Keynote SpeakerNicklas Bergman

Straight-talking deep-tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 30 years of firsthand experience navigating how technology reshapes business and society in periods of major uncertainty

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This is, Nicklas Bergman
On Technology Adoption
On Generative AI
Interview with Nicklas Bergman: Entrepreneur and deep-tech investor, pragmatic futurist
On AI Trends
On AI and Technology Trends
On Technology and Logistics

Popular Talks by Nicklas Bergman

Navigating the Techstorm - Finding Substance Beyond the Hype

We’re rapidly entering a phase of technology convergence not seen in over a century. Today, when intelligence goes artificial, and robots turn biological, it’s crucial to identify innovation trends both within and beyond your industry. The rapid rise of new technologies is thrilling yet overwhelming, as many struggle to keep…
We’re rapidly entering a phase of technology convergence not seen in over a century. Today, when intelligence goes artificial, and robots turn biological, it’s crucial to identify innovation trends both within and beyond your industry. The rapid rise of new technologies is thrilling yet overwhelming, as many struggle to keep pace with the latest innovations and gadgets. Staying ahead is crucial, but can be challenging for everyone trying to adapt.

Building on 30 years of experience in technology entrepreneurship and investing, Nicklas shares his unique, personal perspective on how technology is driving change in business and society. Understanding the current state of technology and its effects is essential to staying competitive. Drawing on his own experiences navigating the Techstorm and building businesses in times of great uncertainty, Nicklas shares his proven tools and frameworks for understanding the times we’re in.

What the audience will leave with:
- A filter for substance over hype. Instead of a snapshot of this year’s gadgets that’s stale by next quarter, they get a repeatable way to judge any new technology on its merits. This is actually a framework that carries weight because Nicklas has applied it across multiple cycles with his own money at stake.
- A sense of where the real change comes from. The biggest shifts rarely start in your own industry and rarely from one technology alone. Nicklas shows audiences how to watch the convergence and adjacent sectors, where the change that’ll hit their business is actually taking shape.
- A way to act when the picture isn’t clear. Nicklas has built companies amid genuine uncertainty, and he shares the frameworks he uses to make decisions before the fog lifts. People leave with footing instead of overwhelm, ready to move this quarter rather than wait for a certainty that never comes.
Thriving in Times of Great Uncertainty - Learnings From 30 years in the Startup and VC trenches

We’re all familiar with the saying “Uncertainty is the new normal”, right? And as much as this is true, how did we end up here? Irrational leaders, technological disruption, and environmental havoc are all parts of the equation. Add to this an emerging new world order that may leave globalism…
We’re all familiar with the saying “Uncertainty is the new normal”, right? And as much as this is true, how did we end up here? Irrational leaders, technological disruption, and environmental havoc are all parts of the equation. Add to this an emerging new world order that may leave globalism behind. Disrupted supply chains, obsolete business models, and the latest TikTok trends are adding to the confusion.

How can we better understand and act in this new normal? Having built companies in emerging markets as well as in emerging technologies, Nicklas has learned the hard way how to turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage. In this keynote, he shares stories about successes and failures and explains the framework he’s using to bring clarity in times of ambiguity. All with the ambition that the audience will leave with tools and techniques to make uncertainty work for them.

What the audience will leave with:
- A framework for clarity in ambiguity. Not “embrace change” platitudes, but the actual method Nicklas uses to make decisions without full information, built over 30 years with his own money and reputation on the line. The audience leaves able to apply it the next time the ground shifts.
- A way to turn uncertainty into an advantage. Most organizations freeze when the picture blurs, and that’s exactly where the edge is. Nicklas shows how to position so that volatility works for the room rather than against it.
- The honest lessons, successes, and failures. This isn’t a highlight reel. Nicklas walks through what actually worked and what cost him, so the audience can recognize the pattern without paying the sametuition.
Mastering The Intelligence Revolution - Part 1: AI

