Ronny Eriksson

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Ronny Eriksson
Ronny - Pic 1.jpeg
Born (1996-03-10) March 10, 1996 (age 29)
NationalityFinnish
CitizenshipFinnish
Alma materHanken School of Economics
OccupationEntrepreneur & Investor
OrganizationODDfest, Hanken School of Economics
Height180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Parent(s)Ove Eriksson and Auli Nummila
RelativesRasmus Eriksson (little brother)
Websiteronnyeriksson.com

Ronny Eriksson is a Finnish entrepreneur, researcher, and speaker known for his work in creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural strategy.[1][2][3] He specializes in using creativity and entrepreneurship as tools for cultural growth, change leadership, and social innovation.

Eriksson is the CEO and Founder of ODDfest,[4] and has contributed to the development of numerous entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems both in Finland and internationally.

Education and Early Engagement in Entrepreneurship

Eriksson studied at Hanken School of Economics, where he earned his Master’s degree and is now continuing as a Ph.D. candidate. During his studies, he played a key role in various entrepreneurial projects and co-founded initiatives that contributed to the development of Finland's startup culture. His early involvement laid the foundation for a career built around cross-sector collaboration, creative leadership, and international project work.

Through Hanken and organizations like Hanken Business Lab, he supported emerging entrepreneurs and played a central role in building innovation-driven communities. At Hanken Business Lab,[5][6] Eriksson led multiple projects, helped secure over €3 million in funding for founders and ecosystem development, and worked closely with academic and industry partners to bridge theory with practice.

Career and Entrepreneurial Work

Throughout his career, Eriksson has been involved in multiple startups and innovation-focused ventures, contributing to creative business strategies across a wide range of industries. He has collaborated with well-known brands such as Genelec, Holvi, Oddlygood, and VNTRS, as well as with cultural and educational institutions including the Finnish Cultural Foundation (Suomen Kulttuurirahasto).

He has also worked with public and private sector projects that explore the potential of entrepreneurship and cultural thinking in driving societal change. These projects often sit at the intersection of technology, education, and creative industries.

ODDFest

In 2021, Eriksson founded ODDfest,[7] a creative festival that reimagines the intersection of business, art, and community. Launched at Lasipalatsikortteli in central Helsinki, the festival is designed to challenge conventional formats and cultivate new ways of thinking within cultural and entrepreneurial landscapes.

As CEO, Eriksson has led ODDfest in becoming more than just a festival—transforming it into a platform for radical collaboration, artistic provocation, and future-oriented thinking. The festival brings together startups, artists, cultural leaders, and policymakers in curated spaces that promote dialogue, experimentation, and societal impact.

His goal is to transform ODDfest into a concept similar to North by Northeast.

Speaking and Media Presence

Eriksson is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for his ability to spark unconventional thinking in business, education, and culture. He has given more than 100 speaking presentations and has spoken in numerous countries. He has delivered keynotes and hosted workshops at major events including Slush, Arctic15, Latitude59, and City of Oulu's innovation forums.

His talks often explore themes such as creative chaos, rethinking industries, and embracing radical ideas in strategy and leadership. Eriksson is known for turning complex and abstract concepts into actionable insights that challenge audiences to think differently.[8]

He has also appeared in the media, including Yle’s "Sijoittajat" series,[9][10][11] where he was featured as a startup-focused investor recognized for his international perspective and strategic insight.

In addition, he hosts his own radio show on Radio Helsinki.[12]

Research and Strategic Thinking

Eriksson’s work is strongly anchored in research.[13] He explores how creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can drive systemic change, particularly in education, public institutions, and the cultural sector. His research interests include creative methodologies, transdisciplinary innovation, and the role of empathy in leadership. He frequently collaborates with universities and research institutions, contributing to the development of inclusive, future-facing strategies that integrate culture, entrepreneurship, and human-centered design.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Eriksson embraces a location-independent lifestyle, often blending work and travel through the concept of workcations.[14] Inspired by communities such as ICE Kirkenes in Norway, he integrates mobility into his professional routines, using travel as a source of creative inspiration and strategic reflection. He has also collaborated with the Ministries of Bulgaria and Rwanda.

