Kenneth Herschel

CEO and Co-Founder

Bio

Kenneth Herschel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Viggo, a company that began as a green ride-hailing service and has evolved to include electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Herschel has led Viggo through significant growth phases, including a strategic pivot to developing urban EV charging infrastructure. His leadership is marked by a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the mobility sector.

Kenneth Herschel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Viggo, a company that began as a…

Company:

Viggo

Location:

København, Region Hovedstaden, Danmark

Description:

Viggo is a Danish company focused on sustainable urban mobility. Originally launched as an electric ride-hailing service, Viggo has expanded to provide a network of fast-charging stations for EVs. The company aims to improve urban mobility by offering environmentally friendly transportation options and supporting infrastructure, facilitating a smoother transition to green transport solutions.

Viggo is a Danish company focused on sustainable urban mobility. Originally launched as an electric…

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Conversation
Highlights

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech’s most innovative B2B founders. In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Kenneth Herschel, CEO & Co-Founder at Viggo, a sustainable mobility platform that has raised nearly $6 Million in funding.

Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:

Origins in Electric Ride-Hailing: Kenneth outlines Viggo’s start as a response to Uber’s departure from Copenhagen, aiming to elevate the standard of taxi services with electric vehicles and superior technology.
Strategic Shift to EV Charging: The necessity for efficient charging for Viggo’s fleet revealed a larger market need, prompting a significant pivot towards developing urban EV charging solutions.
Exponential Growth in EV Charging: With a 250% growth in the EV charging sector, Kenneth highlights this segment’s rapid expansion as evidence of the burgeoning demand for reliable urban charging infrastructure.
Synergy Between Mobility and Charging: Kenneth discusses the operational harmony between Viggo’s ride-hailing and EV charging units, leveraging the visibility and needs of one to enhance and expand the other.
European Expansion Insights: Venturing into new markets, Kenneth reflects on the challenges and immense opportunities of scaling Viggo’s model across Europe, emphasizing the necessity of fast urban charging infrastructure.
The Power of Persistence: Through the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenneth emphasizes the critical role of persistence and belief in the face of adversity, underscoring a foundational principle for entrepreneurial resilience and success.

Actionable
Takeaways

Embrace Market Shifts:

Be ready to pivot and evolve your business model based on market needs. Viggo’s shift from ride-hailing to also include EV charging exemplifies responsiveness to emerging opportunities.

Leverage Synergies:

Identify and exploit synergies between different business units to enhance operational efficiency and market penetration. Viggo’s dual model leverages its ride-hailing fleet to support its EV charging network.

Plan for Expansion Thoughtfully:

When expanding into new markets, consider cultural, regulatory, and logistical differences. Viggo’s approach to expanding in Europe reflects strategic planning and adaptability.

Persistent Fundraising Efforts:

Always be in fundraising mode. Kenneth advises that continuous engagement with potential investors is crucial for long-term success and scalability.

Stay Persistent Through Challenges:

Persistence is key to overcoming unforeseen challenges. Viggo’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in business.

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