The world is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in the adoption of generative AI technology. The sheer volume of innovative features and remarkable use cases can be overwhelming, but this is merely the beginning! We stand on the threshold of a thrilling, transformative intelligence revolution with incredible potential for the…
The world is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in the adoption of generative AI technology. The sheer volume of innovative features and remarkable use cases can be overwhelming, but this is merely the beginning! We stand on the threshold of a thrilling, transformative intelligence revolution with incredible potential for the future. In all its glory, let’s just not forget that we’re all responsible for using AI in a sensible way. Join Nicklas on an exhilarating journey through the diverse landscape of AI. Experience the wonder, vast opportunities, and practical applications it offers, while also grappling with the ethical dilemmas, cybersecurity threats, and implementation hurdles that demand our attention. Grounded in his firsthand insights and experiences in startup scaling and VC investing, this exploration will empower you to see beyond the hype and navigate the future of AI with confidence.

What the audience will leave with:
- The ability to tell signal from noise. Instead of chasing every new feature, they’ll learn to find the two or three uses that actually move their numbers, a filter that carries weight because Nicklas puts his own money behind these calls.
- An answer to “Is this a bubble?” They leave with a clear way to plan around it: Keep building on the technology while staying sober about the valuations. No fear, no hype, just steadier footing than most rooms walk in with.
- Agency instead of anxiety. They’ll see that the calls on ethics, security, and messy rollouts are theirs to make this quarter, not a regulator’s to make later. People walk out ready to act on Monday.
Black Swans, Megatrends, and Inevitable Surprises - The Future is Brighter Than You Think!

The future is not what it used to be! When people in the 20th century pictured the future, they saw smart machines, flying cars, and household robots. Now that we ride in self-driving cars, have interesting (?) conversations with our personal AIs, and finally have humanoid robots coming off the…
The future is not what it used to be! When people in the 20th century pictured the future, they saw smart machines, flying cars, and household robots. Now that we ride in self-driving cars, have interesting (?) conversations with our personal AIs, and finally have humanoid robots coming off the assembly lines, have we reached “peak innovation”? Is this as good as it gets, or will there be even more marvels in the coming years and decades?

In this (fast) forward-focused keynote, Nicklas shares his interpretation of what he sees at the forefront of science and innovation. Not the next cool gadget, but rather the megatrends shaping society in the coming decades. What do we want technology to do? What challenges are we facing? How can we stay optimistic? Prepare for a mind-boggling excursion at the crossroads of technology, philosophy, and culture.

What the audience will leave with:
- A read on the megatrends that actually matter. Not the gadget of the week, but the deep currents shaping society over the coming decades, and why we’re nowhere near peak innovation. The audience leaves witha longer horizon than the news cycle typically offers.
- A grounded case for optimism. The future appears more promising than the doom narrative indicates. Nicklas presents this perspective not as cheerleading but as someone who personally invests in the future.People leave with an understanding that they can be in charge of their own future.
- A sharper question than “what’s next?” What do we want technology to do for us? At the crossroads of technology, philosophy, and culture, Nicklas reframes the future as something we all help shape ratherthan something that simply happens to it. The audience leaves with a sense of agency about where this is all heading.
Geopolitics and the Quest for Technological Supremacy - USA vs. China, and what about Europe?

Now that we, at least for the moment, leave globalism behind, the battle for geopolitical dominance and sovereignty becomes pressing. Old alliances are dropped, and new ones are emerging. In this new world order, the fight for natural resources, industrial strength, and technological edge is intensifying. The main contenders on…
Now that we, at least for the moment, leave globalism behind, the battle for geopolitical dominance and sovereignty becomes pressing. Old alliances are dropped, and new ones are emerging. In this new world order, the fight for natural resources, industrial strength, and technological edge is intensifying. The main contenders on the world stage are the US and China, with Europe, India, and the Gulf States fighting for a spot among the top 3.

With his background in international business and tech investing, especially through his work with the 10 billion EUR EIC Fund, Nicklas is uniquely positioned to offer an insider’s view of the latest technology driven geopolitical trends and power struggles. In this keynote, Nicklas will also provide actionable insights for countries, industries, and companies, tailored to the audience’s preferences.

