Embracing Risk and Opportunity

Björn's entrepreneurial spirit has been a constant throughout his career, from launching an IT company in the 1990s to helping shape the global success of Oatly. Reflecting on the early days of Oatly, Björn pointed out the importance of recognising opportunity amidst change: "I started my first company during the IT boom, and I noticed large corporations were too slow to adapt. That left space for entrepreneurs like us to innovate." His experience shows that timing and risk-taking are critical for founders looking to disrupt established industries.

Björn also talked about the value of taking risks, especially as the youngest of four brothers, where he learned to push boundaries early on. He believes that a certain level of resilience and willingness to fail is key to entrepreneurial success. "I've never been afraid of taking risks. Growing up feeling protected and supported allows you to take those leaps, which I think shaped my entrepreneurial drive."

Strategic Growth: The Bowling Pin Strategy

One of the most impactful pieces of advice Björn shared is what he calls the "bowling pin" strategy, which helped Oatly scale effectively over the years. Instead of trying to win over the mass market immediately, Oatly focused on niche groups with specific needs, such as families dealing with milk protein allergies.

“We focused on one category, achieved our goals with it, and then moved on to the next. It’s like bowling—hit one pin, and others will fall down as a result,” Björn explained. This step-by-step approach allowed Oatly to build credibility and trust with early adopters before expanding to a broader audience.

By identifying and conquering niche markets, Oatly was able to gain traction in competitive spaces while avoiding the massive costs of a broad marketing strategy. This approach is something that any founder, regardless of industry, can adopt to maximise resources and maintain focus.

Dealing with Failure and Industry Resistance

Björn recounted some of the early challenges when Oatly was disrupting the traditional dairy industry. Resistance from established players was common, as the food industry veterans didn’t understand what Oatly was trying to achieve. “We were talking past each other because I was there to change their world, but they didn’t get it,” he said.

For founders looking to disrupt an entrenched industry, Björn’s experience is a reminder that pushback is part of the process. Overcoming resistance requires conviction in your product and the patience to prove its value over time.

Scientific Validation: The Power of Research

A key differentiator for Oatly was its commitment to scientific research and clinical trials, particularly in proving the health benefits of its products. “We did clinical trials to prove our product’s ability to reduce LDL cholesterol, and that set us apart from others,” Björn explained. This scientific foundation not only built trust with consumers but also made Oatly a leader in the plant-based milk category.

Björn’s emphasis on research demonstrates that founders, especially in health and wellness sectors, can gain a competitive edge by investing in credible, science-backed claims. It’s an area often overlooked by startups but can greatly enhance a product’s credibility and marketability.

Monetising Early Failures

One of the more practical lessons Björn shared involved an early setback with Oatly’s partnership with Danone. When the partnership didn’t work out, Oatly was able to turn it into an opportunity by negotiating a payment from Danone to exit the deal. This unexpected windfall helped fund Oatly’s growth at a critical time. “Danone paid us to exit the deal, and that money was critical for us to invest in Oatly,” Björn recalled.

This insight speaks to the importance of resilience and creativity in navigating business challenges. Founders should always be looking for ways to turn setbacks into opportunities, whether through strategic pivots or financial negotiations.

Building the Right Team

Björn also emphasised the importance of assembling a strong, mission-aligned team. When Oatly began to shift its focus towards becoming a mass-market product, Björn recognised the need for fresh leadership. “We had to replace the entire management team. The old team was stuck in traditional food industry thinking, but we needed a CEO who could build a lifestyle brand,” he said.

His experience underscores the value of aligning talent with the company’s growth stage. As a company evolves, its leadership needs may change, and founders shouldn’t be afraid to make tough decisions when it comes to team dynamics.

Learning from Other Industries

Björn’s transition from the IT industry to the food industry provided another key learning for founders: leverage cross-industry experience. His time negotiating deals in tech helped him handle partnerships with food giants like Danone. “The skills I learned negotiating in the IT industry were directly transferable to the food business, which was a huge advantage,” Björn said.

Founders moving into new industries shouldn’t underestimate the value of their previous experience. Often, skills from one field can provide fresh perspectives and unique advantages in another.

Adaptability in a Changing Market

Adaptability is another major theme in Björn’s career. His ability to pivot from software to food innovation reflects a willingness to embrace change. “You can’t plan too far in advance. My plan is always to stay nimble and adjust as needed,” he said. This flexibility has been key to his success, especially in industries like food and tech, where trends shift quickly.

Björn’s story is a reminder to founders that while having a strong vision is important, the path to achieving it is rarely linear. The ability to course-correct when needed is often what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle.

Focus on Real Impact

Björn is deeply committed to creating products that have a genuine, positive impact on both health and the environment. “At Oatly, we started with health—specifically for kids with milk protein allergies. Later, we expanded into lowering cholesterol for a broader audience. It’s always been about delivering real health benefits,” he explained.

For founders, especially in today’s competitive market, Björn’s approach underscores the importance of building a product with purpose. He believes that if a product delivers real value, customers will come. “There’s incredible opportunity at the intersection of health, sustainability, and technology. The world needs solutions that don’t just look good on paper but truly solve problems,” he remarked.

Trust Your Gut

Björn’s final piece of advice for entrepreneurs is to trust their instincts. “Trust your gut. I’ve found that first impressions, especially when meeting new people or considering business deals, are usually right,” he said. Overthinking or ignoring these instincts can lead to problems, whether in hiring, partnerships, or other critical decisions.

He also emphasised that founders need to believe wholeheartedly in their mission. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to believe in what you’re doing, even when things get tough. Investors and customers can sense when you’re not fully behind your product.”

Understanding Global Economic Shifts

While not the central focus of his work, Björn recognises that long-term global shifts, particularly in areas like climate change, play a significant role in shaping industries. “The food system is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases, and we’re helping by coaching others and investing in solutions that address these issues,” he said.

This insight encourages founders to think beyond short-term market trends and consider how their businesses align with larger, global challenges. Positioning a company to address critical global issues like sustainability can ensure long-term relevance.

A Future-Focused Legacy

Looking ahead, Björn is focused on creating a food industry that prioritises health and sustainability. He envisions a future where food products are designed not only for taste and convenience but also to address pressing health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “We have the chance to create foods that deliver true health benefits, and that’s something the world has never really seen before,” he said.

In closing, Björn left us with a powerful message for all founders: “Go for it. Believe in yourself, lead with your heart, and trust that you can make an impact.”