AI & Data analytics Director at Katapult

• How do you apply business analytics at Katapult?

At Katapult, we apply Business Analytics in various ways to enhance our decision-making processes, optimize our operations, and drive the growth and success of the companies in our portfolio. The 3 core areas where we leverage Business Analytics are Deal-Flow (Investing), Fundraising, and Impact Analytics; but we also help our portfolio, and support other internal operations.

1. Deal Sourcing and Investment Evaluation: We use advanced analytics to identify potential investment opportunities, assess their potential, and evaluate their fit with our strategic objectives. By analyzing various data sources, we can make well-informed decisions on which companies to invest in.
2. Scaling Fundraising and Identifying Investors: Business Analytics plays a pivotal role in our fundraising efforts and investor relations. By analyzing data on potential investors, systematizing our reach, and ensuring we learn from every interaction, we can reach the best prospects for our funds and minimize the time required.
3. Impact Measurement and Reporting: As a venture capital fund focused on creating a positive impact, it is crucial for us to accurately measure and report on the social and environmental outcomes of our investments. Business Analytics enables us to teach our portfolio companies how to measure, track and quantify these outcomes, allowing us to demonstrate the tangible results of our impact-driven approach to our LPs.
4. Operational Efficiency: By applying Business Analytics to our internal processes and workflows, we can identify areas for improvement, streamline our operations, and enhance our overall efficiency. This enables us to better allocate our resources and focus on activities that drive value for our portfolio companies and investors.
5. Portfolio Management: Business Analytics helps us monitor the performance of our portfolio companies, identify potential risks or opportunities, and make data-driven decisions on the best course of action. Through regular analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs), we can provide valuable insights and guidance to our portfolio companies, helping them achieve their goals and maximize their potential.

Business Analytics is an integral part of our operations at Katapult. By leveraging data and insights, we can make more informed decisions, optimize our performance, and ultimately, drive the success of our impact-driven investment strategy.

• What is the best thing about your job?

There are several aspects of my job that I find incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. First and foremost, I have the privilege of working in a field that I am truly passionate about – analytics and data. Each day, I have the opportunity to delve into the world of data and learn something new, unlock new insights that drive innovation and growth for the organizations I work with.

Secondly, my job allows me to be at the forefront of Impact investing in the venture capital industry, where I can contribute to building something unique and impactful. I have the chance to work with an organization that is not only committed to financial success but also to making a positive impact on the world. Our core mission revolves around demonstrating that profit can go hand-in-hand with meaningful, sustainable impact, and it is incredibly gratifying to be part of this vision.

Another exciting aspect of my job is the opportunity to be part of a pioneering movement within the venture capital industry. Very few VC funds have been able to successfully integrate AI and advanced data analytics into their daily operations. Katapult, however, is investing heavily in these technologies to gain a competitive advantage and scale the fund's operations. The chance to revolutionize and disrupt the way a long-standing industry operates is rare, and being part of this transformative journey is truly priceless.

Lastly, the work environment and culture at my company further enrich my job satisfaction. I am surrounded by talented, like-minded individuals who share my ideas and are dedicated to making a real difference in the world. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere allows us to grow, learn, and innovate together, creating an exceptionally rewarding work experience.

My job is the perfect blend of professional fulfillment and personal satisfaction that comes from working in a field I love, contributing to a positive impact on the world, and being part of an inspiring, motivated team that is shaping the future of the venture capital industry.

• Why did you choose to study in Norway?

My decision to study in Norway was influenced by a combination of personal and professional factors that converged to create the perfect opportunity for my growth and development.

On a personal level, family has always been a top priority for me. As my wife is Norwegian, we had long-term plans to raise our family in Norway, given the country's exceptional support for families with young children. The life-work balance, safety, and access to breathtaking nature make it an ideal environment to nurture our family life and provide our children with a solid foundation for their future.

From a professional standpoint, my search for a university that offered a program that aligned with my interests and career goals led me to BI Norwegian Business School. The school's reputation for academic excellence and its comprehensive Master of Science program in Business Analytics presented a unique opportunity for me to not only deepen my understanding of analytics and data science but also combine it with my prior experience in a meaningful way. This program equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of cutting-edge analytical capabilities in today's fast-paced business environment.

Choosing to study in Norway allowed me to strike the perfect balance between my personal life and professional ambitions, paving the way for a rewarding and fulfilling future for both my family and my career.