May 11, 2023
Ole Richard, we appreciate you taking the time to meet with us. Let’s get straight to the point – what led you to invest in Skytech Control?
In autumn last year (2022), we had the opportunity to speak with Tore and found the company to be an intriguing opportunity. Since we also operate within the E-sports industry, this investment aligns perfectly with our strategy and portfolio for the future.
After 82 years of family ownership, the insulation manufacturer Glava was sold to the French building materials giant Saint-Gobain in 2017. Since then, the proceeds have been invested in various funds, investments, and real estate projects through Red Mit. How did the coronavirus pandemic impact Red Mit?
The pandemic did not have any negative consequences for Red Mit AS, but there was a downturn in 2022
Looking at your previous experience, it seems that sports, eSport, and culture are common themes. We are curious about the combination of technology, sports, and eSport. Are there any potential synergies between your previous ventures and Skytech Control?
I firmly believe that there are potential synergies between our companies. We intend to convene and evaluate our technologies, products, and strategies to find ways to work together and create value across our organizations. I’m confident that there will be mutual benefits and synergies for both of our companies moving forward.
We also understand that you support and have been the main sponsor for Vålerenga Football Damer. You have been supporting Vålerenga (VIF) as a club for more or less since 2008. Can you tell us a bit more about your passion for football? Are there any other favorite teams besides VIF that you follow?
Since I started working in E-sports, football has not held my attention as much as it used to. I still follow Real Madrid and Manchester United, along with Vålerenga IF. However, my primary interest lies with the Vålerenga Women’s team, which I follow the most.
It seems that you have always been involved in working with various charities such as Sabona, Sykehusklovnene, and Gateteam Oslo, and supporting their work. Why is this so important to you?
Social responsibility, charities, and other philanthropic activities have always been significant in our family. It was one of the driving factors behind our decision to enter the E-sports industry. We believe that we can use our business as a platform to make a positive impact on society and contribute to various causes that align with our values.
You prefer to maintain a low profile in the media, and it’s been reported that your last public photo and interview was with Dagbladet in your thirties, prior to the DN article in 2018. Considering your investment in Skytech Control and your position on the board, how do you anticipate supporting the company in its new endeavors?
Although I am not on the board of Skytech Control personally, I have entrusted this responsibility to my colleague Jack Holand. I am confident that Jack’s passion, creativity, and expertise will be invaluable in this role, and he will be able to contribute significantly to the company’s success.
Skytech Control is a relatively new company with a lot of new people and an ambitious strategy to grow internationally. In 2022 alone, we established operations in four new countries. Why do you believe we will be successful?
I am thoroughly impressed by Skytech Control’s technology and products, and I have complete faith in their current strategy to improve and scale their business. They have several unique selling points, both domestically and internationally. I believe that companies need to focus on asset control, cost reduction, and sustainability (Green Control – recycling of assets like mobile phones, laptops etc.) while also providing self-service solutions for their end-users. Moreover, I appreciate the passion and ambition of Skytech Control’s management and employees, who are dedicated to creating value for their customers.
Tell us a bit about yourself on a personal note. Who are you and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I received my initial training as a car electrician, but I abandoned this profession after taking over Glava following my mother’s death in 1990. I then ventured into the world of investments and have dealt with a diverse range of businesses, from boat sales to importing Norwegian food into Spain. In my free time, I prioritize relaxation and spending quality time with my family. Additionally, I enjoy traveling quite frequently.
Open topic at the end of this Q&A session, Ole Richard: anything else you would like to share?
I think I have covered most of it. 🙂
Great, thank you for your time!
Ole Richard, we appreciate you taking the time to meet with us. Let’s get straight to the point – what led you to invest in Skytech Control?
In autumn last year (2022), we had the opportunity to speak with Tore and found the company to be an intriguing opportunity. Since we also operate within the E-sports industry, this investment aligns perfectly with our strategy and portfolio for the future.
After 82 years of family ownership, the insulation manufacturer Glava was sold to the French building materials giant Saint-Gobain in 2017. Since then, the proceeds have been invested in various funds, investments, and real estate projects through Red Mit. How did the coronavirus pandemic impact Red Mit?
The pandemic did not have any negative consequences for Red Mit AS, but there was a downturn in 2022
Looking at your previous experience, it seems that sports, eSport, and culture are common themes. We are curious about the combination of technology, sports, and eSport. Are there any potential synergies between your previous ventures and Skytech Control?
I firmly believe that there are potential synergies between our companies. We intend to convene and evaluate our technologies, products, and strategies to find ways to work together and create value across our organizations. I’m confident that there will be mutual benefits and synergies for both of our companies moving forward.
We also understand that you support and have been the main sponsor for Vålerenga Football Damer. You have been supporting Vålerenga (VIF) as a club for more or less since 2008. Can you tell us a bit more about your passion for football? Are there any other favorite teams besides VIF that you follow?
Since I started working in E-sports, football has not held my attention as much as it used to. I still follow Real Madrid and Manchester United, along with Vålerenga IF. However, my primary interest lies with the Vålerenga Women’s team, which I follow the most.
It seems that you have always been involved in working with various charities such as Sabona, Sykehusklovnene, and Gateteam Oslo, and supporting their work. Why is this so important to you?
Social responsibility, charities, and other philanthropic activities have always been significant in our family. It was one of the driving factors behind our decision to enter the E-sports industry. We believe that we can use our business as a platform to make a positive impact on society and contribute to various causes that align with our values.
You prefer to maintain a low profile in the media, and it’s been reported that your last public photo and interview was with Dagbladet in your thirties, prior to the DN article in 2018. Considering your investment in Skytech Control and your position on the board, how do you anticipate supporting the company in its new endeavors?
Although I am not on the board of Skytech Control personally, I have entrusted this responsibility to my colleague Jack Holand. I am confident that Jack’s passion, creativity, and expertise will be invaluable in this role, and he will be able to contribute significantly to the company’s success.
Skytech Control is a relatively new company with a lot of new people and an ambitious strategy to grow internationally. In 2022 alone, we established operations in four new countries. Why do you believe we will be successful?
I am thoroughly impressed by Skytech Control’s technology and products, and I have complete faith in their current strategy to improve and scale their business. They have several unique selling points, both domestically and internationally. I believe that companies need to focus on asset control, cost reduction, and sustainability (Green Control – recycling of assets like mobile phones, laptops etc.) while also providing self-service solutions for their end-users. Moreover, I appreciate the passion and ambition of Skytech Control’s management and employees, who are dedicated to creating value for their customers.
Tell us a bit about yourself on a personal note. Who are you and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I received my initial training as a car electrician, but I abandoned this profession after taking over Glava following my mother’s death in 1990. I then ventured into the world of investments and have dealt with a diverse range of businesses, from boat sales to importing Norwegian food into Spain. In my free time, I prioritize relaxation and spending quality time with my family. Additionally, I enjoy traveling quite frequently.
Open topic at the end of this Q&A session, Ole Richard: anything else you would like to share?
I think I have covered most of it. 🙂
Great, thank you for your time!
