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As an investor, I’ve learned that success in business is built on more than just great ideas or innovative product features. It requires a harmonious balance of values, skills, dedication, and focus within the team and the startup’s culture.
This balance is encapsulated in what I call “the Four Cs” — the guiding principles I use to determine where and with whom I invest my time, energy, and resources.
If you’re an entrepreneur seeking funding or a partner for your startup, understanding and embodying these principles is the first step to building a fruitful collaboration.
C
Culture is the soul of a business, a manifestation of who you are inside.
For me to seriously consider signing up as a foundational member of your startup, contributing my skills and resources in exchange for shares of the company before cash, you have to be compatible and relatively familiar with traditional Norse ethics.
You do not have to be Norse yourself; you merely must have an intimate understanding of what it means for a man to have an ancient, Nordic sense of “honor” and how that ties into the importance of an “oath” between brothers — particularly what it means to break one.
This means that you must have the mentality that we are not simply friends, but war buddies. I must grow to be convinced that I can trust you with my life, both to protect it and to genuinely take it away under the correct, ceremonial circumstances.
We must become both genuine, figurative brothers aligned in how what we build with your startup is part of a legacy for the future of our houses — what we pass on to our children and theirs after them.
With that said, a thriving partnership begins with cultural compatibility — shared values, aligned vision, and mutual respect.
I seek entrepreneurs who not only understand their market but also resonate with the kind of innovative and disciplined warrior spirit that drives meaningful success through hard times.
The only kind of business culture I would consider signing permanently up for (different from the fractional contracts of client work for OMI Firm) is not about politically correct corporate workplace vibes, but about building something bigger than yourself with family in mind, fostering unbreakable lifelong bonds, and having the courage to challenge modern norms in an ancient way.
C
The combination of both talent and hard work is non-negotiable.
The CEO and their founding team must demonstrate genuine skill and experience in their respective fields, relevant to the product or service of the business.
Expertise, combined with the ability to adapt and execute under pressure, separates dreamers from doers. Competence also means having the wisdom to know what you don’t know and surrounding yourself with people who fill those gaps while being humble enough to admit it.
C
Great ideas falter when leaders lack commitment.
Building a company is a marathon, not a sprint. Often, it is even a lifelong commitment.
It requires unwavering dedication to your brand, your true customers, and your team.
I look for entrepreneurs who are in it for the long haul — the kind of people who will weather setbacks, pivot when needed, sacrifice everything but honor and family for success, and persevere through challenges to achieve greatness.
C
Clarity is the cornerstone of execution.
Do not try to sound smarter or wiser than you are. Do not try to enter the market with an overly complicated product.
A product or service must be straightforward and easy to understand, both for potential investors and future customers. Complexity kills momentum, and nothing is more compelling than a clear, compelling value proposition.
Meanwhile, if I don’t understand your product or service within just a few seconds of attempting to, I will walk away. It must be an honest and clear solution to a clear and honest market problem.
Your personal story doesn’t need to be simple, but your product or service does.
These Four Cs are not arbitrary. They are non-negotiable qualities that you must have in order for me to consider investing the time and effort it would take to help you raise your business from the ground up.
They are the foundation of sustainable growth, ensuring that my investments go into ventures with the best chance of thriving.
Companies that embody these principles tend to attract the right talent, inspire and maintain lifelong loyalty from their original customers, and not only remain resilient in the face of the storm’s challenges…but crudely laugh as they do so with the rain on their face and wind in their hair.
If your startup aligns with these values and you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I want to hear from you.
This balance is encapsulated in what I call “the Four Cs” — the guiding principles I use to determine where and with whom I invest my time, energy, and resources.
If you’re an entrepreneur seeking funding or a partner for your startup, understanding and embodying these principles is the first step to building a fruitful collaboration.
C
Culture
Culture is the soul of a business, a manifestation of who you are inside.
For me to seriously consider signing up as a foundational member of your startup, contributing my skills and resources in exchange for shares of the company before cash, you have to be compatible and relatively familiar with traditional Norse ethics.
You do not have to be Norse yourself; you merely must have an intimate understanding of what it means for a man to have an ancient, Nordic sense of “honor” and how that ties into the importance of an “oath” between brothers — particularly what it means to break one.
