Meet our Luma #33

LUMA nr 33

Kinnevik has a long history of taking in trainees, LUMAs, who work closely with the management team. Read more about Karin Blommegård, our LUMA nr 33 (2018-19).

What did you do before?
I did a MSc in Accounting and Financial Management at Stockholm School of Economics, which I combined with an elite career in team gymnastics. To get real business experience I took some internships during the summers, which all shared the quality of being at customer-facing businesses with international outreach.

Defining moments:
Finally quitting my failing career in orienteering. After accidently ending up in the middle of a shooting range, I realized that at least some sense of orientation was vital for success.

Quitting gymnastics after 20 years and figuring out what to do with all the time. No longer an issue.

Favorite Kinnevik Investment this year:
Karma! I was probably one of the first users when it launched as Elsa, one of the founders, also went to Handels at the time. Karma stood for a scary proportion of my food purchases throughout my studies.

"It is obvious that Kinnevik, both the company itself and the group, is undergoing a transition which makes it a very interesting place to be at right now."

Why did you apply to Kinnevik?
Many reasons! Firstly, coming from a sports background, the combination of a challenger-DNA and a strong team culture felt very natural. But it was the possibility of getting first-hand experience from a company which navigates the forefront of an ever-changing industry that truly sparked my curiosity. I wanted to see how to manage the tension of being a big powerhouse while staying entrepreneurial. It is obvious that Kinnevik, both the company itself and the group, is undergoing a transition which makes it a very interesting place to be at right now.

Lastly, the portfolio. I liked the mix of companies that provide entertainment and e-commerce in my day-to-day life and more fundamental services in emerging markets. All with the common denominator of empowering technology.

What about the LUMA role was appealing?
I found trainee roles in general very interesting as it is a crash course in business that complements the theoretical aspects from university. The policy at Kinnevik is that the LUMA participates in everything, and afterwards you will be positioned within the group to get the more practical experience, while having learnt the owner’s perspective.

The policy at Kinnevik is that the LUMA participates in everything, and afterwards you will be positioned within the group to get the more practical experience, while having learnt the owner’s perspective.

What’s the story about the name “LUMA”?
According to the nice story, the LUMA is supposed to be illuminated - bright. The alternative story says that the LUMA turns on and off the lights at the office. I won’t say which one is correct.

Describe the role:
Although the role is very action oriented, a big element is shadowing Georgi and the management team. You are truly allowed to take part of high-level conversations, both internal and external. The ongoing tasks include supporting the management team by prepping and coordinating material. Throughout the year, the role becomes increasingly project based within areas such as communication, investment analysis and with the Kinnevik founded non-profit organization Reach for Change.

Your impression after two months:
The bredth of your tasks, and the depth of what you are allowed to see and hear is amazing - you get goosebumps just by listening! Lastly, as the LUMA was reintroduced this year, a lot comes down to shaping the role through trial and error.

The application period for our next LUMA is now open. Read more