Meet Stefan Avivson from Denmark, a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 26 years of experience in building and scaling startups. With a sharp intuition for what drives business success, Stefan has founded 15 companies, exited four, and guided countless B2B companies to greater heights. Known as “Mr. Raw,” he combines his passion for authentic impact with a talent for mentoring and creating strategies that leave a lasting mark on the world.
From Early Aspirations to Entrepreneurial Excellence
Stefan Avivson’s journey began in the vibrant city of Aarhus, Denmark, where his early education laid the groundwork for a remarkable career. Stefan attended Århus Katedralskole from 1994 to 1997, a period during which he developed a keen interest in business and strategy. This passion led him to Aarhus Universitet, where he pursued further education, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills that would later become the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Birth of an Entrepreneur: Founding Avivson Booking, Management & Publishing
In 1997, Stefan embarked on his first official venture, Avivson Booking, Management & Publishing. This company marked the beginning of Stefan’s professional journey, transforming his love for music into a business. Operating for nearly seven years, this venture was a crucial learning experience, providing Stefan with the practical insights and challenges of running a business. This period honed his ability to balance creativity with business acumen a skill that would define his future successes.
Building on Success: The Rise of WALLMOB and Copenhagen Shipping Exchange
Stefan’s entrepreneurial journey is characterized by a series of ventures that not only shaped his career but also left a lasting impact on various industries. In 2009, Stefan co-founded the Copenhagen Shipping Exchange, taking the company from an idea to a market leader in the shipping industry. His ability to raise capital, build a strong team, and deliver on ambitious goals was evident as he navigated the complexities of the global market. This venture was a significant milestone, reinforcing Stefan’s reputation as a dynamic and strategic leader.
Not long after, Stefan took on the role of Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at WALLMOB in 2013, where he was instrumental in ramping up sales on an international scale. Under his leadership, WALLMOB secured prestigious accounts with global brands such as Apple, L’Oreal, and Armani. The company’s success culminated in its acquisition by VISMA, transitioning WALLMOB from a startup to a growth company. Reflecting on this period, Stefan remarked:
“Building a company from the ground up and seeing it through to global success is one of the most rewarding experiences an entrepreneur can have.”
Navigating Challenges: Lessons from Dexi.io and Beyond
In 2015, Stefan took on a new challenge as the CEO of Dexi.io, a web data tool for professionals. This role was particularly significant as Stefan led the company through its early stages, focusing on achieving zero burn rate while managing a team of nine employees.
Stefan shared, highlighting the importance of resilience and strategic thinking.
“Taking a startup from zero to sustainability is no easy task, but it’s where true innovation happens,”
Stefan’s career is also marked by periods of intense learning. He openly discusses his experiences with bankruptcy, emphasizing the invaluable lessons that come from failure.
“I tried to go bankrupt twice, and while it was incredibly challenging, those experiences taught me more about business than any success could,”
Stefan reflects. This candid approach to failure has not only shaped his personal philosophy but also influenced the way he mentors and advises other entrepreneurs.
Mr. Raw: A New Mission with a Global Impact
In 2022, Stefan embraced a new identity as Mr. Raw, a name that embodies his commitment to authenticity and impact. As the founder of Mister Raw, Stefan now focuses on creating traction for both startups and established B2B companies, including his own portfolio of businesses. His approach is rooted in the belief that businesses should deliver a raw, long-lasting, and positive impact on the world.
Stefan’s work with Mister Raw is not just about business growth; it’s about making a meaningful difference.
Stefan states, capturing the essence of his current role. This mission drives every aspect of his work, from mentoring young entrepreneurs to speaking at podcasts and live events.
“After a hurricane of lifetime challenges, I found myself with only one mission: To do my best to positively impact the world, as much as possible,”
Mentorship and Giving Back: Shaping the Next Generation
Stefan’s commitment to mentorship is a testament to his belief in the power of shared knowledge. Since 2017, he has been a mentor at Venture Cup, where he has guided numerous startups toward success. His approach to mentoring is direct and results-oriented, as evidenced by the glowing testimonials from those he has worked with.
shares Daniel Feander, Founder of Salesmentor.io.
“Stefan is a true force of nature and exudes optimism and positive energy. He provided me with a valuable reset, focusing on what matters in business: getting more sales,”
In addition to his work at Venture Cup, Stefan has taken on advisory roles in various companies, including SANDRA and Childcare For Regenerative Economies (CFRE). These roles allow him to leverage his extensive experience in strategy and business development to help other companies thrive.
A Life Beyond Business: The Musician and the Family Man
Despite his demanding career, Stefan makes time for his passions outside of business. An accomplished musician, Stefan finds solace in creating music and singing one of his hidden superpowers. This creative outlet complements his professional life, providing a balance that many entrepreneurs strive for but few achieve.
Stefan is also a dedicated family man, with three children who are the center of his world. His role as a father is just as important to him as his entrepreneurial pursuits, and he often reflects on how his experiences in business have influenced his approach to parenting.
Stefan notes.
“Being a dad has taught me patience and perspective, two qualities that are just as important in business as they are in life,”
5 Leadership lessons
- Execution is Everything.
Ideas are abundant, but it’s the execution that turns them into reality. Stefan emphasizes that without proper execution, even the best strategies remain just ideas on paper. - Embrace Failure as a Teacher.
Having faced bankruptcy twice, Stefan believes that failure is an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey. It offers invaluable lessons that success alone cannot provide. - Focus on What Matters: Sales.
For Stefan, driving sales and revenue growth is the foundation of a successful business. He advises entrepreneurs to prioritize sales as the engine that fuels all other business activities. - Stay Authentic and Create a Positive Impact.
Through Mister Raw, Stefan advocates for authenticity in business. He believes that companies should strive to make a raw, long-lasting, and positive impact on the world.
Editorial Note
Stefan Avivson’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and purposeful impact. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the path to success is often paved with challenges, but it is through these challenges that true leaders emerge. Stefan’s commitment to authenticity, execution, and helping others grow has not only defined his career but also left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial community. As we reflect on his insights and experiences, we are inspired to embrace the same spirit of determination and impact in our own professional journeys. Stefan Avivson is more than just an entrepreneur he is a mentor, a creator, and a force of positive change in the world.
