Crossing Borders: Minna Technologies’ Acquisition by Mastercard

Engage with Joakim Sjöblom, an accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse, international journey. He launched his startup in Sweden, achieving 300,000 downloads—an impressive 3% adoption rate among the Swedish population—with his B2B2C application before expanding to the US market.

He will share pivotal moments, including navigating corporate venture capital with Visa and selling his company, Minna Technologies, to Mastercard. Joakim's journey includes a spontaneous pitch at a tech event that led to a crucial partnership with Swedbank, which became the first enterprise customer. This endorsement opened doors to banks in Denmark, Finland, Belgium, and the UK.

Joakim will emphasize the importance of being “heads up” to seize transformative opportunities while managing the “heads down” work needed to build and scale a startup. He will provide practical advice on becoming fundable, acquiring first customers, and leveraging mentorship and networking for growth. His experiences demonstrate that engaging with networks can yield dividends throughout one’s career.

Despite challenges, including COVID-19’s impact on innovation budgets, Joakim made the bold decision to move to Charlotte, North Carolina. This pivot allowed him to penetrate the US market, resulting in significant contracts and ultimately selling to Mastercard.

Bring your questions and connect with a community of like-minded founders ready to learn and grow together!

Opening Remarks @ 9:00am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Fattom, Member Success Manager at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:10am PT

Joakim Sjöblom is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in building and scaling innovative companies. As the founder and CEO of Minna Technologies, he has played a pivotal role in transforming subscription management within the fintech sector. Under his leadership, Minna partnered with leading retail banks across Europe, facilitating seamless digital experiences for millions of consumers. Joakim's vision culminated in the successful acquisition of Minna by Mastercard, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

Throughout his career, Joakim has founded three companies and raised over $30 million in venture funding. His accomplishments have earned him nominations for several prestigious awards, including Young Innovation Leader of the Year by Arthur D. Little and a scholarship from Carl XVI Gustaf’s Foundation for Young Leadership. A recognized thought leader, Joakim frequently shares insights on future digital banking trends, particularly regarding consumer behavior and the digital expectations of the millennial generation.

Currently, Joakim is exploring new ventures in stealth mode while leveraging his expertise to innovate in the defense industry.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:00am PT

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