Jens Martin Skibsted’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and relentless exploration in the realm of design and urban mobility. From his early days, his fascination with design, particularly in the domain of bicycles, laid the foundation for his illustrious career. As the founder of Biomega, Jens pioneered groundbreaking designs that redefined urban mobility and garnered international acclaim.
However, Jens’s ambitions transcended the world of bicycles, propelling him into new horizons, including the realm of electric cars. This journey led him to cross paths with David Fellah, the visionary behind Manyone, a platform dedicated to reimagining design paradigms on a global scale. Recognizing the synergies between his expertise and Manyone’s ethos, Jens joined forces with the company, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a portfolio of successful projects.
At Manyone, Jens’s role expanded beyond traditional design activities to encompass foresight writing, contributing insights and perspectives on mobility trends for esteemed publications like Forbes and the World Economic Forum. His leadership was instrumental in spearheading acclaimed initiatives such as the Biomega electric car SIN and the Aeroslider project, which garnered widespread attention worldwide.
Jens’s influence extended to shaping Manyone’s trajectory, leveraging his experience as the owner of the company’s first acquisition. Together with Christian Bason, he co-authored the influential book “Expand: Stretching the Future by Design,” further cementing his commitment to shaping the future of design and innovation.
Jens Martin Skibsted’s journey epitomizes the spirit of creativity, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring generations to push the boundaries of design and urban mobility.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Can you share some pivotal moments or experiences from your career that have shaped your approach to business and entrepreneurship?
For me, the most important pivotal moments have been when I’ve met great people who believed in me: famous designer Marc Newson, former CMO of Puma Antonio Bertone, Bjarke Ingels, and David Fellah. Their belief in my vision and capabilities validated my ideas, provided mentorship, and instilled in me a newfound confidence and determination to pursue my passion for design relentlessly. These encounters underscored the power of collaboration, mentorship, and unwavering determination in the pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavors. They have served as guiding beacons, shaping my approach to business and entrepreneurship, and fueling my commitment to driving positive change through design and innovation.
What inspired you to establish this company? How does this initiative reflect your life purpose and vision for making a positive difference?
The inspiration to be part of establishing Biomega and Manyone stemmed from a convergence of personal conviction, a keen awareness of emerging technological possibilities, and a deep-seated desire to effect positive change through innovative design and entrepreneurship. Initially, the seed of Biomega’s idea was planted during a trip to Barcelona, where I was struck by the realization of the potential for city bicycles to revolutionize urban mobility. My vision for Biomega – and later Manyone – was rooted in the belief that by creating beautifully designed, technologically advanced means of transport and fostering innovation on a global scale, we could encourage people to shift away from car-centric lifestyles towards more sustainable modes of transportation. This initiative aligned with my life purpose of leveraging design and innovation to make a positive difference in the world, particularly in the realm of urban sustainability. Biomega and Manyone’s commitment to superior construction, innovative design, and ecological responsibility reflected my broader vision for creating products and initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
How do you measure the impact of your work, both personally and through your company, in supporting individuals to actualize their potential and become their best selves?
Measuring the impact of our work involves various approaches, including personal reflection, feedback and testimonials, quantitative metrics, qualitative indicators, alignment with mission and values, consideration of long-term effects and sustainability, and a focus on continuous growth and development. By integrating character development with the acquisition of soft and technical skills within a comprehensive framework, individuals can develop into well-rounded professionals who not only excel in their chosen fields but also demonstrate ethical leadership, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.
How do you integrate character development with the acquisition of soft and technical skills in your framework?
Integrating character development with the acquisition of soft and technical skills is fundamental to fostering holistic personal and professional growth. Approaches include values-based learning, experiential learning, role modeling and mentorship, feedback and reflection, integrated curriculum design, service learning and community engagement, and a focus on continuous growth and development.
What are your long-term goals, and how do you envision its evolution in the coming years?
My long-term goals revolve around pursuing artistic design endeavors and contributing to making the planet greener through sustainable practices and initiatives championed by Manyone and Biomega. In the realm of artistic design, my vision is to delve deeper into creative exploration, pushing the boundaries of traditional design paradigms and seeking innovative ways to express my artistic vision. Simultaneously, I am committed to advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship through my work with Manyone and Biomega. In the coming years, I see my artistic endeavors evolving into larger-scale projects that fuse art with sustainability, creating experiences that raise awareness about pressing environmental issues and inspire action. Furthermore, I envision Manyone and Biomega continuing to lead the way in sustainable design and innovation, collaborating with like-minded partners and stakeholders to drive systemic change across industries.
Looking back on your career journey, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who are navigating their own paths?
Define your mission, stay nimble, embrace resilience, build a strong network, prioritize integrity, never stop learning, celebrate milestones, and stay true to yourself. By embodying these principles and embracing the journey with courage and determination, aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and realize their vision for success.
