Scaling a company is not about chasing headlines. It’s about proving customers care.
In this episode of I by IMD, Katarina Bonde shares hard-earned lessons from decades in venture-backed tech, board leadership, and global scale-ups. She challenges founders to validate demand before celebrating growth: “If no one is… spending money to buy it, you actually don't have a product.”
Katarina, who served as board chair and CEO in various venture-backed tech firms across the US and Europe, also reframes the AI discussion. The opportunity isn’t in the current bubble, but in the smart use of data – “the real gold here.”
For rapid-growth startups, so-called scale-ups, who are tempted to prioritize land grabs over margins, Katarina offers a grounded reminder: “You have to show that you have a business model that can pay for itself.”
Our Guest:
Katarina Bonde served as Chair of companies including Mentimeter, Stillfront Group, and others in Sweden’s digital ecosystem. She also served as an executive in various venture-backed tech firms in Europe and the US and is an active angel investor.
What is I by IMD?
The IMD Podcast Network brings you fresh insights and thought leadership on the evolving world of management and business. Each episode features conversations with global experts, industry leaders, and IMD faculty who share their perspectives on leadership, innovation, strategy, and the challenges shaping organizations today. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, our goal is to provide practical knowledge and inspiration that you can apply directly to your professional journey