The Tough Pivot from Licensing to Ownership | Pivots with Per Welinder

Per Welinder recounts a major business pivot: moving away from a licensing-only model after realizing it lacked long-term control and profitability. The shift required closing down part of the business and rebuilding with proprietary brands. It’s a real-world lesson in adaptability, control, and knowing when to change course.

Key Topics

• When to pivot your business model
• Risks of relying on licensing alone
• Building proprietary brands vs. external IP
• Letting go of what no longer works
• Strategic ownership and long-term vision

Quotes

• “One painful time was when the licensing-only model became unsustainable.”
• “That was a tough pivot—shutting down one business to start something we could own.”
• “You need control if you want staying power.”

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