2019 in the rearview mirror
Around this time one year ago, I had to give the entire ExploCrowd Core Team a notice: If I didn’t secure the next paid job within the next four weeks, they would have to be supported by the Norwegian social safety network for a while. This is a harsh message to get, and also a tough message to give. But there was no other option.
After only two days, and thanks to Torbjørn Throndsen and his dreams and care for us, paid work was secured for three of four people in the team. However, the damage was done, and naturally we have spent quite some time in 2019 healing the wounds.
2019 meant new exploration budgets and a lot of activity, especially in the spring. It became clear that the investments we had made during our first two years, to demonstrate technical capacity and quality work, had resulted in people and companies trusting us.
Four sales in one week
In end February, we secured four sales in one week. During springtime, we were 14 people working on one single project. Quite a contrast to the dark winter we just had experienced, and the reason why I still respond «It’s a f*****g roller coaster…» when people ask me how it is going.
Paid work for 33 people
Our flexible model works! Regardless of the sudden high demand, we managed to secure all resources needed on all projects without any challenges. By now, our Core Team consist of four people working closely with twelve Contributors and nine Collaboration Partners – pushing the boundaries for what is possible. During the time ExploCrowd has existed, paid work for 33 different people (full time and part time) has been created.
Strong Client Base
We look back at 2019 with a strong sense of pride. Positive feedback from clients telling us that we made a significant difference, helping them to get ahead. Helping out on licence workload, screening studies, asset evaluations for farm-ins, exploration advisory. And most importantly: working closely with our excellent collaboration partners in Wintershall Dea, OKEA, Petoro, AkerBP, DNO, Lundin, and several others that we currently cannot mention.
We still believe in integrity
To pave new ways for different ways of working is not without challenges. As we move forward, we meet people and mind-sets forcing us to reflect upon our values of trust and integrity. Still, being challenged has not changed our belief that integrity is the most important thing you own. To us, it is a prerequisite for doing business in a modern world.
Exciting times ahead
And we are only getting started! 2019 has proved that the market has understood how we can contribute in a different way than most. Among other things, we are frontrunners on efficient integration of new technology such as DUG Insight and PaleoScan, as well as efficient integration tools such as the IC Well Database Tool. Also, we witness the appreciation on how specialised tools like GeoTeric is necessary for the high level of detail.
Exciting times lies ahead, and with more People on the Team and Collaboration Partners adding new potent capabilities to the team – 2020 is indeed looking to be a very promising year. We look forward to telling you even more about our plans after a relaxing holiday.
We wish all friends and their families a Merry Christmas. Best wishes for the New Year on behalf of the ExploCrowd Team.
Sidsel Lindsø
Explorationist // Founding Director