Erik Kjell
Strategist
As an e-commerce strategist for Nike's Innovation Accelerator, later named Valiant Labs, I played a collaborative role alongside Nike entrepreneurs in launching D2C initiatives like Easy Kicks and SneakerLab. These projects provided crucial insights and value that informed and enriched NikeID's model. By allowing customers to create personalized gear, NikeID became a cornerstone of Nike's direct-to-consumer strategy, aiming for $5 billion in sales. This approach not only increased revenue and margins by selling directly at retail prices but also strengthened Nike's online presence. Our work set new benchmarks in engaging directly with consumers, significantly contributing to Nike's DTC growth, which boasts a 30% revenue growth rate and expanding domestic and international e-commerce sales.
I partnered with Dior.com's North American leadership to overhaul their analytics and align website performance with LVMH’s corporate ambitions. From early 2023, I’ve helped enhance Dior's digital strategy to surpass stretch goals by optimizing digital marketing, SEO, analytics, and UX. This initiative has strengthened Dior's online presence, created data transparency across business units and territories, streamlined operations and boosted conversions. Our work with Dior has projected to surpass 10x ROI.
Operator
As a co-founder of Prota Ventures with Will Little, I leveraged my experience from MNML Ventures to adopt an operational investor role across multiple startups. As a venture studio, we invested in Figment, Stix, Bird Buddy, and other startups focused on capital and operational needs. Prota aims to make impactful investments, tackling ambitious challenges, and helping founders' launch world-changing ideas.
As Managing Partner at Contino New York, I work with Jon Contino to create visuals that forge instant, visceral connections. Since 2017, we’ve fortified brand relationships through design and emotionally led creative. Together, we specialize in designing and launching brands, blending creativity and strategic insight.
Our team combines creative brilliance with strategic and operational expertise. Jon has a distinguished career in impactful brand storytelling and design excellence, while I have a proven track record in market strategy, ecommerce and revenue growth.
As the co-founder of Stretch, my mission is to help e-commerce brands not just meet but exceed their goals in customer acquisition, conversion, and retention. Our track record speaks volumes, with a history of pushing enterprises beyond their revenue expectations. We refine digital marketing, optimize checkout conversions, and craft apps that heighten retention. If your team is maxed out, partner with us to not only surpass your yearly targets but to exceed your stretch goals.
Investor
To make Independent AI the global standard.
In February 2024, I invested in 6079.ai for their groundbreaking Proof of Inference Protocol and the impressive founding team dynamics. AI can be a powerful tool for progress or a threat to free thought. We must ensure AI remains a tool for all, protected by decentralization. The 6079 movement champions independent thinking and unrestricted exploration, calling for an AI future that respects dignity, promotes knowledge, and allows the mind to flourish.
6079 protects the freedom of intelligence with the Proof of Inference Protocol, advancing independent, decentralized AI. This secure, efficient protocol verifies AI computations, optimizing resources, and enhancing accessibility across sectors.
In 2018, we produced an event in Chicago that brought together 24 blockchain entrepreneurs. This initiative spun off Figment, co-founded by Lorien Gabel, Matt Harrop, and Andrew Cronk, focusing on enhancing Web 3.0's usability through tools like Hubble for Cosmos, Dot Hub for the Polkadot network and many other trust building projects. Based in Canada, Figment emerged as a leading blockchain staking infrastructure provider, propelling to a unicorn status with a $110 million Series C fundraise, reaching a $1.4 billion valuation. The firm's commitment to facilitating Web 3.0 adoption and governance participation has attracted major investors and clients, distinguishing it in the competitive staking landscape. This journey reflects our dedication to pioneering in the blockchain space, aiming to simplify the complexities of Web 3.0 for users and validators alike.
In 2021, I invested in CFX Labs, a visionary company revolutionizing international money transfers. By partnering with a a FDIC insured bank along with a retail aggregator, we've established a presence in 120,000 U.S. stores. CFX Labs simplifies and economizes the process of sending money with a USD-backed digital currency, specifically targeting crucial markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Africa, and India. Our mission is to fundamentally change the way money is transferred, beginning with establishing the USA and Mexico corridor, where over $61B is remitted annually. Our technology is designed to be secure, verified, fast, and convenient, positioning MoveMoney as an emerging powerhouse in digital payments and international remittances.