His philosophy is built on creativity, adaptability, and strategic disruption—core values that guide both his ventures and his approach to life. Whether working on a festival, advising a startup, or leading a cultural strategy workshop, Eriksson consistently seeks to challenge norms and push the boundaries of business, art, and community.[15][16]

Basketball Player

Ronny Eriksson was a promising basketball player, known for his impressive skills and versatile contributions on the court. He played for Kori-80 Kerava from 2006 to 2016, a period during which he showcased his solid defensive abilities and well-rounded offensive play. The last years of his career he was also part of the Youth National Team with team mates such as Lauri Markkanen. Despite his potential and determination, Eriksson's basketball career was ultimately shorter (mainly due to his height) than he had hoped, but his time as an athlete left a lasting impact.[17] His experiences on the court have influenced his approach to leadership and teamwork in his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Entrepreneurial & Leadership Experience

  • CEO & Founder, ODDfest (Jan 2025 – Present)
  • Development Manager, Hanken Business Lab (Jan 2025 – Present)
  • University Lecturer, Hanken School of Economics (Aug 2023 – Present)
  • Head of Finland & Investment Manager, VNTRS (Aug 2023 – Present)
  • Founder, New Nordic Way (May 2023 – Present)
  • Entrepreneurial Facilitator, UNLEASH (Nov 2021 – Present)
  • Co-Owner & Advisor of the Board, CaterMate (Jan 2019 – Present)
  • Partner, Nothing Hill, Norway (Jan 2022 – Jan 2025)
  • Project Lead, Hanken Business Lab (Mar 2022 – Jan 2025)
  • Co-Founder & The Norder, Norders (Mar 2021 – Jan 2024)
  • Partner, One Day Coffee Co. (Mar 2021 – Nov 2023)
  • Co-Founder & Changemaker, Ambitious Africa (Feb 2020 – Sep 2022)
  • Founder, What the Quack? Hackathon (Mar 2020 – Nov 2021)
  • CEO & Co-Founder, Vorna ID (Oct 2018 – Aug 2020)
  • COO, WeHost (Sep 2019 – Jan 2020)
  • CMO, CaterMate (Nov 2017 – Jan 2019)

Education

  • Master of Science in Economics, Hanken School of Economics

Gallery

  • Ronny - Pic 2.jpeg
  • Ronny - Pic 3.jpeg
  • Ronny - Pic 4.jpeg

In the media

References

  1. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson – Official Website". Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  2. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson – Speakersforum". Speakersforum.fi (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  3. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson – Seeds of Bravery". seedsofbravery.eu. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  4. ↑ "Oddfest – Official Website". Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  5. ↑ "Hanken Business Lab Receives Record Funding". Hanken.fi. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  6. ↑ "Hanken Business Lab sai ennätysrahoituksen". STT Info (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  7. ↑ "Uusi kaupunkitapahtuma Oddfest tuo tuhansia luovan alan ystäviä Kamppiin". Cision (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  8. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson jahtaa taloudellista vapautta erikoisella keinolla". Talouselämä (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  9. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson Yle-haastattelussa". Yle.fi (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  10. ↑ "Sijoittajat-dokumenttisarjassa neljä nuorta jahtaa kaikkien aikojen nousua". STT Info (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  11. ↑ "TV-sarjat havahduttavat rahan varjopuoliin". Salkunrakentaja (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  12. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson – Radio Helsinki". Radio Helsinki. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  13. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson – Hanken Research Portal". Hanken.fi. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  14. ↑ "Workcation-trendi tuo työt mukaan lomalle". Duunitori (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  15. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson – Markkinointiuutiset". Markkinointiuutiset (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  16. ↑ ""We should all be a bit more ambitious," declares Ronny Eriksson". Good News Finland. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  17. ↑ "Ronny Eriksson paikallisuutisissa". Keski-Uusimaa (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-04-10.

External links

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