Meet the Skills 2 Grow-Partners: 657 Oslo!

From the left: Pira Thiru and Danny Bao Nguyen

From Oslo Norway – 657 Oslo is building bridges through the new ÖKS collaboration Skills 2 Grow!

As one of the leading startup hubs in Norway, 657 works closely with founders at different stages, but with a strong focus on early and growth-stage companies.

– “Our organizations key focus is building programmes that support entrepreneurs on their growth journey. For this project specifically, we're focused on creating experiences that bring together great talent and great companies. We've done this before. We know what makes it work.”, says Bao, Creative Director at 657.

Turning recruitment into real-life outcomes

Bao is a Norwegian founder with a background in both tech and culture. At 657, this perspective shapes how they design programmes.

– “Getting the right people into your company is the single most important job a founder has. Get it wrong, and it can demolish a great business or idea. I'm really looking forward to using everything 657 has learned firsthand to build this programme”, says Bao.

– “I want to see how founders in the programme talk about their company in front of real candidates. Meet real people. And hopefully, hire the right one. A programme is worth very little if it stays in the room”, he adds.

Building experiences that connect talent and startups

For Skills 2 Grow, 657 focuses on creating practical experiences where startups and talent actually meet. With previous experience in designing similar initiatives, they know what makes these interactions work – and how to turn them into real hiring outcomes.

The strength of the programme lies in the collaboration between partners across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. By combining multiple perspectives and deep early-stage experience, the programme distills recruitment down to what truly matters.

– “Recruiting looks completely different depending on where you are in your journey. This programme is built specifically for early-stage founders – and that’s what makes it powerful”, says Bao.

A programme built for founders who are about to hire

Working within the Nordic startup ecosystem, 657 sees a clear need: founders often reach the point where they need to grow their team – but lack the structure, knowledge, or confidence to do it right.

– “Every first-time founder, honestly. Especially if you're thinking about hiring in the next 3 to 6 months. It’s a great way to get the overview you need for good recruiting, and to meet the right people at the right time”, Bao concludes.

The Skills 2 Grow programme helps founders move from intention to action – turning hiring plans into real, successful recruitment across borders.

About 657

657 is a startup hub based in Oslo, Norway, supporting founders at early and growth stages. Through programmes, community, and hands-on experiences, they help entrepreneurs build companies, grow teams, and navigate the challenges of scaling in fast-moving environments.

For more information, please visit: https://657.no/