CVX Ventures proudly welcomes Ask Kjeken as the new Head of Partner Relations for our Norwegian division, marking a significant step forward for us as a Nordic venture capital company. Originally from Oslo, his background combines hands-on practical experience of launching and growing startups with valuable business insights gained during his time at Google. The 31-year-old is now looking to lead CVX Ventures into a new market and establish a robust partner network to drive investment opportunities across the region.
Ask’s journey in the startup world, shaped by experiences in Germany, the US and Norway, reflects a mix of global insight and local ingenuity. While studying Entrepreneurship & Finance at BI Norwegian Business School Oslo, he co-founded three companies and navigated the typical challenges of early-stage startups. His third endeavor, uWork AS, flourished and became a successful SaaS provider in Norway’s healthcare sector, where it remains one of the market leaders today.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial path, Ask says, “Being an entrepreneur is about learning from failures and successes. uWork’s journey from concept to a company that is expected to have a turnover of over 100 million NOK by 2024 has been a significant part of my story.”
After six years working as a sales manager at uWork and valuable experience at Google focusing on sales and growth strategies for large enterprise clients, the attraction of venture capital and the opportunity to impact the startup landscape in Norway led him to CVX Ventures. “CVX’s mission to offer more than just capital by providing comprehensive support to growth companies resonated deeply with me,” says Ask. “It’s about enriching the startup ecosystem with knowledge, networking and strategic guidance.”
Pioneering CVX Ventures’ presence in Norway As the first member of the CVX Ventures team in Norway, Ask’s goals are ambitious but clear: to emulate CVX’s success in Denmark by fostering a robust network of partnerships and building a team to scale CVX’s venture capital model. “Our goal is to create an ecosystem where investors and startups flourish together, fostering innovation and positive impact across industries. I believe there is a huge opportunity to bridge the gap between the pioneers of startups and experienced industry professionals in Norway,” he explains.
Discussing the venture capital landscape in the Nordics, Ask recognizes recent challenges with access to capital but remains optimistic. What sets CVX apart, he emphasizes, is its commitment to making venture investing accessible to a wider audience. “We’re not just investing; we’re building a community where industry professionals and startups work closely together, creating much more value for both parties,” Ask adds.
Looking ahead: Challenges and opportunities Despite the potential challenges of establishing a diverse partner community and meeting the changing demands of startups, Ask remains determined. “Building on CVX’s proven model in Denmark, we are ready to adapt and grow in Norway. Our goal is to establish CVX as a key player in the Norwegian venture capital ecosystem, promoting innovation and facilitating growth.”
One year ahead, Ask envisions a thriving network of strategic partnerships and influential investments that solidify CVX Ventures’ position as a trusted partner in Norway’s VC community. “Launching any new venture presents its challenges. However, with a dedicated team and relentless effort, I am confident that we can successfully scale CVX to the Norwegian market and have a positive effect on the venture capital landscape in Norway.”
For those interested in joining the CVX community or learning more, feel free to contact Ask Kjeken at ak@cvx.vc.
