How Did Christian von Koenigsegg Fund His First Car?

David Senra says Christian von Koenigsegg funded the six years before the CC8S, his first production model, with income from his own business, grants from the Swedish Technology Development Board, and a bridge loan from his father. The car was first revealed at the Paris Auto Show. His father had sold his company and retired and thought the money was for retirement. The money was key for Christian von Koenigsegg to stay alive. He raised funds from venture capitalists only after the bridge loan.

At about 17 or 18 he started a trading company and looked for any opportunity he could find, selling ballpoint pens, plastic bags, and frozen chicken. In the early 1990s the collapse of the Soviet Union opened new markets in the Baltics, and he exported everyday goods to Estonia. By 22 the odd little trading company had made enough money for the next step toward building cars. He was not passionate about trading. It was a means to the end he wanted, building cars, an idea he had carried since he was five.