Lars Willner

Professional Background

Lars Willner is an inspiring figure in the Edtech industry, wholeheartedly dedicated to solving the pressing issue of social isolation among university students. With his innovative platform, Differ, Lars is driven by the mission to foster a more inclusive higher education landscape. This endeavor not only reflects his commitment to student welfare but highlights his entrepreneurial spirit that thrives on leveraging technology to create meaningful connections among individuals.

With over a decade of experience building successful businesses rooted in innovative digital technologies, Lars has honed his skills across several key commercial roles. He spent six impactful years taking on leadership positions—ranging from Customer Lead and Regional Manager to Country Manager and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Each role has allowed him to showcase his remarkable ability to drive organizational growth while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and success.

Before stepping into the commercial domains of his career, Lars dedicated approximately five years to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at both Sagastream AB in Sweden and SnapTV AS in Norway. These roles helped him develop a robust acumen in financial management within the fast-paced Edtech sector, further complementing his broad understanding of business operations in various capacities.

Education and Achievements

Lars is an articulate advocate for the merger of technology and education, a principle that is anchored by his solid academic background. He studied Industrial and Financial Management at the highly regarded Gothenburg School of Business, Economics and Law, part of the University of Gothenburg, laying a foundation of both financial acumen and commercial insight. Lars further expanded his horizons with studies at the Beijing Technology and Business University, where he embraced a global perspective on education and enterprise.

Additionally, Lars pursued international social studies as an extracurricular area at the University of Gothenburg. This varied educational background equips him with a unique understanding of diverse cultures and societal structures, further enhancing his appeal as a leader in multicultural settings.

Achievements

Lars is known for his extensive network and collaborative spirit, exemplified by his current role as a consortium leader at EdubotsEU. Through this position, he is at the forefront of the movement to advance educational technology initiatives across Europe. Furthermore, his former role as Chief Executive Officer at Edtech Foundry highlights his capability in steering organizations toward success with visionary leadership.

His previous experience includes being a leader of the customer team at Edtech Foundry, where he furthered his advocacy for customer-centric strategies in product development. As the former Regional Manager for Higher Education in the Nordics at Inspera AS, Lars was instrumental in overseeing educational technology solutions tailored to various institutions, establishing him as a thought leader in the sector. In his earlier career, he served as the Country Manager for Inspera AS in Sweden, showcasing his versatility and dedication.

Moreover, as CMO and co-founder of InstrumentChamp AB, Lars contributed to the development of cutting-edge technology solutions that empower students and educators alike. His entrepreneurial journey is also marked by his founding roles at both Sagastream AB and Winner Ventures, where he served as CFO, startup advisor, and board member. These experiences have shaped him into a strategic thinker capable of navigating the complexities of the startup landscape.

Lars' unique qualifications extend beyond traditional business roles; his rich multicultural experiences having lived in Brazil and China, corresponded with his studies in languages—Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and German—nurtured his personal and professional life, making him a well-rounded contributor to any organization.

In a summary of his personal attributes, Lars is described by friends, family, and colleagues as an enthusiastic and warm individual equipped with strong interpersonal skills. His self-motivation and energetic demeanor are infectious, inspiring not just his immediate collaborators but anyone who has the privilege of working with him. With deep compassion for the well-being of those around him, Lars excels at merging emotional intelligence with strategic reasoning—a combination that spearheads success in both his professional and personal endeavors.