361 Ventures is a venture capital and management consultancy firm, specialising in the business, IT, and technology sectors. Since 2010, the firm has provided its clients with exclusive access to capital, expertise, unwavering commitment, and an extensive network, working alongside its clients to scale business and improve society. Sitting at the helm of 361 Ventures is Founder and CEO Nicklas Raask, a digital leader boasting vast experience across an array of fields. We spoke to Nicklas below for more, as he is recognised in the European CEO of the Year Awards 2025.
Steered by innovation and rock’n’roll, 361 Ventures is a leading investor in small to medium-sized businesses possessing serious growth ambition and strong market leader potential. Alongside this, the company offers a range of professional services within the field of interim business and turnaround management, strategy development, IT management, and eCommerce. Across its operations, 361 Ventures works to develop strategically with its partners, providing balanced ownership and a long-term view to ensure full value for all parties.
Nicklas Raask is a tech visionary and board member, enabling corporations to transform and driving growth and scalability for startups across listed and non-listed environments. A seasoned executive with more than three decades in C-level leadership, he has co-founded and scaled multiple ventures – including Investkusten, Giggernaut, Möblera, and 361 Ventures – and played a strategic role in the successful exit of Netoptions. Nicklas’ career spans both startup innovation and leadership roles at major companies like Volvo Cars, Geely, and SQS, reflecting a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial vision and corporate expertise.
A passionate golfer with an ambition to transform the European golf industry, Nicklas has recently made several strategic steps to achieve this vision. He joined the board of directors at Caddies Europe in June 2024, became Chief Digital Officer for both Caddies Europe and GolfStar in August, and as of January 2025, stepped into the role of Group CEO. Through these leadership roles, Nicklas is combining his deep digital expertise with an unrivalled love for the game to successfully reshape golf operations across Europe.
Caddies Europe is a transformational force in the European golf industry, masterfully blending investment, operations, and digital innovation to modernise the ways in which golf is played, managed, and experienced. With an annual turnover of approximately SEK 185 million, the group operates in three countries and boasts 100,000 active golfers across its portfolio companies. Throughout his various leadership positions, Nicklas opts to take a situational leadership style in response to the variety of aspects and clients he must face. He utilises the agile approach wherever possible and encourages his teams to do the same. Nicklas understands the importance of adopting various strategies and styles in accordance with his environment and additionally integrates a coaching leadership style in various ways, with the aim of developing employees along the way to ultimately enhance the organisation’s operational power.
“In many situations, a clear vision and direction is needed for others to follow,” he told us.
“I find this very important and therefore believe that communication and transparency is key for prompting others to act accordingly. If we can be clear about where we are, where we are heading, and what we need to do in order to get there, then it is so much easier for everybody to pitch in their part to the journey – regardless of whether you are an employee, a consultant, a supplier, or a more in-depth partner.”
This approach has served Nicklas well, allowing him to successfully work alongside a variety of clients over the course of his professional career – from small startups to huge enterprises, in local and international contexts. Over time, he discovered that the key to real transformation is not merely about strategy or speed; it is about understanding the journey, embracing the cultural context, and bringing people with you. With this insight shaping his approach, Nicklas now looks ahead with energy and intention – channelling his passion for innovation, sport, and mentorship into what comes next.
“As always, I’m open for what the future will bring,” Nicklas told us, “but being able to combine business and tech with sports is very rewarding. Working with the full spectrum – from early-stage, bleeding-edge innovation to large-scale industrial operations – may not be easy, but it brings a great deal of continuous learning and insight that builds a good foundation for ideas for future products and services. Full speed ahead – and with a lot of passion and engagement!”
Contact: Nicklas Raask
Company: 361 Ventures AB, Stockholm, Sweden
Web address: https://www.361ventures.com
About European CEO of the Year Awards
EU Business News is proud to announce the 2025 European CEO of the Year Awards.
These prestigious awards honour CEOs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and transformative impact on their organisations and industries. They celebrate corporate leaders whose foresight, resilience, and dedication have driven companies to new heights.
The European business landscape has seen rapid change, with CEOs navigating economic, geopolitical, and technological challenges. Despite uncertainties, there is renewed optimism for the region in 2025.
European businesses are increasingly focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion, with many CEOs leading strategic investments in digital transformation and green technologies. Many are also building resilience in response to ongoing supply chain issues and shifting regulations, showing confidence in recovery and growth.
In this evolving landscape, CEOs must be adaptable, forward-thinking, and skilled at managing change. Today’s successful leaders are not only adept at navigating trends but also fostering diverse teams and driving sustainability. The rise of CEOs with non-traditional backgrounds brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to industries.
Technology, particularly AI and automation, is central to this evolution. With countries like Italy and the UK leading AI adoption, CEOs must integrate cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive. AI is not just about operational efficiency; it shapes product development, customer experiences, and decision-making, making it essential for future business success.
The European CEO of the Year Awards 2025 serves as a platform to recognise visionary leaders who are shaping the future of European business. These awards honour those who are driving innovation, resilience, and strategic foresight in a rapidly changing world.
https://www.eubusinessnews.com/awards/european-ceo-of-the-year-awards
