Norwegian Local Representative · LAKI AS

A senior Norwegian presence
for your company. On the ground.

For international companies that need a trusted, experienced representative in Norway — without the cost and commitment of a full-time hire. I act as your company’s local face, relationship holder and operational point of contact. $150 / hour or a fixed monthly retainer.

Why a local representative matters in Norway

Norway is a high-trust market. Decisions happen between people who know and respect each other — or who come recommended by someone who does. A foreign company that shows up only through a website and a remote sales process will consistently lose to a local competitor who has a face, a handshake and a track record.

A Norwegian local representative gives your company that presence — without requiring you to hire, relocate or set up a full subsidiary before you have validated the market.

What I do as your representative

01

Represent your company in meetings and negotiations

I attend meetings with prospects, partners, public bodies or suppliers on your behalf — or alongside your remote team. I handle the cultural dynamics, follow up in Norwegian when appropriate, and keep you briefed after each interaction.

02

Build and maintain relationships

Norwegian business relationships are maintained in person — over lunch, coffee and occasional events. I keep your company visible and present in the right circles, even when your leadership is 1 000 kilometres away.

03

Serve as a named contact and board observer

Some arrangements require a named Norwegian individual — a registered contact, a board observer or an advisor formally associated with your entity. I can fill that role for companies that need it.

04

Provide ongoing market intelligence

Regular briefings on what is happening in your Norwegian market segment — competitor moves, regulatory shifts, relevant procurement opportunities and relationship signals that you would miss from abroad.

How an engagement typically works

STEP 1 — Briefing

We spend one hour going through your company, your Norwegian objectives and the specific situations where you need local support. I map the landscape and tell you honestly what I can and cannot help with.

STEP 2 — Scope agreement

We agree on the scope — whether that is a fixed monthly retainer for ongoing representation, a project-based engagement or hourly advisory for specific interactions. No vague commitments.

STEP 3 — Active representation

I show up where it matters. Meetings, introductions, negotiations, follow-ups. You get a written summary after each significant interaction — what was said, what matters and what the next step is.

STEP 4 — Regular reporting

Monthly check-in with your leadership team. Progress on relationships and objectives, market signals, recommended adjustments. You stay in full control from wherever you are.

Who this is for

Good fit

  • International companies with active or near-active Norwegian opportunities that need someone on the ground
  • Companies in a partnership or channel negotiation that requires a local, senior counterpart
  • Founders based abroad who need a trusted local advisor they can send into a room
  • Investment vehicles or holding structures that need a Norwegian board presence

Not a good fit

  • Companies looking for a commissioned sales agent (I do not work on pure commission)
  • Engagements that require a licensed professional function (legal, audit, finance)
  • Companies not yet at the stage where Norwegian relationships would realistically convert

About Arnstein

“When I represent your company in a Norwegian room, I bring 30 years of relationships and credibility. People here know me. That is what opens the first door — and what keeps it open.”

Chairman of the Board
Primafon AS — Norwegian telecom

Board Member & CEO
JSAN Consulting AS

Founder & CEO
LAKI AS — advisory & consulting

Co-founder
Nettmaker AS — digital agency (2014–2026)

Pricing

$150 / hour

For project-based and ad-hoc engagements. Monthly retainers are available for ongoing representation — scope and price agreed individually. Retainers typically range from 5 to 20 hours per month.

Get in touch

Describe your situation briefly.
I’ll tell you honestly if I can help.

Fill in the form below or email [email protected] directly. I respond the same day. No sales process — just a direct conversation about whether this makes sense for your company.

Frequently asked questions

What does “local representative” mean legally — do you sign contracts on our behalf?

That depends on what you need and what we agree on. I can act as a representative in discussions and negotiations, but I do not have a standing power of attorney to bind your company unless that is explicitly set up. Most clients find that informal representation — showing up, maintaining relationships, relaying information — is what they actually need.

Can you serve as a board member for a Norwegian AS (private limited company)?

In principle yes, subject to the specific obligations involved and whether there is a genuine governance fit. Norwegian law requires at least one board member to be resident in Norway (or the EEA) for most company types. I am available to discuss this on a case-by-case basis.

How do you handle confidentiality?

I sign standard mutual NDAs as a matter of course. In a representative role, I will not take on conflicting engagements — I will tell you if I am already working with a direct competitor before we agree on anything.

How much time does a typical retainer require from us?

Minimal. A monthly one-hour call to align on priorities, plus async updates after significant interactions. The point of a local representative is that you don’t need to be present — I handle the Norwegian side and keep you informed.

Do you work in English?

Yes. All communication with you is in English. I handle Norwegian-language correspondence, meetings and negotiations locally as part of the engagement.

Send a message

Tell me briefly about your company and what you need in Norway. I’ll respond the same day.

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