Simon is the CEO and founding partner of XY Ventures, a seasoned VC investor, and a venture advisor to leading accelerator programs such as 500 Startups, Techstars, and Founder Institute. With a background in energy engineering and deep experience in entrepreneurship, Simon has mentored and invested in companies across the globe, with a particular focus on deep tech and energy innovation. He has successfully founded and sold startups, contributed to the growth of innovation ecosystems in Sweden and internationally, and is recognized for his pragmatic and people-focused approach to venture building and investment.

💡 What You’ll Learn from Simon's Journey:
🔸 The Power of Starting from Nothing: Simon shares how the thrill of building from the ground up and embracing the role of a beginner fuels his entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging founders to experiment fearlessly and learn by doing.
🔸 Building Resilient, Cohesive Teams: Discover why Simon prioritizes founding teams with deep relationships and a proven track record of working together, and how grit and shared vision are key determinants of startup success.
🔸 Navigating the Startup “Great Filter”: Learn how Simon identifies founders willing to pivot quickly in response to feedback and market demands, and why persistence past the critical three- to four-year mark separates thriving startups from those that falter.
🔸 Structuring a Sustainable & Enjoyable Career: Simon discusses practical strategies for time management, outsourcing, focusing on work that energizes you, and designing your career around passion and impact, not just financial gain.

You can connect with Simon on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ to follow his journey.

🎥 Big thanks to VidOps for supporting Founders Voyage. Use code voyage at ⁠vidops.io⁠ for 10% off expert audio, video, animation, and photography services.

👏 Props to the stellar crew: Nancy Nash, Daniel M. Melo, Carlos Javier Chacón Sánchez, Matthew Ray, and host Spencer Walker-Fooks. You bring this show to life.

🥂 Want to support the journey? Join us on ⁠Patreon⁠ and help amplify more voices like Simon.

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