Agencies
I co-founded MNML Ventures alongside Scott Wilson, a renowned design leader whose work with Nike, IDEO, and on projects like the Kinect for Xbox 360 and TikTok watches has earned international acclaim. Scott brings visionary and entrepreneurial expertise to our ventures, delivering disruptive yet thoughtful solutions across industries. At MINIMAL, a leading industrial design and development firm in Chicago, we've assembled a team of top-tier designers, strategists, developers, and engineers. Together, we've created award-winning products. My partner role involved leading equity and revenue-based projects, leveraging MINIMAL’s innovative design, brand strategy, engineering, and creativity to support early-stage companies in exchange for equity. This venture marked my initial dive into operational investments with IoT startups.
I was invited by Bionic to join the growth boards of notable companies like Nike, Johnson & Johnson, Exelon, and Mars, among other Fortune 100s clients. My entrepreneurial background aligned perfectly with Bionic's mission to infuse Fortune 500 companies with startup agility and growth. I dived deep into validating ideas using data-driven approaches, guiding C-suite leaders to detach emotionally from their startup ideas and rely on in-market data for further investment or to discontinue an concept. This impactful framework emphasized evidence-based methods and scalable growth, also aiding corporate executives in adopting the right mindset for innovation. Bionic's journey culminated in its acquisition by Accenture in 2021.
Quotes
“We worked with Wilson for many years. Wilson and his team have consistently proven their versatility, adapting to changing priorities, and speed in delivering data-driven insights from real in-market validation and prototyping. They helped us excel in delivering relevant insights for investment decisions through real-world validation.”
– Martin Zagorsek, Portfolio Manager | Citi Ventures
Services
Drawing on my journey from Ibiza's electric nights to startup building and fund raising and most importantly, people development, I guide startups, founders and leaders through their growth challenges. My mission is to help you live your best life. Let's connect and unlock your full potential together.
I love surrounding myself with skilled contributors that want to be apart of elite teams that are driven to achieve the extraordinary. I organize exclusive, invitation-only events globally to bring together leading executive, investors, and entrepreneurs. If you're keen to be considered for my select guest list for upcoming gatherings, please get in touch.
If you're the founder of a venture-scale company with an ambitious product vision, grab a time slot on my calendar and let's do a video call. Send your deck ahead or wait to present it—either way works. After we meet, I'll give you a go/no-go decision in 2 days.
History
Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, my upbringing was deeply influenced by the supportive community of Vancouver. This foundation shaped the principles and values I cherish today. My educational journey took me from Vancouver to England. Post-education, Between A levels and University, I embarked on diverse work experiences in Canada, including working in a salmon cannery, commercial trawling, and door-to-door sales for World Book encyclopedia. These jobs not only built resilience but also financed extensive travels in the latter half of 1980's, allowing me to explore Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas for over 3 years by backpack. These adventures, ahead of starting my Law Degree at the University of Buckingham, were instrumental in shaping my global perspective, marking the beginning of a lifetime of exploration and adventure.
In 1994 I moved from London to Ibiza, a Mediterranean island that also happened the be the mecca of global clubbing culture. Spending fours years working with the largest nightclub in Europe then joining Manumission orchestrating events with leading DJs and molding the island's nightlife. An opportunity led me to co-create Manumission Trips, a venture that aided in growth to Ibiza's holiday market. This initiative not only transformed holiday making for Brits but also laid the groundwork for what is now the renowned Ibiza Rocks Hotel. During winters, I immersed myself in the Bedouin way of life driving through Morocco. Speaking Spanish fluently and having recently completed law school uniquely positioned me to manage legal contracts for booking DJs and talent for Manumission. This combination laid the groundwork for an enriching journey of adventure and learnings.
My entrepreneurial odyssey began with co-producing "Manumission, The Movie" in Ibiza's electrifying atmosphere, merging music videos into a documentary, a venture that saw its climax with Channel 5's acquisition in the UK. This foray into creativity and business was just the start. In 1999, I moved to NYC with my partner, Ashley, who is also my partner of over 25 years. On arrival to NYC, I became co-founder with 3 MIT comp-sci graduates on an AdTech startup called LiquidSite, which raised $4M of venture capital during the pioneering days of Web 1.0. This venture was akin to an MBA, teaching me invaluable lessons about fundraising, cofounder dynamics, startup pivots and so much more. Post LiquidSite, my journey continued deeper into the music industry launching with Journeys by DJ, mix CD compilations, some achieving monumental success. Over the past 30 years, these ventures have been a testament to my commitment to turning viable ideas into reality.
... in 2020, Ashley and I moved to St. Augustine, Florida with our two daughters.