In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex are joined by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Andreas Rasmussen. They hear the story of Andreas's journey, from co-founding Nodes, a leading digital agency in Denmark that grew into a global company under Nodes-Monster Lab, to founding Ugly Duckling Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies with untapped potential.
Andreas gives valuable insights into his investment philosophy, emphasising his passion for guiding startups through challenges and identifying hidden opportunities in niche markets. The discussion touches on the importance of chemistry between founders and investors, Andreas's approach to pre-seed and seed-stage investing, and how his past experiences as a CEO influence his current role in the venture capital world. The episode also highlights Andreas’s unique perspective on combining growth with enjoyment and his belief in the long-term value of investing in people as much as ideas.
Listeners will gain an insight into the cultural and leadership lessons Andreas learned during his time at Nodes and Monster Lab, particularly navigating the complexities of aligning Danish and Japanese business cultures. He also talks about the importance of advisory boards, and how working with Bryan helped shape Nodes' strategic direction, making a significant impact on the company's success.
This episode is filled with practical advice for entrepreneurs, leaders, and aspiring investors, with stories and takeaways on navigating business growth, leadership, and investment that you won’t want to miss!