Hello, I’m Ola Wassvik, a Chief Commercial Officer and Co-founder at Lightbringer in Malmö. I’m probably best described as a ‘serial deep-tech founder’.
My most recent start-up, Lightbringer, has created a solution that protects technological inventions. Our AI-powered platform files patents more quickly at lower costs, enabling businesses to move away from frustratingly slow and expensive constitutional processes.
Crucially, the solution is specifically designed for engineers and those working in technology, not lawyers. As soon as my co-founder, Dominic Davies, who's a UK and European Patent Attorney, told me that he had automated himself using AI, I saw the business potential. Over the last twenty years, much of my work, and therefore time and money, has centred around patents — you need at least several when you’re building a company, and this is especially true for the telco sector!
Many of our customers work in telecoms. We are currently collaborating with a Sweden-based telco, TERASi, which is developing compact, lightweight transmitters and receivers. Our platform has proved incredibly beneficial for the start-up. TERASi is now able to focus its efforts on developing products, letting the patents take care of themselves. Already, the business has reported substantial cost savings.
What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
The massive pace of innovation. I’m constantly amazed by people’s incredible inventions. It’s almost as if we are living in a sci-fi movie.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
I travelled from Sweden to Finland on a ferry for work, and there was karaoke involved. People usually hire these boats because they are tax-free and essentially lawless… everybody got very drunk...
Where do you see telecoms heading?
People underestimate the value of telecoms, which is only going to increase. All of our devices will be connected soon. Just think about GPS — Uber, an app that people globally rely on, couldn’t exist without the satellite-based network!
What would you like people to know about your work?
There’s a huge misconception about patents being useless in small companies. As a result, entrepreneurs everywhere are missing out. Patents can prove extremely useful, no matter the size of your company — small businesses just need to approach patents differently from large companies.
Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
An ecosystem is important for the UK and Europe. We are going up against Asia and the US, whether we like it or not. A strong ecosystem is the only way we can succeed. If every country fends for itself, we will all fail against the giants. We need to all stick together and remain well-connected.