What the audience will leave with:
- A clear map of the real power struggle. Who’s actually ahead in the technologies that decide this race, whether it’s chips, AI, energy, or critical materials, and why, stripped of the news-cycle drama. The read carries weight because Nicklas sees these companies from the inside as an investor, not from the outside as a commentator.
- A straight answer on “what about Europe?” Where Europe, India, and the Gulf genuinely stand, where they can still compete, and where they’re already dependent on someone else. The audience leaves with a sober assessment instead of either doom or denial.
- A handle on your own exposure. Most companies don’t know which of their supply chains, tools, or markets sit on contested ground until it’s too late. Nicklas helps the room identify those dependencies and outlines the moves (for a company, an industry, or a country) to reduce risk this year.
Mastering The Intelligence Revolution - Part 2: Quantum

Just when you think you’ve mastered Artificial intelligence, the next wave of compute emerges: Quantum computing! This novel approach to problem-solving has the potential to transform our world. It brings exciting opportunities for businesses and governments but also significant security challenges for those who aren’t prepared. Adopting this technology isn’t…
Just when you think you’ve mastered Artificial intelligence, the next wave of compute emerges: Quantum computing! This novel approach to problem-solving has the potential to transform our world. It brings exciting opportunities for businesses and governments but also significant security challenges for those who aren’t prepared. Adopting this technology isn’t as straightforward as AI prompting, but it’s nevertheless critical for success in our rapidly evolving tech landscape.

In this talk, Nicklas will invite you into the remarkable and often bewildering world of quantum computing, sharing his firsthand insights about where the field is heading. From his work with the 10 billion EUR EIC Fund, he can draw impactful conclusions from more than 20 quantum investments, highlighting their transformative effects on businesses and society. Discover how you can proactively quantum-proof yourself and your company to stay at the forefront of this technological (quantum) leap.

What the audience will leave with:
- A calibrated read on where quantum actually is. What’s real today, what’s five to ten years out, and what’s being oversold? All so that you can tell a fundable claim from a press release.
- The security clock is already running. Encrypted data stolen today can be decrypted once quantum matures. Nicklas explains “harvest now, decrypt later” and the move to post-quantum cryptography that every leader should raise this year.
- How to quantum-proof an organization that isn’t a physics lab. Where the real value sits, in areas like optimization, logistics, materials, chemistry, and a sensible one-to-three-year plan to get ready without overspending.

Biography

Nicklas Bergman is a Swedish entrepreneur and deep-tech investor with several decades of experience building companies across diverse industries, regions, and economic cycles. Over the years, his ventures have failed, bounced back, scaled globally, been acquired by major industry players, and been listed on the stock exchange. Since its inception in 2020, he’s also served as an investment advisor to the EIC Fund, a €10 billion deep-tech venture capital fund that backs more than 100 European startups each year.

Through his work as a business angel and venture capitalist, he puts his money where his mouth is. With unparalleled access to the fast-paced world of science, innovation, emerging technologies, and the hottest startups, he has spent decades in the field learning to see beyond buzzwords, hype, and baseless claims about the “next big thing”. Instead, he focuses on real impact, lasting change, and on what truly matters. At the moment, this ranges from quantum computing and the latest biotech applications to the geopolitical implications of technology and the ever-present question of whether we’re in the midst of an AI bubble.

As an entrepreneur, Nicklas is especially proud to have been part of founding and scaling a truck distribution network in Eastern Europe to a €300 million turnover in 15 years, taking a novel nanotechnology company from idea to more than 150 high-profile clients worldwide, and building a ski resort from scratch that attracted close to €500 million of investment to the region.

