Ida Faldbakken: What if impact gatherings were catalysts for systemic change?

In this episode, Ida Faldbakken, CEO of Katapult X and Co-Founder of Katapult Future Fest, joins Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way to explore the power of community-driven gatherings in fostering systemic change. 

From Katapult’s origins at Slush in Finland to its unique position today as a convergence point for tech entrepreneurs, impact investors, and visionary changemakers, Ida sheds light on her journey and the philosophies that guide Katapult’s impact. With an unyielding belief in kindness, transparency, and collaboration, she reveals her vision for future gatherings and her dream of a more interconnected world. 

Tune in to discover what it takes to build events that go beyond transactions and inspire meaningful, lasting change.

Transcript

Ronny Eriksson (Interviewer): Ida Faldbakken, you are at the forefront of driving positive global change through collaborative efforts. As the visionary leader and co-founder of Katapult Future Fest, you’re shaping a global event that brings together tech entrepreneurs, impact investors, and purpose-driven changemakers. You've also co-founded the Katapult Cloud Conference and Community Platform, and you're involved in projects like Girl Tech Fest, which empowers young girls by introducing them to technology and innovation.

Your expertise spans across humanities, social impact, responsible tech, and consciousness, making you a sought-after speaker and thought leader. Welcome, Ida.

Ida Faldbakken: Thank you, Ronny. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Ronny Eriksson: Let’s start with a “what if” question. As Katapult Future Fest is right at our fingertips, I wanted to ask: What if the world had more community-driven impact festivals like Katapult Future Fest?

Ida Faldbakken: That would be my dream. Community gatherings like Katapult Future Fest bring people together in a profound way—heart-to-heart, eye-to-eye. We are social beings, and I believe in communities as powerful tools for change. Conferences and gatherings can be platforms for cultural, social, and systemic transformation, particularly in a world increasingly focused on individualism, which often correlates with lower happiness levels. Being part of a community has a tangible impact on happiness, and bringing people together to ignite positive change is critical.

Ronny Eriksson: I’ve seen a few of your talks, and you often discuss the unique power of these gatherings. Why are they so impactful?

Ida Faldbakken: The power really lies between us, in shared moments where we are brave together, pushing ourselves toward our fullest potential. If we can treat these gatherings as spaces to practice being human, where we can prototype ideas and cultivate collaboration, we can create catalysts for real, positive change. When people come together in this way, they feel empowered, connected, and ready to make an impact.

Ronny Eriksson: You’re certainly succeeding with that. The people you bring together—I've spoken with several—they’re genuinely impressive. What’s the secret to curating this community?

Ida Faldbakken: I think kindness, honesty, and transparency are fundamental. Allowing people to talk about subjects they don’t typically get to discuss can also be a great equalizer. In curating the topics and programs, I aim to delve into questions that people may not usually have space to explore. Ultimately, the participants are the magic ingredient.

Ronny Eriksson: It’s evident. The atmosphere is completely unique. Katapult Future Fest has become well-known over the years. Could you share a bit about where it all began?

Ida Faldbakken: It actually started in Finland, at Slush. I’d always worked in creative industries, especially around music festivals and city development, and I saw how cultural gatherings influence cities. I wanted to bring a similar event to Norway, but with a broader scope—not just a tech or business conference, but one encompassing capital, activism, and solutions. The goal was to create a platform that unites entrepreneurs, change agents, and impact investors.

Ronny Eriksson: You’ve certainly succeeded in making Katapult Future Fest a standout event. Looking to the future, how do you see the festival evolving in the next 10 or 20 years?

Ida Faldbakken: Honestly, I don’t know. I hope that, as a community, we’ll reach a point where these kinds of festivals become unnecessary, where the impact we strive for is embedded in society. I’m a big believer in sunset strategies—making something sustainable so that it doesn’t need you to keep going. So, the ideal would be for Katapult to become a part of a larger movement that transcends our organization.

Ronny Eriksson: You mentioned that Katapult brings together an impressive mix of people. What’s the draw for these attendees? What makes them come back year after year?

Ida Faldbakken: The openness, I think. People come here to connect, not to push agendas. They’re genuinely interested in knowing each other’s backgrounds and stories. It’s an environment that fosters connection on a personal level, beyond professional titles. There’s a lot of room for creativity and unexpected conversations.

Ronny Eriksson: And it all starts with this community-driven model. That kind of dynamic must also create strong bonds among attendees.

