Demo Day 2020 ‘partner spotlight’: Simonsen Vogt Wiig
In this second ‘Partner Spotlight’, we are introducing Simonsen Vogt Wiig (SVW) and its partner Nicolai Halbo.
SVW is a leading law firm with offices in the largest cities in Norway as well as an office in Singapore. The firm is full service, covering all industries and sectors, and is internationally recognized regarded by leading publications within sectors such as Banking and Finance, FinTech, TMT, Data Privacy and Maritime law. SVW is a leading law firm within technology and digitization, with a strategy to be the ‘first mover’ within digital innovation in the sector.
SVW is Katapult Accelerator’s legal partner, and they are contributing to our accelerator program with plenary sessions and 1–1 mentoring hour to support the startups in the program on legal matters.
Read on to hear what Nicolai Halbo has to say about startups, SDG’s, and technology.
Why is it important for SVW to support and work with startups?
We learn a lot from startups from their way of constantly working and thinking innovative. At the same time, they learn a lot from us with all our experience and knowledge with legal topics linked to technology and corporate matters. For us, it is important that it is a win-win situation, and that we can actually make a difference and contribute to making these startups even more successful than they were before joining Katapult Accelerator.
How does SVW work with the UN SDGs?
We believe it is important to take active responsibility for society beyond our own sphere and wish to exceed the expectations placed upon us. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility is an important part of our strategy, and besides holding a certification as an “Eco-Lighthouse” we structure our effort based on the UN SDGs.
We find all the goals relevant to our organization, but have defined several goals and measures that we think apply especially to us, focusing on Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Life below water and Peace, justice and strong institutions.
What is SVW’s perspective on the role technology play in solving the global challenges we are facing?
Technology is playing and will play an even bigger role in the future in solving the global challenges ahead. An example is the challenge of eradicating the disease. Technology is in this playing a major part both directly and indirectly. Technology brings monitoring and treatment benefits to domestic diseases and helps fight global pandemics such as the covid-19 virus. Indirectly technology is playing an important role by enabling people to meet and work efficiently together without having to travel or meet physically. This is essential in order to prevent travel spread diseases such as covid-19.
Another important role is how technology helps in securing equal and easy access to information and education. Technology has enabled a move towards personalized learning, and we have only seen the beginning.
Thank you, Simonsen Vogt Wiig, for being a main partner and supporter for our fifth Demo Day!
Sign up here if you would like to join us for our online Demo Day on the 23rd of September!
