In a recent episode of The Bright Founders Talk at Temy, we had discussion with Anders Kallebo, Co-Founder of Myrspoven AB, a company at the forefront of integrating advanced data science with building management to foster sustainability. Anders shares insights from his engineering background and the unique journey that led to the inception of Myrspoven AB.
This venture began with a spark of jealousy towards sectors experiencing rapid technological innovations, such as automotive and telecom, while the real estate sector lagged behind, particularly in energy efficiency. Myrspoven AB stands out by not just collecting data but by transforming it into actionable intelligence that significantly reduces energy consumption in buildings. Anders's vision extends beyond mere energy savings; he aims to integrate buildings into the broader energy system to optimize usage and costs, especially during peak hours. His dedication is clear as he discusses the "1% vision" to reduce the carbon footprint of the real estate sector by 1%.
Throughout our conversation, Anders emphasizes the importance of innovative control strategies and the role of digital twins in understanding and improving the interactions between indoor climates, user behavior, and HVAC systems. Join us as we explore how Myrspoven AB is making buildings smarter and more responsive to our changing world.
How Anders Kallebo's Myrspoven AB is Revolutionizing Building Management with AI
In a world racing towards smarter solutions, Anders Kallebo's Myrspoven AB is not just riding the wave; they are making the waves. Anders, with a chuckle about his company’s unique name, reveals the roots of his mission: a touch of envy at the rapid innovation seen in sectors like automotive and telecom. "I was a bit jealous," he admits, recounting his time at a real estate fair where the only innovation was a barely improved fan blade. This lack of progress sparked a brilliant idea—why not harness the massive data produced by buildings to truly revolutionize energy management?
Myrspoven AB’s journey began with harvesting data from these silent giants. Anders explains how traditional HVAC systems operated on antiquated logics—simple if-this-then-that commands that hadn’t seen innovation in years. "We started to develop a system that controls buildings," Anders says, his enthusiasm palpable. They weren't just collecting data; they were building the future—one digital twin at a time. This approach allows them to simulate and understand the myriad interactions within buildings, from how the indoor climate is affected by various factors to optimizing HVAC operations to reduce energy consumption.
But Anders is not one to settle. The core mission of Myrspoven AB evolved from merely controlling energy usage to integrating buildings into the larger energy ecosystem. "Data is the new oil," he quotes, highlighting how their systems can now predict and adapt to energy demands 48 hours in advance. This not only optimizes energy costs but also aligns building operations with cleaner energy use during off-peak hours. “When the energy is expensive, the peaks are high, that’s when we need to use the dirtiest energy," Anders explains, outlining the broader environmental impact of their work. His vision is clear: make real estate a proactive player in the sustainable future.
Revolutionizing Real Estate: Anders Kallebo on Transforming Data into a Force for Sustainability
In a candid revelation about the potential impact of his work, Anders Kallebo highlights an astonishing figure: reducing carbon emissions by 1% across global real estate could mean cutting down a whopping 500 gigatons of carbon annually. "The numbers become so ridiculously large," Anders laughs, capturing the monumental scale of Myrspoven AB's mission. This isn't just about improving efficiencies; it's about leveraging vast, underutilized data to make a significant environmental impact. His enthusiasm is palpable as he talks about turning potential into actuality, with cities and their countless square meters presenting an endless canvas for change.
Navigating the early stages of such an ambitious startup was anything but smooth. Anders and his co-founder, who were strangers at the start, had to quickly establish a partnership based on mutual trust and complementary skills. "I'm not good at computers," Anders openly admits, emphasizing the importance of finding the right people who can fill those gaps. This foundational period involved securing their first client even before the product was fully realized—a bold move that tested their concept's viability and market demand. Their journey reflects a gritty start-up ethos, where securing early buy-in was crucial despite the product still being in its infancy.
As Myrspoven grew, the team expanded from a handful to 35 dedicated employees, navigating the ebbs and flows of venture capital waves and the tech bubble's burst. Anders reflects on the growth, suggesting that if he could do it over, "I would grow slower." This insight into scaling challenges highlights a common startup dilemma: balancing rapid growth with sustainable team dynamics and productivity. Anders values organizing and empowering his existing team over simply increasing headcount, showcasing his leadership philosophy that prioritizes quality over quantity in team expansion.
Riding the Wave of Change: Anders Kallebo on Navigating Myrspoven AB Through Global Challenges
Anders Kallebo doesn't shy away from acknowledging the tumultuous waters his venture has sailed through, from pandemics to economic downturns. "There will always be something that's trying to shoot you down," he remarks with a stoic nod, reflecting on the resilience required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the real estate sector. This resilience was particularly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically shifted the dynamic of workspaces worldwide. As remote work became the norm, the demand for commercial real estate plummeted, forcing Myrspoven AB to adapt quickly and smartly to survive and then thrive once more as the market began to recover.
There will always be something that's trying to shoot you down
Anders KalleboCo-Founder at Myrspoven AB
In the quest to stay ahead in a market saturated with buzzwords like 'going green' and 'carbon footprint reduction,' Anders emphasizes the importance of focusing on creating genuine value. "Do you create value? How do you create value?" he questions, suggesting that success lies in offering solutions that are truly beneficial rather than merely novel. This approach helps Myrspoven AB not just keep up with trends but drive them, by ensuring their technologies are both innovative and integral to their clients' operations. He underscores this strategy with a quote that reflects his philosophy: "A well-defined problem is a problem half-solved."
As for the future, Anders is cautiously optimistic. Discussing the progress towards their ambitious goal of reducing the carbon footprint by 1%, he admits, "Percentage-wise, we are not even scratching the surface." Yet, there's a palpable excitement about the partnerships and projects currently underway, indicating that significant strides are being made. The recent success in securing a major deal in Sweden boosts their portfolio and, more importantly, their impact. With stringent EU regulations on the horizon, Anders views these challenges not just as hurdles but as opportunities to solidify Myrspoven AB's standing as a leader in sustainable real estate solutions, proving that resilience and innovation can indeed turn high tides into high returns.
Surfing Through Challenges: Anders Kallebo on Building Resilience and Learning from Others in Business
Anders Kallebo compares the entrepreneurial journey to staying afloat in tumultuous waters, a fitting metaphor given his relentless pursuit of innovation in the energy sector. Amidst a light-hearted chat about surfing—a sport he admires from afar—Anders reflects on the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable waves of business. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturns tested Myrspoven AB profoundly, affecting their main market in Sweden. Yet, these challenges only underscored the need for adaptability and persistence, qualities that Anders embodies and instills within his team.
Diving into personal growth, Anders shares candid insights about his evolution as a leader. He openly acknowledges his initial overconfidence and the humbling experience of realizing that the complexity of his role outpaced his skills as the company grew. "I used to think I could handle it all, but I quickly learned that surrounding myself with people who excel where I falter isn't just good management—it's essential," he admits. This revelation wasn't just about delegating tasks; it was about embracing continuous learning from those around him, a principle that has become a cornerstone of his leadership style.
As our conversation winds down, Anders extends an invitation to anyone interested in making an impact on the energy sector to reach out via LinkedIn. His approachability and willingness to engage with budding entrepreneurs reflect his commitment to fostering a community of innovation. "It's always better to learn from someone else's mistakes," he chuckles, summarizing his philosophy towards growth and resilience. With his unique surname as a beacon, Anders remains a guiding figure for those aspiring to make a difference in sustainability, proving that even in business, sometimes riding the waves smoothly requires learning from a few wipeouts along the way.
It's always better to learn from someone else's mistakes
Anders KalleboCo-Founder at Myrspoven AB
