Founders #406 Christian von Koenigsegg: It is impossible to lead by following – therefore I am different.
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Dec 3, 2025 Christian von Koenigsegg shares his relentless pursuit of automotive greatness. He recounts how he started his company at just 22, driven by a fascination with craftsmanship and innovation. Despite market downturns, he emphasizes the importance of building unique engines in-house. Christian's philosophy revolves around leadership through difference and a commitment to relentless improvement. From overcoming a factory fire to pursuing land-speed records, his journey is marked by resilience, agility, and a passion for pushing boundaries in automotive design.
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Humble, Fast-Start Prototype Story
- Christian von Koenigsegg started his car company at 22 with no engineering background and built a prototype within two years.
- He financed early work by trading, small earnings, and help from his father and friends who worked for little or no pay.
Blank Slate Enables Radical Differentiation
- Starting a company with a blank sheet allowed Konigsegg to design everything by hand and stay adaptable.
- In-house, labor-intensive production made rapid iteration and unique solutions possible against incumbents.
Adopt 'The Show Must Go On' Mentality
- Treat problems as inevitable and pivot immediately: 'the show must go on' mentality enforces rapid solutions.
- Keep momentum by solving issues today or tonight instead of stopping the project.