From the corporate world to entrepreneurship – a career with prestigious positions in Investment Banking on Wall St., traveling the world and running big sales operations as a General Manager for Australia and New Zealand. Now with a new purpose trying to make a difference, driving the digitization of society. This has opened a totally new journey of entrepreneurship which makes me excited to come to work every day.

Name: Svend Erik Kundby-Nielsen
Age: 52
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sekundbynielsen
Business and title: swipx – CEO
Background/Previous experience: Investment Banker and General Manager IBM

 

When did you start your career as an entrepreneur?

I started my career as an entrepreneur back in 2015. I’ve only had three ideas in my life and when I did not do anything with the first two – which I think were otherwise great ideas – I was afraid I would have never had the time to become an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur – for me – is to accomplish something new and with a purpose. My main source of inspiration is the desire to make a difference.

Was there anything that prevented you from doing so earlier?

In a way it never felt right – to start my own business. My first idea was prevented by my being employed (at that time by one of the largest German banks in Europe) after which I was sent to New York, where I worked as a Risk Manager on Wall Street. The implementation of the second idea was prevented by the fact that I had just switched to IBM as the leader of their consulting department.

What are you working today?

Today I work to drive the digitization of society. On the one hand, we help customers find their real solution to their business needs and thus help them become more productive and competitive. On the other hand, we help software companies become visible in the market.

What have you had to sacrifice for your life as an entrepreneur?

Nothing. I only regret that I have not done it before – but better later than never.

What did your family and friends say about your decision?

I received very different feedback. On the one hand, some were concerned about leaving a very established, very well paid and prestigious environment. There were friends who did not see me as an entrepreneur, but more like a corporate type. Finally, there have been some who just think it’s super that I have taken the plunge.

What are you most proud of?

By my current position, by customers and users who feel that what we bring has value – otherwise they would not pay for it.

What has been the biggest downturn?

Fortunately, there hasn’t been any low or setback of major importance. What disappoints me the most is if my circle of friends or colleagues are not open about missing their motivation. It’s hard to help if you do not know what the problem is.

How much do you work a week?

A lot – but it’s also because I think it’s very exciting what we’re doing.

How far must we be willing to go?

As it relates to your business, it is obviously up to each to decide where to draw the line, but if you are convinced that what you are doing is right and have a purpose, there is no limit to how far you must be willing to go. But of course, it is a matter of temperament.

What is the secret to success?

Basically, it is to be very passionate about something and believe that you can make a difference – big or small.

If it were possible to go back, how would you anticipate the start of business the way it is today?

Not much different than what we’ve done. I think we went out at the right time and sought funding – not too early and not too late. For any business, especially small businesses is the team 100% key. You can not afford dead weight, as all must perform for the company to operate and develop. Therefore, your main task as a manager is to have the right people around you.

What do you think are the most important characteristics that an entrepreneur should possess?

Perseverance and faith in you to do the right thing. Being an entrepreneur is not like running a 100-meter race. It is a marathon race, where you’re constantly coming out with new challenges – figuratively speaking.

 

You can find this interview here: https://rocketstartup.dk/portfolio/svend-erik-kundby-nielsen-swipx/