2022-02-17
Mecenat expands its platform into Finland through the acquisition of Frank
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Overview
Strategy: Small Cap
Sector: Consumer
Status: Current
Country: Sweden
Fund: IK SC II
Entry: September 2021
Coffee with a CEO: Jonas Odéhn, Mecenat Group
Jonas Odéhn is the Chief Executive Officer of Mecenat Group and in this interview, he discusses a variety of topics such as how Mecenat has changed since he joined to what he does to unwind. Mecenat is a marketing technology company connecting students, alumni and young professionals in Sweden with well-known brands by providing access to unique and relevant discounts.
1. How has Mecenat changed since you joined?
“We have transformed from a purely Sweden-focused student discount company with a high degree of manual processes and physical marketing products into a fully digital, marketing technology platform. We have also added new business verticals and expanded into new affinity groups as well as geographical markets. Through this, we have achieved strong revenue growth and a highly attractive level of profitability.”
2. The digital landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years – what measures have you taken to keep up with the pace of change?
“We have invested a lot in our technology platform to ensure that we meet the demands of our members in terms of how, when and where they want us. This has resulted in a rapid rise in the number of mediated purchases going through Mecenat’s platform. Specifically, we have dedicated a significant amount of time and resource into expanding the recommendation engine to ensure that we stay relevant for our users across affinity groups.”
3. What’s your vision for the future?
“My vision for the future is that Mecenat will be the key to a richer life for our members and that they, in turn, will become the most loyal and important customers for our vendors.”
4. What’s the best thing about being Mecenat’s CEO?
“The best thing about being Mecenat’s CEO is that I am able to spend so much of my time with really smart and talented colleagues.”
5. What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?
“Ensure that you’re operational as well as strategic; one of these qualities alone will not do the job.”
6. What do you like to do to unwind?
“A padel game or fishing trip usually does the trick.”
7. Finally, what’s it like to work with Carl, Ozan and the rest of the IK team?
“It’s great to work with the IK team! They are smart people who invest time and energy into both understanding our business and providing support whenever asked. Since day one, I have felt as if we are all in the same boat – which is probably the thing I like the most about working with IK.”
