Investor and environmental activist Frederik W. Mowinckel - Kitemill is a leader in renewable energy

Frederik W. Mowinckel was born and raised in Bergen. He has been a businessman in the East, a factory owner in Hilleren, a director and an investor in a number of international companies. After studying economics in the US, eight years in Asia and over 22 years in London, he and his wife settled in Lisbon two years ago. Because of the corona pandemic and travel restrictions, he will not be able to attend Kitemill's general meeting on June 12.

Greetings to the General Assembly with Churchill quote

-My greetings to the General Assembly in Kitemill I would say as Churchill - Never let a good crisis go to waste. It is in difficult times that great opportunities emerge.

Frederik W. Mowinckel knows as well that it is in difficult times that new opportunities rises. Personally, he was close to bankruptcy in 2002, after almost all of his father's and mother's legacies were evaporated after the floor tile manufacturer Rikett in Hilleren went bankrupt. In 2003, he met an English head hunter on a flight between London and Chicago. The head hunter, Michael A. Naylor, introduced him to new opportunities in the corporate market in environmental technology and renewable energy. Since then, Frederik W. Mowinckel has worked exclusively on environmental projects. He is vividly concerned with the environment. He is regarded as an thoroughly nature and environmental activist, with, among others, highly critical views on the aquaculture industry and connected risk for release of environmentally hazardous substances.

Helps to build and finance

Despite Mowinckel's environmental commitment, he was somewhat sceptical when he was first introduced to Kitemill.

-I had seen for years how difficult it is to introduce new energy technologies to the society. Ten years of wave and tidal technology development left deep traces. That's why I was a bit sceptical at first - to a new renewable energy technology, but learning how Airborne Wind Energy can benefit of existing  infrastructure and in general better utilization of wind resources I realized that this will be different. It is very important for Airborne Wind Energy companies to connect to the existing technology and to use the infrastructure that already exists. It will reduce the barrier for introduction and for those who want to invest in the Airborne Wind industry, says Mowinckel.

His job as mentor and advisor is to share of almost 20 years of experience in building, structuring and financing environmental technology companies.

Family ties to Prime Minister Johan Ludwig Mowinckel

And to those who may be wondering, yes - he is in the family of Prime Minister Johan Ludwig Mowinckel, who led the Norwegian government during the periods 1924-1926, 1928-1931 and 1933-1935. He was also a shipowner. When Frederik is home in Bergen, as often as he can, he likes to sit behind the prime minister's desk in the family office in C. Sundtsgate 37. The desk is an exquisite piece of furniture made by the famous furniture artist Christopher Severin Knag.

- In addition to fly fishing, I am engaged in both antiques and art. I am committed to taking care of history. A good way to do that is to invest in renewable energy investments, which contribute to a better environment, says Frederik.

Unique mix of experience and insight into both environmental technology and finance

Kitemill's general manager, Thomas Hårklau, is very pleased that Frederik W. Mowinckel is part of the Kitemill team.

- Frederik has a unique mix of very good insights and experience from renewable technology, and a unique network and knowledge about finance and investment. Thus, Frederik is a valuable contributor in our efforts to further develop and commercialize Kitemill, says Thomas Hårklau.

Frederik an industrial developer

Frederik is chairman of the board and a major shareholder in Hunton Fiber AS. Gjøvik's company manufactures insulation products and other wood and fiber building materials. The company was bought as a bankruptcy estate in 1992 and today employs 150 people and has a turnover of almost 500 million.

Mowinckel states that for him a great and important position and an example of his industrial development.

- Frederik's experience in developing industry can come in handy in the work of making Kitemill an even bigger business, says Thomas Hårklau.