1. Pursuing Your Own Game Project

Bobbi A Sand from Game Habitat provided a clear and practical approach to starting a game project:

• Start with an Idea: Every project begins with a unique concept, whether it’s an innovative story, game mechanics, or an engaging experience.
• Build a Team: Collaboration is crucial for success. Key roles like programming and graphic design can be filled internally or by hiring freelancers and consultants.
• Explore Funding Options: Programs such as Nordic Game Arena and Vinnova offer external funding opportunities, while bootstrapping allows creative freedom without external pressure.
• Start When It’s Practical: A useful takeaway was to “start when you need to send your first invoice.” Small, real-world opportunities are often the best starting point.

2. Working as a Contractor

Kuba Cupisz from Work with Kuba shared practical advice on freelancing and consulting for those seeking flexible opportunities in the gaming industry:

• Define the Offering: Clearly identify and communicate the services you provide, such as development, design, or project coordination.
• Find Clients: Personal networks, including friends, family, and industry peers, are often the best places to start. Word-of-mouth referrals can open doors to new projects.
• Set Fair Rates: Pricing should reflect both skills and the value delivered. Setting fair but competitive rates ensures sustainable growth as a consultant.
• Stay Flexible: Contract work allows for part-time or full-time flexibility, making it an excellent option for those balancing other projects.

The session ended with attendees getting an opportunity to network and share their experiences. Conversations touched on challenges like recent layoffs, the realities of pricing freelance work, and balancing competitive rates with sustainable income. Attendees also discussed managing client expectations, navigating the uncertainty of freelancing, and scaling their work while pursuing personal projects. The open dialogue created a sense of camaraderie, highlighting both the struggles and opportunities within the gaming industry. It was a valuable space for exchanging ideas, exploring collaborations, and building meaningful connections.

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Key Takeaways from the Workshop

1. Delivering Value to Customers: Thomas emphasized the importance of consistently delivering value to customers rather than focusing solely on innovation. He explained that scaling companies need to align their entire organization to prioritize customer success and satisfaction.

2. Building Systems for Growth: A standout analogy used by Thomas was the “Lego system.” He encouraged founders to build modular, adaptable systems that allow their businesses to grow without breaking under the pressure of new demands. Like Lego blocks, these systems should be easy to modify and expand.

3. Transitioning from a One-Man Show: One of the most critical shifts discussed was moving from a “one-man show” to a team-oriented approach. Founders need to trust their team members and delegate responsibilities. Thomas introduced the “80% rule” the idea that a task doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective, as long as it gets the job done. This mindset allows leaders to focus on strategic goals instead of being caught up in day-to-day operations.

4. The Importance of Focus and Saying No: Thomas highlighted how startups often try to chase every opportunity, which can lead to diluted efforts. He encouraged founders to say “no” to distractions, whether it’s a client who doesn’t align with their vision or a project that doesn’t contribute to long-term growth. Prioritization was key to scaling efficiently.

5. Proactive Sales Strategies: In the early stages, startups often rely on a small group of loyal customers. While this works initially, Thomas explained that scaling requires proactive sales strategies and dedicated salespeople. Businesses must expand their customer base to reduce dependency on a few key clients and ensure consistent revenue.

6. Rethinking Funding: Bootstrapping can work for startups, but scaling often demands sustainable funding. Thomas discussed strategies for finding the right financial support, emphasizing the need to balance funding with maintaining control over the company’s vision.

7. Handling Difficult Customers: One particularly memorable point was the concept of “killing customers” not literally, but by raising prices or setting boundaries with clients who drain resources. Thomas emphasized that not all customers are worth keeping, especially if they hinder a company’s ability to grow.

8. Avoiding the Firefighter Mindset: Many founders fall into the trap of constantly putting out fires instead of building systems to prevent problems. Thomas explained that this reactive approach can stifle growth. Instead, founders should focus on creating proactive solutions that allow their businesses to run smoothly.

9. Leadership Evolution: Scaling requires a shift from being a “comfy cat” to a decisive, growth-oriented leader. Thomas pushed participants to step out of their comfort zones and take ownership of their role as leaders who inspire and guide their teams toward ambitious goals.

The session was a wake-up call for many, offering both clarity and motivation to embrace the challenges of scaling up.

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The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion titled “Scaleup Malmö,” moderated by Jonas Axelsson, a former CEO and now an associate at Rosholm Dell. The panel featured four accomplished speakers who shared their experiences and insights. Martin Lidgard, CEO and Founder of Web Manuals, offered his perspective on scaling a tech company. Mikael Westerling, Chief Sales Officer and Co-Founder of GRID esports, brought a unique viewpoint from the growing world of esports. Anna Borg, Partner at Manyone and former CEO of Topp, spoke about her experience in design and leadership. Finally, Charlotta Tönsgård, CEO at Migränhjälpen and a five-time startup founder, added valuable insights on entrepreneurship and building multiple businesses.

One of the main topics discussed was how startups in cities like Malmö can scale globally. The panelists emphasized the importance of having a global mindset from the start. They shared how even startups from smaller cities can compete on the global stage by leveraging technology, building strong networks, and being strategic about market expansion. They stressed that thinking beyond local markets is essential for sustainable growth and success.

Another key topic was hiring strategies for scaling companies. The panelists explained that attracting top talent is not just about offering high salaries. Instead, startups need to focus on creating a strong company culture that resonates with employees. Clear communication of the company’s mission, investing in employee development, and offering a healthy work-life balance were some of the strategies highlighted. These elements not only attract skilled professionals but also help in retaining them as the company grows.

The panel also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on startups. They explored how AI is helping companies streamline operations, boost productivity, and uncover new opportunities. However, they also stressed the need for startups to approach AI thoughtfully, ensuring its use aligns with ethical practices and long-term goals. The message was clear: AI can be a powerful tool, but only when used with intention and responsibility.

What set this event apart was its practical focus. The speakers shared actionable advice based on real-world experiences, making the discussions highly relevant and relatable. It wasn’t just about theories or trends, it was about solving the everyday challenges startups face. The variety of industries represented by the panelists further enriched the discussions, ensuring there was something for everyone in the audience.

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What Are Local LLMs?

The event introduced Local LLMs as a tool to bring AI capabilities directly into businesses without relying on cloud services. These models allow organizations to keep sensitive data secure while using AI to improve their processes and decision making. This approach is especially useful for industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.

The session was led by Salim and Anders, experienced professionals who explained how companies can use Local LLMs to solve problems and grow their business.

A Live Demo: Bitcoin Predictions

One of the highlights of the event was a live demo showing how Local LLMs work in practice. Using a GitHub repository, they demonstrated how to get the current Bitcoin value and predict trends for the next week. This example showed how AI can help with financial forecasting and other practical uses.

Using AI in Software Development

The event also explained how Local LLMs can be used in the software development process. Businesses can add these tools to their systems to improve efficiency and stay competitive, all while ensuring their data stays private and secure.

Why This Matters

The “AI in Anger” event showed how Local LLMs are opening new possibilities for businesses. These models make it easier for organizations to use AI without worrying about breaking privacy or security rules. With tools like the GitHub documentation, companies can start exploring how to use these technologies in their own work.

This event highlighted how AI is becoming more accessible and useful for organizations of all sizes. Local LLMs are not just for experiments, they are real tools that can help solve problems and make businesses more efficient.

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