Halvor has always been passionate about digitalisation, particularly in the public sector. His journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple but impactful idea: to build an integrated system that would streamline the strategic and financial planning processes within local governments.
“The market situation in the early 2000s was that nobody actually provided a tool that integrated all aspects of financial management for the public sector.” While there were systems for accounting, payroll, and purchasing, none offered a holistic solution. Local governments were stuck using spreadsheets, forcing them to manage multiple disjointed systems. The opportunity was clear: create an integrated business management solution for local governments.
In 2001, Halvor launched his first venture, an ERP system designed specifically for local governments based on Unit5 Business World. However, it was in the years that followed when he saw a greater need. With a deep desire to innovate within the public sector, he began asking himself: “Could I fill 100% of that need?” After speaking with previous customers in the public arena, he realised that the demand for a complete digital solution was still unmet.
That’s how the idea of Framsikt was born in 2014.
Building it with customers, for customers
The ultimate goal for Framsikt was to deliver a SaaS solution that would make managing resources and strategic planning seamless for local governments. As a former Chief Product Officer for a large software company, Halvor knew he had to start with a clear understanding of his market and customers. He and his team started with wireframe prototypes and ongoing collaboration with early customers, simply to validate the idea that this tool could be a game changer.
“We built it with customers, for customers”, he says. “The fact that it’s always been customer-centric has been critical to our success.” Framsikt’s customer-first approach allowed them to gain trust quickly, especially with municipalities in Norway, where local governments operate under standardised regulations.
And unlike many startups, Halvor’s primary focus wasn’t on securing large rounds of venture capital, but instead on understanding the real needs and pain points – and working tirelessly to address them. From the beginning, he emphasised that it’s not just about talking to customers; it’s about delivering and ensuring they get real benefits.
Of course, that required having the right team beside him – including an experienced head of sales as a co-founder, a strong project manager, a domain expert, and an innovative development team.
Their hands-on approach not only helped Framsikt build strong relationships with customers but also led to a financially healthy, resilient company that could grow sustainably without being overly dependent on investor funding. Halvor’s commitment to earning revenue through customer satisfaction has shaped Framsikt’s business model, and he believes it’s been critical in navigating today’s challenging economic climate.
“Our growth has always been fuelled by the revenue we earn from customers, not just investors. That focus has kept us financially healthy, especially during turbulent times.”
A culture of dedication, kindness, and collaboration
For Halvor, culture has never been an afterthought – it has always been a critical element in keeping everyone aligned and motivated. He describes Framsikt’s team as “engaged, hardworking, and customer-focused” – a group where dedication to the product and client needs runs deep.
“Many team members come from customer-side roles, bringing valuable insights that help Framsikt address real-world problems effectively.”
When asked how he’d describe Framsikt’s culture, two words immediately came to mind: dedicated and kind. His team has created a work environment where everyone is encouraged to be supportive and helpful while maintaining a strong work ethic.
“My wife always tells me that Framsikt feels like a kind company. It’s a blend of kindness and hard work. Everyone is committed to customer success.”
Why joining Visma was a strategic move
Because of their strong culture and ingrained dedication to their customers, it was only natural that, when Framsikt decided to join Visma in 2020, they weren’t just looking for financial support. They were looking for a partner aligned with their mission and long-term commitment to the public sector. For Halvor, Visma’s dedication to sustainable growth and employee focus felt like a natural extension of Framsikt’s values.
“We saw joining Visma as a way to grow sustainably, with the support and resources we needed to meet the evolving requirements of our customers”, he explains. “Visma’s long-term view aligns perfectly with our own.”
In addition to the cultural fit, integrating into Visma has also allowed Framsikt to scale in new ways. Working alongside Visma’s enterprise teams, they’ve been able to enhance their security architecture, implement larger-scale integrations, and collaborate on solutions for sectors like public healthcare, education, and defence. Today, they serve over 250 regions and municipalities in Norway.
Expanding Framsikt’s impact in the public sector
As you can imagine from the success they’ve had so far, the future is bright for Framsikt, with exciting projects on the horizon. Halvor and his team are exploring new ways to expand their platform’s reach within the public sector. Their current focus is on developing solutions that could benefit additional areas, such as central government, schools, and even defence departments.
Already, Framsikt has begun working with Oslo, Norway’s largest city, to implement more advanced requirements that can serve as a foundation for future partnerships with complex organisations. This growth path could take Framsikt into larger markets where their solutions could create even more significant impact.
“The need for digital transformation is huge across the public sector, and many organisations are still relying on manual processes”, he notes. “We see a big opportunity to help with that. Our goal is to keep expanding into areas where our solutions can make a real difference.”
Advice for budding entrepreneurs: “Stay close to your customers”
When asked if he had one piece of advice to share with aspiring entrepreneurs, his vision remained clear: “Stay close to your customers.” The success of Framsikt has been rooted in close collaboration with clients and a deep understanding of their needs, which has enabled the company to create solutions that genuinely add value.
“Work closely with your customers and be ready to work hard to deliver real value. It’s not just about talking to customers – it’s about the follow-through.”
On top of that, he also encourages new founders to be financially mindful. “Building a sustainable business requires an early focus on generating revenue through customer success rather than solely relying on outside investment.”
With big ambitions and a commitment to making a difference, Halvor and the Framsikt team are inspiring proof that a focus on customer success, a strong team culture, and sustainable growth can go hand-in-hand.