Ida Faldbakken: Absolutely. Some of our participants have been coming for years, and they’ve built genuine friendships here. Our photographer, for instance, told me that people from the festival reach out to him regularly, even remembering his birthday. It’s a testament to the warmth and inclusiveness of this community. Katapult isn’t just about networking; it’s about fostering relationships that endure.

Ronny Eriksson: The growth and consistency of Katapult is impressive. I’d imagine getting started was no small feat. How did you bring together such a diverse group of participants?

Ida Faldbakken: A lot of it comes down to the vision and values we uphold. My co-founder, Tada Alnusta, and I met at Slush, where we shared this idea for a new kind of gathering. Tada is the creative force behind the Katapult ecosystem, and he brought together a model that mixes commercial strategy with philanthropy and ecosystem building. It’s a powerful approach, creating sustainable value and long-term impact.

Ronny Eriksson: It sounds like a balance of inspiration, elevation, and unity. Exactly what New Nordic Way always aims to achieve! What can new attendees expect in the next few days?

Ida Faldbakken: Katapult Future Fest is a three-day experience, each day offering something unique. Today is Investor Day, which brings together private wealth, foundations, and venture capital in a blend you don’t see often. The discussions are focused on collaboration across different types of capital to create impactful change. Over the next two days, we have what we call “festival days,” with diverse sessions and spaces, from TP tents to container setups. The whole concept is to immerse attendees in a unique universe of potential change.

Ronny Eriksson: And all within Oslo! How do you get the city on board for such an event?

Ida Faldbakken: It’s definitely a process. Cities, by nature, aren’t always quick to embrace new ideas, but I think we’re getting there. Over the years, we’ve seen more involvement from the city, and having venues like The Conduit, a social impact membership club, is a big help. It’s all about finding the right allies and being patient as the city adapts.

Ronny Eriksson: Katapult’s “what if” theme invites profound reflection. What’s your personal “what if”?

Ida Faldbakken: My guiding “what if” is: What if gatherings could be catalysts for social, cultural, and systemic change? That question shapes everything I curate for Katapult Future Fest. What kind of venues, conversations, and activities can help us activate that potential? We’re bringing together hundreds of people, and I feel a responsibility to ensure that the time we spend together is meaningful.

Ronny Eriksson: Absolutely. The need for spaces like Katapult, where people can connect meaningfully, was only reinforced by the pandemic. People are ready for authentic, impactful interactions.

Ida Faldbakken: Yes, the pandemic really brought into focus how much we need these experiences. We’ve tried to evolve with the times, and I think that’s why people keep coming back. There’s always room to innovate and adapt to what people need today.

Ronny Eriksson: So if you could gaze into the future, what kind of changes do you envision for conferences like Katapult Future Fest?

Ida Faldbakken: That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Staying relevant while avoiding the trap of becoming just a trend. There’s a balance in maintaining creative integrity while adapting to the needs of our audience. For instance, we don’t share guest lists because we want people to interact genuinely, not based on titles. The focus should always be on building relationships before transactions.

Ronny Eriksson: I can see how that would be refreshing, especially in the startup world where networking can feel transactional. It reminds me of a time at a startup event with no badges; people were shocked. They felt lost without their titles.

Ida Faldbakken: Exactly. It’s a reminder that we’re more than our titles. Often, it’s in those moments without labels that we’re able to connect most authentically and openly.

Ronny Eriksson: You’ve covered a lot about Katapult’s unique approach and the importance of fostering genuine impact. Do you have any parting advice for listeners who want to create meaningful change?

Ida Faldbakken: Follow your inner voice and purpose, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Kindness and bravery are crucial. People underestimate the power of small gestures—simply being fully present with others can fuel a sense of community and purpose. And ask for help; people genuinely want to support each other.

Ronny Eriksson: There’s so much truth in that. And beyond Katapult, you have a personal journey in areas like yoga and spirituality, which must enrich your professional life as well. Another episode perhaps?

Ida Faldbakken: I’d love that! There’s so much depth in bringing all aspects of oneself into one’s work. But for now, I’m excited for this year’s Katapult and look forward to next year as well. Listening, learning, and connecting—it all starts here.

Ronny Eriksson: Thank you for sharing this space with us, and for bringing us along on Katapult’s journey.

Ida Faldbakken: Thank you, Ronny, and thanks to New Nordic Way for this collaboration. I can’t wait to see what comes next.