# Erik Bakstad

> Erik Bakstad is the CEO and co-founder of Ardoq, an Oslo-based SaaS company reinventing enterprise architecture for the digital enterprise. A developer and software architect by training, he spent the company's first six years as CTO before moving into product leadership and, in February 2021, the CEO seat. Under his watch Ardoq raised a $125 million Series D, earned repeat placement in Gartner's Magic Quadrant, and now serves global brands such as ExxonMobil, MUFG, and Primark. A self-described former hockey player turned geek, Bakstad is a recognized voice on the intersection of enterprise architecture and AI.

- **Role:** CEO & Co-founder at Ardoq
- **Organizations:** Ardoq
- **Nationality:** Norwegian
- **Education:** Master's in Information and Communication Technology, University of Bergen (UiB)
- **Known for:** Co-founded Ardoq (2013) and grew it into a globally recognized enterprise architecture platform, Led Ardoq's $125 million Series D, one of the largest private rounds in Norwegian tech history, Steered five consecutive years of placement in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Architecture Tools

## Career timeline

- **2013** — Co-founded Ardoq in Oslo with Magnulf Pilskog; served as CTO
- **2018** — Began taking over responsibility for the product team and product strategy
- **2019** — Continued transition into product leadership, eventually as Chief Product Officer
- **2021** — Became CEO of Ardoq in February after a three-month interim period
- **2022** — Led Ardoq's $125 million Series D round backed by One Peak and EQT Growth

## Achievements

- Co-founded Ardoq (2013) and grew it into a globally recognized enterprise architecture platform
- Led Ardoq's $125 million Series D, one of the largest private rounds in Norwegian tech history
- Steered five consecutive years of placement in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Architecture Tools
- Earned the Gartner Customers' Choice recognition
- Grew Ardoq to serve global brands including ExxonMobil, MUFG, Primark, and DSM-Firmenich
- Oversaw 80% year-on-year ARR growth in 2021
- Member of the Forbes Technology Council

## Latest updates

- **2021-02** — Took over as CEO of Ardoq after serving as CTO and then CPO
- **2022-03** — Announced $125 million Series D led by One Peak and EQT Growth

## Links

- Website: https://ardoq.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebaxt/
- Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/ardoqCom
- GitHub: https://github.com/ebaxt
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOnnIsgehic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArdoqAS/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/erik-bakstad
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-07-17