This means that you must have the mentality that we are not simply friends, but war buddies. I must grow to be convinced that I can trust you with my life, both to protect it and to genuinely take it away under the correct, ceremonial circumstances.
We must become both genuine, figurative brothers aligned in how what we build with your startup is part of a legacy for the future of our houses — what we pass on to our children and theirs after them.
With that said, a thriving partnership begins with cultural compatibility — shared values, aligned vision, and mutual respect.
I seek entrepreneurs who not only understand their market but also resonate with the kind of innovative and disciplined warrior spirit that drives meaningful success through hard times.
The only kind of business culture I would consider signing permanently up for (different from the fractional contracts of client work for OMI Firm) is not about politically correct corporate workplace vibes, but about building something bigger than yourself with family in mind, fostering unbreakable lifelong bonds, and having the courage to challenge modern norms in an ancient way.
Ask yourself:
- — Does your company stand for something meaningful that truly serves your people?
- — Do you believe that a king should be the first servant of his sovereign?
- — Do you prioritize a culture of integrity based on unbreakable oaths?
- — Could you see yourself spending a Jól dinner together in a way that unites our families?
- — Would you sacrifice profits to maintain the moral integrity of your honor?
C
Competence
The combination of both talent and hard work is non-negotiable.
The CEO and their founding team must demonstrate genuine skill and experience in their respective fields, relevant to the product or service of the business.
Expertise, combined with the ability to adapt and execute under pressure, separates dreamers from doers. Competence also means having the wisdom to know what you don’t know and surrounding yourself with people who fill those gaps while being humble enough to admit it.
Ask yourself:
- — Are you exceptionally good or experienced at what you do in a way that is relevant to your product or service offer?
- — Does your team have the technical, strategic, and creative abilities to deliver?
- — Can you present evidence of past achievements or indicators of future potential?
C
Commitment
Great ideas falter when leaders lack commitment.
Building a company is a marathon, not a sprint. Often, it is even a lifelong commitment.
It requires unwavering dedication to your brand, your true customers, and your team.
I look for entrepreneurs who are in it for the long haul — the kind of people who will weather setbacks, pivot when needed, sacrifice everything but honor and family for success, and persevere through challenges to achieve greatness.
Ask yourself:
- — Are you prepared to sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term success?
- — Does your vision inspire you to push boundaries every single day?
- — Can you demonstrate a history of seeing projects through to completion?
- — Are you willing to let go of profitable opportunities for the sake of moral integrity and the greater good of your people?
C
Clarity
Do not try to sound smarter or wiser than you are. Do not try to enter the market with an overly complicated product.
A product or service must be straightforward and easy to understand, both for potential investors and future customers. Complexity kills momentum, and nothing is more compelling than a clear, compelling value proposition.
Meanwhile, if I don’t understand your product or service within just a few seconds of attempting to, I will walk away. It must be an honest and clear solution to a clear and honest market problem.
Your personal story doesn’t need to be simple, but your product or service does.
Ask yourself:
- — Can you explain your business in one sentence?
- — Is your product or service solving a clearly defined problem?
- — Are you willing to listen to deeply understand my suggestions throughout the roadmap for turning your vision into reality…or are you merely willing to listen to respond?
Why the Four Cs Matter
These Four Cs are not arbitrary. They are non-negotiable qualities that you must have in order for me to consider investing the time and effort it would take to help you raise your business from the ground up.
They are the foundation of sustainable growth, ensuring that my investments go into ventures with the best chance of thriving.
Companies that embody these principles tend to attract the right talent, inspire and maintain lifelong loyalty from their original customers, and not only remain resilient in the face of the storm’s challenges…but crudely laugh as they do so with the rain on their face and wind in their hair.
If your startup aligns with these values and you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I want to hear from you.
Together, we will turn your vision into a legacy.
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Have Your Pitch Deck Ready
If you believe your startup aligns with my Four Cs described on this page — Culture, Competence, Commitment, and Clarity — and you’re seeking investment or mentorship, reach out to me directly with the form on this page.
If you’d like an example of the first company that has earned a position in my investment portfolio, check out Dark Loch Studios.