Fertram Sigurjonsson says Arctell will identify and build new opportunities across the High North by connecting entrepreneurs with experience, partners and capital.
One of Arctell’s key missions will be to identify entrepreneurs and experts across the High North who possess deep knowledge of real-world problems and help turn that knowledge into companies capable of growing internationally, Fertram Sigurjonsson said at the opening of Arctell Sandvík in Reykjavík.
“A good idea on its own is not enough. The people who succeed understand the problem they are solving extremely well and then build a team that adds to that expertise. We want to find those people in the High North, work alongside them and help their projects reach the next stage.”
Fertram described two core elements of Arctell’s approach: identifying and nurturing promising opportunities, and connecting them with experienced company builders, partners and investors.
“There is enormous interest in the High North right now. We live here, so it matters that we take part in shaping the region’s future ourselves and capture the opportunities that this interest creates.”
Drawing on his own experience across fintech, geothermal energy and healthcare technology, Fertram said strong companies are often created when deep knowledge of a particular problem meets the right people, capital and execution.
He pointed to Kerecis as an example. What began as a project in Iceland’s Westfjords grew, through the combined efforts of specialists, employees, investors and partners, into an international healthcare technology company.
“What drives me is creating something that has a real impact. Seeing an idea become a product that people can use and that improves their lives is incredibly rewarding. Now we want to help more people go through that journey.”
Arctell is already involved with several companies and projects based at Sandvík. The company has also opened a hub in Copenhagen and is preparing new locations in Nuuk and Ísafjörður, creating a network that connects High North entrepreneurs with experienced builders, investors and international markets.
Former President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson and Amaroq Minerals Chair Sigurbjörn Þorkelsson also addressed guests at the opening.
Ólafur Ragnar spoke about the entrepreneurial drive long associated with Iceland’s Westfjords and said Fertram and Fanney Hermannsdottir’s decision to commit their time and resources to Sandvík reflected their ambition to create new opportunities for others.
Sigurbjörn highlighted that Arctell brings not only experience of success, but also the lessons learned from setbacks. He recalled an early period in Kerecis’ history when the company faced an FDA rejection and operations were temporarily run from Fertram and Fanney’s home.
Fertram closed his remarks with a simple message:
“The journey is just starting.”