Board of directors

Chair Jan Magnussen (MSc, Colorado 1976) has 25 years experience of developing technology and knowledge based companies in Norway. Jan has senior management experience from several Norwegian consulting firms; he was an adviser in SND’s programme for Starting up using New Technology and has helped many creative individuals start up their own businesses. In daVinci Jan initiated the company’s venture activities. On other assignments, Jan has worked through many strategy processes, due diligence processes and partner and investment searches. Jan is currently technical director of Vensafe.

Jostein Borgmo’s main business is advertising. In the last 8 years he has also played a central role in the internet arena. First and foremost as creative director in companies such as Thunderhouse and marchFIRST, but also as a writer and lecturer, jury foreman for Gulltaggen and Sølvtaggen (internet industry competitions) and a board member of INMA. Jostein believes his main strengths are communications and creative strategy, but NetLife Research also has great respect for Jostein’s extensive experience with internet projects for a series of major Norwegian companies. Jostein is currently the creative director of the advertising firm Republica.

Erik W. Jakobsen (born 1967), has a Masters in business administration and a PhD in economics from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administrations (NHH). He was previously an associate professor in strategic management at the Norwegian School of Management (BI). His core academic specialties comprise three closely related areas:
- Business development and strategic analysis – for companies and organisations
- Ownership and value creation – for owners and boards of directors
- Business networks and clusters – for networking organisations and authorities
Jakobsen led BI’s Centre for value Creation. He was also Dean of BI’s education programmes for industry. Jakobsen has published a series of books and articles and has extensive experience as a researcher, consultant and lecturer.

Jostein Magnussen is one of the original founders of NetLife Research. Jostein is responsible for professional development and recruitment.

Eidar Grande Vollan is one of the original founders of NetLife Research. Eidar is responsible for PR and communications.

Even Risbakken is one of the original founders of NetLife Research. Even is responsible for enjoyability.