When we launched Startup Iceland in 2012, few believed a startup ecosystem could take root in Iceland. But with the support of early believers like Brad Feld—who not only keynoted our first conference but also mentored founders in person—we planted the seeds of a Give First culture. Since then, mentorship has become the foundation of everything I do, from Startup Reykjavik to the investment funds I manage. I dedicate one hour every week to each founder we back—because generosity and compassion aren’t just values, they’re strategies for long-term success. Brad’s upcoming book, Give First – The Power of Mentorship, captures this beautifully. It’s not just a philosophy—it’s how we build the future.
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We are thrilled to announce the launch of Blue Nova Ventures. This is a new venture fund born out of …
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The role of government in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has long been debated. This blog post was inspired by a …
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India’s Education Renaissance: The Opportunity Ahead
India stands on the cusp of a dynamic shift in education—one that breaks free from rote memorization and embraces creativity, collaboration, and leadership from an early age. My visit to Prometheus School highlighted how a carefully designed environment, world-class facilities, and a student-led administrative framework can transform the way young minds learn and grow. This is more than just a school—it’s a blueprint for the future of India’s education system. By adopting forward-thinking methods that encourage innovation and real-world experiences, Indian schools can empower an entire generation to lead confidently on the global stage. And I truly believe that, with this kind of reimagined learning, the coming decades will undeniably be India’s decades to shine.
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Hackathons are foundations for tinkering, learning and innovation For over a decade, I have had the privilege of organizing and …
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On January 1, 2025, I was deeply honored to receive the Order of the Falcon from the President of Iceland. This recognition celebrates not only my journey in building a vibrant startup community but also the collective efforts of countless entrepreneurs, mentors, and visionaries who have fueled Iceland’s rise as a hub for innovation. Together, we’ve transformed potential into success, proving that with trust, collaboration, and bold dreams, anything is possible. This award is a testament to what we’ve built—and the limitless opportunities ahead.
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Building a company is one of the most challenging endeavors a person can undertake. Founders are no strangers to sleepless …
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In an increasingly interconnected world, the financial technology (FinTech) sector holds transformative potential. As an investor focused on mission-driven founders …
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFounders Ventures Invests in ALDIN Biodome to Create Geo-Climate Infrastructure in Iceland Reykjavik, Iceland — [November 22, 2024] …
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The talk in Ljubliana, Slovenia focused on Circular and Green Innovation, emphasizing the importance of small, mission-driven groups in shaping the future. The speaker highlighted the need to challenge negative narratives and shared examples of innovative sustainability solutions, promoting optimism and proactive action. The event showcased inspiring initiatives, encouraging positive change.
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Startup Iceland GPT is now available and it encapsulates some of the advice and presentations that I have given over the years. We will be adding the video content soon to the GPT.
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In the world of medical technology and innovation, few companies have captured the essence of nature, tradition, and cutting-edge science …
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Tryggvi Davidsson, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Indó, is set to speak at Startup Iceland 2023 on June 1st, …
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Deed Delivery Deed is a software company revolutionizing last-mile delivery by tackling the biggest problem in the industry: failed deliveries, …
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As Startup Iceland 2023 approaches, anticipation builds for the dynamic founders panel, where innovative minds and trailblazing ideas will converge. …
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In recent years, there has been a growing trend of collaboration between startups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to create innovative …
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David Shapiro, the Co-Founder and CEO/CFO of OPEN, a pioneering venture capital fund supported by the New York Stock Exchange, …
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Timo Weiland is an award-winning Creative Director, serial entrepreneur and DJ based in New York City. He was born in …
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