Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Thomas Due, a distinguished figure in the world of entrepreneurship and venture capital. As the CEO of VentureLab, Thomas has been a pivotal force in driving innovation and supporting startup growth across various industries. With over two decades of experience, he stands as a beacon of expertise and leadership in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Professional Background
Thomas Due is a seasoned Norwegian business angel, investor, entrepreneur, and company leader. Based in Oslo, Norway, he co-founded VentureLab in 2000 and has since been at the helm as its CEO. Under his leadership, VentureLab has flourished, expanding its portfolio and securing strategic partnerships with top-tier investors to support early-stage startups. His vision and guidance have been instrumental in helping these startups scale through funding and strategic insights.
VentureLab and Fenrir Fund
At VentureLab, Thomas leads a team of experts dedicated to nurturing startups, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. His role extends beyond VentureLab as he is also the co-founder of Fenrir Fund. Alongside his partner Olav Trent, Thomas pioneered the Full Circle Fund model, which offers comprehensive support to startups throughout their lifecycle. This innovative approach ensures startups receive not only financial backing but also operational guidance, leadership mentoring, and access to global networks.
XLR8HUB and Other Ventures
In addition to his work with VentureLab and Fenrir Fund, Thomas co-founded XLR8HUB, a premier venture accelerator and co-working space. XLR8HUB focuses on commercialization and provides tailored services to early-stage companies, further showcasing Thomas's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.
Throughout his illustrious career, Thomas has screened thousands of companies, facilitated funding for numerous Norwegian startups, and played a crucial role in securing multimillion-dollar licensing deals across Europe and the USA.
Areas of Expertise
Thomas is a specialist in growth strategy, funding, and international expansion, with a keen focus on markets in Norway, the UK, Dubai, and the USA. His passion for entrepreneurship is particularly evident in his interests in globalization, social media, mobile technology, alternative energy, and healthcare innovation.
Collaborations and Achievements
Thomas has collaborated with a diverse array of companies, including Alycore, Norsk Innovasjons Kapital (NIK1), Aqua Bio Technology, Scanergy, Energi 1 Kraft, XLR8FUND, WeMe, InanoD, Resupply, Strongbean, Ecoffy, Hydrakraft, Skingram, and Foodsteps. His roles have varied from advisor and investor to board member and strategist, both within the VentureLab portfolio and as a private investor.
Skills and Contributions
Thomas is adept in venture management, investor readiness, business strategy development, product positioning, sales strategy, branding, market alignment, and capital raising. He has also developed mentoring programs for entrepreneurs and investors, such as VentureLab's Excellerate program. Furthermore, he was a founding member of the Norwegian Investment Forum, which later merged with DnB Next, and played a significant role in the Oslo Innovation Week.
Personal Achievements
Beyond his professional endeavors, Thomas is a former competitive curling player, boasting six Norwegian Championship gold medals and accolades from both the World and European Championships. Currently, he serves as Chairman of VentureLab AS, co-founder of Fenrir Fund, Chairman of Strongbean, and board member at Hydrakraft, while also contributing to the advisory board of InanoD.
Conclusion
Thomas Due's extensive experience, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to entrepreneurship make him a vital asset to the startup community. His contributions continue to inspire and drive innovation, making a lasting impact on the global business landscape.
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