“Never Have a Backup Plan” | Antler Founder, Magnus Grimeland, on Building Successful Startups

What does it take to build exceptional companies, and why does the next generation of global businesses increasingly have the opportunity to emerge from Africa? In this episode of Periscope, Lola Masha sits down with Magnus Grimeland, Founder and CEO of  @AntlerGlobal  to explore innovation beyond the conventional playbook, the realities of building businesses in emerging markets, and the opportunities ahead for African founders. Drawing on his experience building companies across Southeast Asia and establishing Antler as a global early-stage investment platform, Magnus shares why innovation goes beyond technology, why persistence matters more than having the perfect start, and how founders can turn local challenges into global opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: Why exceptional people have a responsibility to innovate How to turn ambitious long-term goals into actionable steps Why innovation is essential to solving structural problems How founders can innovate beyond deep tech and AI The importance of grit, adaptability and knowing when to pivot Why Africa, particularly Nigeria, presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurship How AI is making knowledge, tools and opportunity more accessible Why founders can build globally competitive companies from anywhere Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Why Magnus Grimeland Built Antler 08:48 The 10-Year Goal: How Great Things Get Built 17:48 Why Innovation Can Solve Problems Charity Cannot 20:04 Innovation Beyond Tech: Finding Opportunities Others Miss 24:42 Why Great Companies Can Be Built Anywhere 30:20 The Grit, Resilience and Pivots Behind Startup Success 34:09 Why Exceptional People Have a Responsibility to Innovate 36:13 Why Magnus Believes Africa's Biggest Startup Opportunities Are Ahead 41:11 AI: The Great Equalizer for African Founders Follow Periscope LinkedIn:   / periscope-podcast   Instagram:   / periscope.podcast   TikTok:   / periscope.podcast   Website: https://www.periscope.media/ Join our Whatsapp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBf... About Magnus Grimeland Magnus Grimeland is the Founder and CEO of Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm that backs ambitious founders from the earliest stages of building their businesses. Follow Magnus Grimeland:   / magnusgrimeland   Check out Antler: https://www.antler.co/ About Periscope Periscope is a podcast that helps founders see what they don't know they don't know. We explore the realities of building businesses, from fundraising and strategy to technology, governance and the decisions that shape a company's future. Subscribe to Periscope for more conversations with founders, investors and industry leaders. #periscope #magnusgrimeland #antler #startups #entrepreneurship #innovation #africantech #nigerianstartups