Kristian Melandso

What made you believe this was the right moment to start Marktlink in Norway?

Norway has a highly attractive SME market with many successful founder-led businesses, but there is still a clear gap when it comes to proactive, high-quality M&A advice for entrepreneurs. After 14 years in investment banking, I felt it was the right moment to use that experience to help business owners navigate important strategic decisions. What makes this opportunity unique is the combination of entrepreneurship and the support of an established European platform.

Where do you want Marktlink Norway to be in three to five years?

I want Marktlink Norway to be recognised as a leading mid-market M&A advisor known for quality, trust and strong client outcomes. My ambition is to build a team of around ten people with a strong culture and a healthy talent pipeline, while always prioritising quality of people and advice over size.

What does success look like for you personally when building this office?

Success starts with building a culture where talented people enjoy working, continue learning and take ownership. I want to create an organisation that does not depend on one individual, with strong processes and future leaders developing within the team. Ultimately, success is measured by satisfied clients who return and recommend us to others.

What does being entrepreneurial mean to you in practice when building a new office?

Being entrepreneurial means wearing multiple hats, staying hands-on and being pragmatic. When building a new office, you need to prioritise what matters most while keeping many things moving at once. Above all, entrepreneurship is about ownership, giving people responsibility early, trusting them to make decisions and holding them accountable for results.

What challenges excite you most about building something from the ground up?

The fact that every success has to be earned is what excites me most. We have the opportunity to shape Marktlink Norway from day one, defining our culture, standards and way of working. It is a chance to deliberately build the kind of organisation we want to be, instead of inheriting an existing structure.

How does being part of Marktlink change what you can offer entrepreneurs in Norway?

Marktlink combines local presence with the strength of a European M&A platform built on more than 30 years of experience. Entrepreneurs gain access to international buyers, cross-border opportunities, market intelligence and transaction expertise, while still working with a local advisor who understands their business and market.

Why is this a unique moment to join Marktlink in Norway?

The current market is more complex and uncertain than it has been for years, making experienced advice increasingly important. At the same time, there is a clear gap in the Norwegian SME market for proactive and independent M&A advice. For employees, it is also a unique opportunity to join at the beginning of the journey and gain responsibility, client exposure and career opportunities much earlier than in traditional investment banking environments.

What gives you energy outside of work, and how does that reflect in how you lead and build the team?

My family gives me the most energy and reminds me of the importance of perspective and leading by example. I believe leadership starts with personal ownership and accountability. I want to build a team that is ambitious and high-performing, while also maintaining a sustainable balance between professional success and life outside work.