podcasts and 4 books on how to build your business.

Bankman-Fried faces up to 110 years behind bars.

WeWork plans to file for bankruptcy as early as next week.

One thing for sure, we can count on Forbes 👌

Investor in 70+ startups.

How did I get there?

8-9 years ago, in the process of learning more about the startup ecosystem, I applied for a job as an office manager at one of the largest accelerators in the Nordics.

During the interview, they asked me: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?“.

Me: “Investing in startups.“

I didn't get the job, ahah.

As for investing in startups, I didn't wait a decade.

A few months later, I founded my company and launched thehub(.)io in Norway.

Over the following two years, I took a very small salary and invested the rest in startups.

Two years later, I founded Grundr Academy, an online platform for founders to gain knowledge and build their network with experts.

Back then, reputable ecosystem players(also from the accelerator I mention above) told me: “Who needs an online platform? We have accelerators and incubators for that purpose“.

ahah

A year later, covid hit, and everything went online.

My platform was acquired, and I invested everything in TheFactory, Norway's fintech, proptech, and retail tech accelerator/early-stage VC fund.

I am now an investor in MANY startups.

In 2021, I have a vision for a new company.

What should I call it? The Visionary Company. A company providing scale-ups with fundraising and scaling advisory services.

Again, I reinvest the money I make, in startups and VC funds.

December 2022, other investors and I join forces and start The Visionary VC, and we are very active.

That´s how I got to 70+ investments.

This path has not been easy... Being an entrepreneur is challenging. We have to learn to navigate, accept and surrender to chaos and uncertainty.

That´s why I have so much respect for entrepreneurs and continue supporting them.

We have a dream and we dare to give it a try.

I remember that younger me, sitting in that office during the interview, with stars in her eyes. She wanted one day to become an entrepreneur and an angel investor.

I feel the journey has just begun :)

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For the skeptical ones, here is the overview of my investments in Norway till 2021: https://lnkd.in/djYJbTzX
***

For the entrepreneurial ones, I write about fundraising and scaling best practices. Find the link to my Friday Newsletter full of actionable advice in the comment section.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead!

You have seen it before.

It is still valid today.

Happy Sunday :)!