How it all began – 40 years ago
From a small idea in Umeå to a leader in vertical software – discover how Vitec’s journey began more than 40 years ago.
Here's a recent interview with the two co-founders Lars Stenlund and Olov Sandberg, telling their story on how it all began in 1985. The interview was produced for the Vitec Anniversary Conference in Stockholm that took place in September 2025.
Forty years ago, in the spring of 1985, two research students at Umeå University – Olov Sandberg and Lars Stenlund – turned a shared passion for programming and a drive to solve real-world problems into what would become Vitec.
Their journey began with a simple idea: to help property owners monitor and optimize energy consumption, a pressing need in the wake of the 1970s oil crisis. Working from their homes, they developed their first software product in Turbo Pascal, laying the foundation for a company that would grow to become a leader in vertical software solutions.
From these humble beginnings, Vitec has evolved through continuous innovation, early adoption of SaaS models, and a unique strategy that combines organic growth with targeted acquisitions. Today, Vitec stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and a long-term vision – serving customers across multiple industries and markets, while staying true to its roots in Umeå.