5 minute read
THE LEADERS BEHIND INTERNET VIKINGS. Get to Know Rickard Vikström & Victor Jerlin
Imagine the story of two 15-year-olds who met as friends and gradually evolved a bond closer than even the strongest of brotherhoods. Little did they know that these two friends would go on to become the visionaries behind one of the leading hosting providers in the U.S. for the sports betting and iGaming industry – the founders of Internet Vikings. Rickard Vikström and Victor Jerlin.
Their story, which I plan to share with you, is not just one of entrepreneurship but of building a community, weathering storms, and paving the way for others with their unique blend of leadership and humility.
Chapter 1: Rickard Vikström
Their story together began at the early age of 15, and over the years, they have built and led several successful IT companies, leaving an indelible mark on the hosting and IT security industry.
Now CEO of Internet Vikings, Rickards' journey in the world of IT began when he was just 10 years old in the early 1990s. Computers became his sole hobby, and he surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who shared his passion for Linux, security and “doing things”.
From the early days of "geekiness" to founding Internet Vikings, Rickard's dedication has been constant. This was marked by milestones that showcased this: the first contract signed in August 2007, leaving his day-job in March 2008, and his subsequent consultancy work for an affiliate company. All of this led to his role with Gsys/Acuit Systems /Internetbolaget, which eventually transformed into what we know today as Internet Vikings, in September 2008.
With a resilient spirit and an agile mind, Rickard brings his IT expertise and entrepreneurial fire to the table. His determination and persistence, often bordering on stubbornness (let's call it tenacity), have been crucial in overcoming obstacles that could have derailed lesser souls.
Chapter 2: Victor Jerlin
Next to every successful leader, there's an equally dedicated partner. Known by his colleagues for his work ethic that transcends time zones, Victor Jerlin, CTO, is up and running the show at all hours. His dedication isn't just for the business; it's for everyone around him. One of the most fascinating aspects of Rickard and Victor's partnership is how they fit together like puzzle pieces. As the saying goes, "Ones weaknesses is the other’s strengths"
While Rickard's action-oriented mindset propels the company forward, Victor works diligently behind the scenes to ensure that every cog in the machine is perfectly oiled.
Chapter 3: Navigating Transformation
Now here is a bold statement: Rickard wasn't always a visionary, and in the early days tried many ideas and business models. But what sets him apart is his unyielding spirit, his refusal to give up. In life, change is the only constant.
Rickard and Victor have steered Internet Vikings through various transformations, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. They have made strategic decisions over the years to divest companies and parts of companies, all of which have contributed to the success of their various products.
These decisions were never driven by short-term gains; instead, they were made with a long-term vision and the best interests of their customers and employees in mind.
Fast forward to today, with a clear mission, vision, and goals, the Internet Vikings' success has already come a long way, though neither Rickard nor Victor shows any intention of slowing down. Their motto is clear: we will never settle.
Chapter 4: Leaders Who Listen
While entrepreneurship demands ambition and vision, it's often the personal touch that sets great leaders apart. Rickard and Victor are known for their approachable, high work ethic and kind-spirited personas.
They are the "leaders that listen," understanding that leadership isn't just about making decisions from the top but also about building a cohesive team that moves forward together.
For Internet Vikings, the focus isn't solely on bottom lines and profits. The company thrives on the idea that humanity, equality and sustainability should be at the heart of its processes.
This is a place where the desire to do better, be better, and achieve better is cultivated. And this desire to better themselves as individuals, leaders, and entrepreneurs influences the entire team, creating a culture of continuous improvement.
The duo are not your distant and unreachable founders. They're the kind of leaders who roll up their sleeves and dive into the trenches with their team. Their humility, approachability, and fair treatment of everyone – from the newest intern to the most seasoned expert – have fostered an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
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internetvikings.com
Internet Vikings is a leading provider of first-to-market licensed in-state hosting for the sports betting and iGaming sector in the U.S., serving solutions in 23 states. The company, founded in 2008, offers dedicated servers, co-location, and cloud hosting with a premium status proven by its ISO 27001 certification and intensive DDoS protection.
