Jon Kåre Stene is synonymous with innovation in the Nordic tech scene. As the co-founder of Oda, a pioneering online grocery delivery service, Stene played a crucial role in revolutionizing how Norwegians get groceries. But his story doesn’t end there. After stepping away from Oda, Stene has emerged as a champion for budding entrepreneurs, leveraging his experience to fuel the next generation of disruptive startups.
Stene’s background is witnessing the digital revolution firsthand within the media industry. This experience instilled in him a passion for harnessing technology to solve everyday problems. This passion culminated in the co-founding of Oda in 2013. The company aimed to shake up the traditional grocery landscape by offering convenient online ordering and home delivery.
In his role as COO, Stene shouldered the responsibility of operational excellence. He ensured smooth logistics, efficient warehousing, and a seamless customer experience – all crucial aspects for a thriving online grocery service. Oda’s success can be partly attributed to Stene’s ability to translate his vision for a tech-driven grocery experience into a reality that consumers embrace.
However, the world of startups rarely has a smooth ride. In 2023, Oda faced challenges brought on by the global economic climate. The company made the difficult decision to restructure, leading to layoffs and a refocusing of operations on core markets. Despite these hurdles, Stene remained optimistic. He saw the situation as an opportunity for the displaced talent to form the backbone of a new wave of Norwegian startups.
This brings us to Stene’s current venture – Skyfall Ventures. As a partner at this VC firm, Stene has shifted his focus from building a single disruptive company to empowering a multitude. Skyfall invests in promising Nordic tech startups with the potential to make a significant impact. Stene’s experience at Oda gives him invaluable insights into young companies’ challenges and opportunities. He can guide these startups in navigating the complexities of scaling operations and achieving profitability.
Stene’s influence extends beyond just financial backing. He is a vocal advocate for the Nordic startup ecosystem. He believes the region has the potential to become a breeding ground for innovative companies, akin to the “Skype effect” witnessed earlier in Europe. Stene’s vision is to leverage the talent pool created by Oda’s restructuring and combine it with the investment prowess of Skyfall to create a thriving Norwegian tech scene.
Jon Kåre Stene’s journey is a testament to the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines successful entrepreneurs. He has not only disrupted an industry but is now actively fostering the next generation of disruptors. With his experience and vision, Stene is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Nordic tech landscape.
