Henrik Werdelin
Founder, investor, author, and entrepreneur building impactful ventures
werdelin
Brooklyn, New York
Joined September 2025
Network
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Summary
Henrik is a serial entrepreneur and venture builder, notably co-founding BARK (BarkBox/BARK Air), a public company focused on pets, and founding Prehype, a startup studio that has incubated successful ventures. His latest endeavor is Audos, an AI platform designed to help entrepreneurs launch new businesses efficiently. He emphasizes a problem-first approach to entrepreneurship, advocating for 'Donkeycorns' – small, durable, niche-serving companies. Across his work, he focuses on methods to make large companies entrepreneurial and to help individuals build ventures. hellohenrik+3
He is a recognized author with two notable books: 'The Acorn Method: How Companies Get Growing Again,' which details his approach to corporate innovation and venture building, and 'Me, My Customer and AI: The New Rules of Entrepreneurship,' which explores the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship. He also co-hosts the podcast 'Beyond the Prompt' focused on applied AI. hellohenrik+2
Werdelin has a diverse background in media and technology, starting his career as a radio producer at BBC and later as a producer and VP of Product Development and Strategy at MTV Networks International, where he developed award-winning products. This foundation in creative problem-solving and product development has shaped his entrepreneurial journey. bark+1
He is a proponent of a structured approach to life and work, utilizing an '8 + 1 system' that categorizes his commitments into areas like Transact, Invest, Assist, Learn, Health, Family, Relationships, and Ego/Self-Kindness. This system helps him to be purposeful in his actions and to continually experiment and improve across all aspects of his life. medium
Work
Education
Writing
The Acorn Method: How Companies Get Growing Again
January 1, 2020Authored book that provides a methodology for companies to create, implement, govern, and scale new business lines by applying lessons from startups and the natural world.
The Quest to Be Good at Everything
October 1, 2019An article published on Medium outlining his '8 + 1 system' for managing multiple commitments across different aspects of life, including work, family, health, and personal growth.
Me, My Customer and AI: The New Rules of Entrepreneurship
Co-authored book exploring how AI is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of authentic customer connections in the AI age.
Beyond the Prompt
Co-hosts a podcast with Stanford's Jeremy Utley, focusing on applied AI and its impact on entrepreneurship.