The story of Googol

We started our journey in 1999. It all began with an idea to become a catalyst for new business in large enterprises.

The founding team consisted of Bo Alexandersson, Rolf Skjöldebrand, Bror Anders Månsson (Chairman of the board), Lars Stenfeldt Hansen and Dariush Ghatan (ceo). At the end of 1999 Googol Group acquired Svenska Idebörsen and focused on university spin-offs and new venture creation in the Jönköping/Linköping area. Through this venture Mattias Rydberg and Joakim Uväng joined the management team.

Through the acquisition of Idébörsen we focused on a new venture incubator type of operation. We were involved in a wide range of internet and service concepts, as well as new-tech and more industrial projects. We teamed up with a sizable group of professional Googolians. Those Googolians that no longer work with Googol, are all currently holding top rank positions or managing their own successful companies. We pay homage to each and every individual who has brought valuable expertise and experience to make Googol what it is today. We are very proud to have worked with you!

In 2001, after divesting our Portfolio II, we decided to re-focus on the corporate venturing business in which we are still active. Innovation became a lead word and our knowledgebase.

In 2003 Googol Business Navigator was spun off from Googol Group, later renamed Plex Investments, and through this Dariush Ghatan and his team took control of its operations and future. After Svenska Idébörsen was sold most of the Portfolio II, built in the early years, was divested.

Since late 2005 we have combined our consulting business with participation as active owners in companies that we truly believe in. To us, this is still the beginning.

During 2006 and 2007 further work within Innovation Management was conducted and as we saw opportunities arise, as requests from our clients we decided to take a few strategic leaps.

In 2007 we initiated Innovation Pioneers International, a network for Innovation Practitioners. The network was finally constituted in March 2008, by a large group of experienced Innovation Leaders from some of our most admired companies.

By the end of 2007 we also brought in two new partners; Mr Jan Sandqvist and Mr Joachim Cronquist. With their experience from Innovation Management and Business Management, the new phase of Googols development had an inspiring foundation.

Together we formed numerous collaborative partnerships that have been fruitful for our partners, clients as well as for ourselves.

During 2008 and 2009 we have enjoyed growth and strategic development. We have had the honour of working with many talanted and experienced persons that from time-to-time join our team. We learn from everyone!

As we entered 2010, our work with Innovation for Social causes took a new shape. We had previously been part of setting the architecture for an incubator for social entrepreneurs, allowing many new initiatives to help children, come to life. We now focus on bringing a new system, for even more results. The idea behind the new system CSA, is to work close to the Innovation teams whom form our group of clients. With these we hope to bring sustainable and business driven initiatives to lift-off.