Sway Ventures Expands European Focus with Addition of Karl Karlsson as General Partner, Head of European Investing
Formerly with Insight Ventures, Karlsson Bolsters European Strategy and Strengthens Consumer Experience at Sway Ventures
London, United Kingdom, October 17, 2017 (PRNewswire) — Sway Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm investing in early to mid-stage technology companies, has appointed Karl Karlsson to lead its expanded operation in London, as a General Partner and Head of European Investing. Previously, Karlsson was a venture partner with Insight Venture Partners, where he focused on European and Asian investments.
“Karl is an experienced investor and operator, his entrepreneurial journey has spanned 30 years, eight company creations, an IPO of the company he founded while still in Graduate School, not to mention the creation of thousands of jobs,” said founding general partner, Bill Malloy. “We are thrilled to welcome Karl as a General Partner, he will be instrumental in advising existing portfolio companies, driving new investments, while also serving as our senior point in Europe and the Middle East.”
The appointment of Karlsson as general partner will intensify Sway Ventures’ accelerating reach within UK, Europe and the Middle East. Karlsson aims to work with existing Sway Ventures portfolio companies in the EMEA region to advance innovation in Europe.
“As founders look to take their product globally, our ecosystem helps support them by creating commercialization pathways. In fact, many of our strategic limited partners provide valuable introductions and connections throughout the EMEA region,” said founding general partner Brian Nugent. “Sway Ventures was built on the thesis of supporting international expansion between U.S. and EMEA for its portfolio.”
Karlsson brings a deep understanding of technology and investment communities, and has been instrumental to the success of a large number of global tech companies’ both as a founding entrepreneur and as an investor. “There are Transatlantic Arbitrage Opportunities to be had bringing EMEA based startups to U.S. — that’s where my focus lies, in finding those category defining companies and providing our entire network to them to commercialize their product in the U.S.,” said Karlsson.
His philanthropic ventures include: Co-organizing and participating in Prince Albert II of Monaco’s dog sledding expedition to the North Pole benefiting the World Wildlife Fund, serving as Chairman of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Oceanic Explorers, and Senior Expedition Advisor to Virgin Oceanic. As a Baden-Powell fellow, Karlsson supports His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in his passion project of global Scouting. He is a member of the Travelers Club, and a fellow of The Explorers Club.
About Sway Ventures
Sway Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, investing in early- to mid-stage technology companies. The firm invest in high performing teams, building revolutionary technology, creating the next enterprise or consumer category. With a focus on strategic capitalization, business development support, and engineered exits, Sway Ventures provides entrepreneurs with the support they need to change the future. www.swayvc.com
Press Contact: Patrick ONeill at 415–917–0896 or press@swayvc.com
Originally published at swayvc.com on October 17, 2017.
