Anne Kristine Lund is a remarkable individual who has carved her path at the intersection of energy markets and entrepreneurship. With a solid foundation in Industrial Economics and Leadership from NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), she brings a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience to her endeavors. 

Anne Kristine’s journey has been defined by her deep understanding of energy markets, power, and proprietary trading. Her academic background laid the groundwork for a career that would see her thrive in various roles including her time at Norges Bank Investment Management. 

However, Anne Kristine’s entrepreneurial spirit eventually led her to chart her course. She founded Boitano, a platform where she extends her expertise to assist other companies through consultancy and investment support. Her venture reflects not only her commitment to her own entrepreneurial dreams but also her dedication to helping other businesses succeed. 

From Noble Aspirations to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship 

Anne Kristine’s journey towards a fulfilling career has always been guided by her desire to do something meaningful. Initially, she aspired to become a doctor, driven by the noble goal of saving lives every day. However, she soon realized that her true passion lay elsewhere. 

She pursued a degree in industrial economics and technology management at NTNU, a path that might not seem inherently passionate to some due to its foundation in applied mathematics. However, for Anne Kristine, it felt like the right track. 

Her career took her through various experiences, including a stint with the Norwegian Ministry of Oil and Energy. She then ventured into the world of shipping. However, she experienced the financial crisis during her time in London, which led her back to her mathematical roots as a derivative trader at Electricite de France. 

Her journey through derivatives eventually brought her into the realm of equity at NBIM, a notably different asset class. It was here that Anne Kristine discovered her passion for venture capital. 

What truly ignited her passion was the remarkable encounter with entrepreneurs. Their enthusiasm for their missions left an indelible impression on her. The drive, confidence, and aura they exuded were contagious, making her want to be part of what they were creating. 

This encounter led Anne Kristine to start Boitano. Her goal was to build something, create value, and reinvest that value back into the market through venture capital. Boitano’s first five years witnessed remarkable revenue growth, going from zero to 120 million. Today, the company employs 70 highly skilled software developers. 

Recruiting top talent in the competitive IT market posed challenges, but Boitano’s purpose-driven approach set it apart. The team’s shared sense of purpose propelled their commitment and achievements. 

Through Boitano, Anne Kristine ventured into tech investments, covering various types of tech companies. While financial viability was essential, the second criterion for investment was equally crucial—fun. She recognized that a genuine sense of excitement and passion played a vital role in driving success. 

Fostering Innovation through People-Centric Technology Solutions 

Boitano is a unique employee-owned company comprising more than 70 seasoned developers and technology leaders. They place significant emphasis on recognizing the importance of individuals in the technology sector, understanding that it’s the people behind the technology who drive significant advancements. Boitano serves as a hub for bringing together top-notch professional resources and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, creating a dynamic environment. 

The company specializes in providing system development solutions for intricate, business-critical challenges. Boitano collaborates closely with its customers and partners to bring ambitious ideas to fruition and enhance existing solutions. Their clientele spans from well-established national enterprises to innovative startups, showcasing their ability to adapt and cater to a diverse range of business needs and aspirations. 

Attracting IT Talent with Purpose and Passion 

Anne Kristine acknowledges the challenges of recruiting IT professionals in today’s competitive market. Tech talents are highly sought after and often receive enticing perks. She humorously suggests that in the future, employment contracts might include additional perks like “cold energy drinks available at all times” and frequent updates for hardware such as GPU cards and mechanical keyboards. Despite the challenges of competing with larger companies boasting extensive marketing and employee branding budgets, Boitano has managed to attract 70 dedicated team members. 

The primary reason behind these individuals choosing to work at Boitano is a shared sense of purpose. Boitano has a unique approach to profit utilization—they invest all of their profits into other tech startups. The team firmly believes that they can achieve more collectively than individually and make a meaningful difference in the tech industry. 

Boitano’s investments span a diverse range of tech companies, encompassing e-sport platforms, AI systems for optimizing energy usage in office buildings, and software solutions for circular economies. What sets their investment criteria apart is not just financial viability but also an essential second criterion—fun. Investments should evoke a genuine sense of excitement and passion, akin to the exhilaration of a fling. They should be projects that continually occupy the team’s thoughts and spark daydreams about the future. Anne Kristine underscores the significance of fun as a driving force and a valid purpose in their journey. 

Insights on Entrepreneurial Success 

Anne Kristine and the Boitano team regularly interact with entrepreneurs, and one common trait among them is their strong sense of purpose. While financial motivation is certainly a factor for some, the drive to make money alone is insufficient for success, based on their observations. 

Purpose is often regarded as a positive force, providing energy and direction. However, Anne Kristine raises an interesting question: can there be too much purpose? While purpose can be a driving force, it can also create challenges, particularly when it comes to knowing when to pause. In recent months, they’ve noticed unsettling trends in the capital market, where fundraising has become increasingly challenging. This added pressure can be especially taxing for entrepreneurs who are deeply purpose-driven. 

Some entrepreneurs may find themselves in a situation where they must lay off employees or face the risk of bankruptcy. For those with a strong sense of purpose, these decisions can be emotionally devastating, as they are not only financially but also emotionally invested in their ventures. 

Anne Kristine emphasizes the need for mindfulness and support to ensure that an entrepreneur’s sense of purpose doesn’t lead to burnout. She reminds us that as investors, they have also invested in the entrepreneur and their team. While investors may experience disappointment, it’s crucial to recognize that the emotional toll on purpose-driven entrepreneurs can be even more profound. 

Ultimately, Anne Kristine believes that purpose will be the decisive factor in determining an entrepreneur’s success. However, it’s essential to strike a balance to ensure that this purpose doesn’t become overwhelming and detrimental to the entrepreneur’s well-being. 

Website: boitano.no