He’s made plenty of mistakes, been responsible for epic failures, and been fortunate enough to play a part in some major successes along the way. Over the years, he has passed on investments that later became unicorns and has wasted far too many hours in endless meetings. Nicklas is an early adopter, sometimes painfully so, drawn to the cutting edge where technology drives change and science fiction becomes real-world innovation and business creation. He loves disappearing down tech rabbit holes to uncover what’s really happening beneath the surface and to spot second-order effects that signal lasting impacts beyond the obvious.

A couple of years ago, he cleared his schedule and set out to understand where technology is taking us and whether we are prepared for the looming techstorm. His conclusion: Despite numerous challenges, the future is bright. The road ahead will be neither straight nor easy, but the key is to take the wheel and ensure that technology works for us rather than controls us.

The outcome: “Navigating the Techstorm – The Business Impact of Technology Beyond the Hype”, Nicklas’ take on how to prepare and act in
times of technological uncertainty. The book was featured by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of their top 10 business books. Today, he divides his time between technology investments, a couple of his own skunkworks projects, and speaking, writing, and advising on the future of technology, business, and society.

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What clients say about Nicklas Bergman

“Technological uncertainty is a defining feature of the modern world. Nicklas Bergman draws together an impressive range of insights about where we are coming from and where we are going. He is an astute speaker asking the big questions about what we must do to shape and benefit from the next wave of technologies.” Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation

“Few people understand the impact of new technology like Nicklas Bergman. Nicklas inspires us to understand the potential impact of technology on business and society – and to take responsibility for making sure that technology improves the state of the world.” Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman of Siemens and A.P. Møller Maersk

"Nicklas Bergman is the Malcolm Gladwell of technology." Peter M Fannon, SVP Panasonic North America

“You will be well rewarded by Nicklas Bergman’s insights into emergent technologies likely to have the greatest impact. In a time littered with clichéd recommendations, Bergman offers a thoughtful, singular vision, and practical recommendations for corporate and government leaders seeking to thrive in an era complicated by rapid technological change and shape a profitable, sustainable future.” Amy Zalman, CEO, The World Future Society

“The business impact of disruptive technology is rarely a single phenomenon - you have to understand the whole emerging landscape. Nicklas and his TechStorm framework will bring you that understanding. Fast. I promise.” Olof Hernell, CDO EQT

“Are you looking for an inspirational toolbox on emerging technologies? A catalyst to lift your company’s strategic discussion to a higher, more forward looking but still, operational and concrete level? Built on deep business and technology understanding? Then, Navigating the Techstorm is the book for you!” Pia Irell, Portfolio Development Director, Altor Equity Partners

How to book Nicklas Bergman as a keynote speaker

How do I book Nicklas Bergman for a keynote speech?

You can book Nicklas Bergman through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Nicklas's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Nicklas Bergman's speaking fees?

Nicklas Bergman's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Nicklas tailored to your event.

What topics does Nicklas Bergman speak about?

Nicklas Bergman speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Authors, Big Data, Business & Management, Cyber Security. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Nicklas to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Nicklas Bergman available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Nicklas Bergman for events worldwide, subject to Nicklas's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Nicklas Bergman deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Nicklas Bergman is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Nicklas Bergman?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Nicklas can accommodate.

Can Nicklas Bergman tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Nicklas Bergman on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Nicklas can offer.

What languages does Nicklas Bergman present in?

Nicklas Bergman delivers keynotes in English, German. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Nicklas Bergman a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Nicklas Bergman's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Authors, Big Data, Business & Management, Cyber Security. To get a clear sense of Nicklas's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Nicklas Bergman speak at?

Nicklas Bergman can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Authors, Big Data, Business & Management, Cyber Security is relevant. Details of Nicklas's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Nicklas Bergman offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Nicklas Bergman is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Nicklas Bergman?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Nicklas Bergman, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Nicklas's current availability for your dates.

Keynote SpeakerNicklas Bergman

Straight-talking deep-tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 30 years of firsthand experience navigating how technology reshapes business and society in periods of major uncertainty

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Read our latest post about Nicklas Bergman

Interview with Nicklas Bergman: Entrepreneur, Investor, Futurist