5,460 Miles from Silicon Valley: The In-depth Case Study of What Became Microsoft’s First Billion Dollar Acquisition Outside the USA

by Hans Peter Bech, Preben Damgaard (Foreword), Sinéad Quirke Køngerskov (Translator)

How do you build and manage a channel of more than 2,000 resellers serving over 100,000 customers across 30 countries? From a small corner of the world where English isn't the main language. Navision did just that! When Microsoft took over in 2002, the total turnover of and around Navision's products was in the order of DKK 17 billion (USD 3.4B) and the entire ecosystem employed over 20,000 people. 5,460 Miles from Silicon Valley describes how two Danish tech companies got off to a great start, became domestic market leaders and developed into international companies that were eventually acquired by Microsoft for 1.45 billion dollars. The book takes you behind the scenes of a completely unpredictable industry at a time of constant disruption where strategies don’t necessarily lead to success. It is a book about people, ambitions, and resourcefulness. About giving your dream everything you’ve got and building an international business from scratch – in a small Nordic country where English isn’t even the main language. ★★★★★ A great book about two companies that continue to serve as role models for many entrepreneurs. Peter Warnøe, Venture Capitalist ★★★★★ This is a true, detailed and honest story. Should be mandatory reading for any entrepreneur. Toke Kruse, Investor & Serial Entrepreneur ★★★★★ An obvious case story for all business and management schools. And for practitioners. Freddie B. Jørgensen, Management Consultant ★★★★★ 5,460 Miles from Silicon Valley is a textbook for everyone who deals with entrepreneurship and business in general. Ole Møller-Jensen, Regional – President, Danfoss . ★★★★★ This book should be part of the curriculum at any business school. It provides a great insight into how a business is created and all the big and small challenges you will come across. Hans Christian Markvardt Pedersen ★★★★★ If you are interested in the details of a success story with bumps on the road and at the same time getting an overview of the development in the IT-industry for the past 35 years, then this is a book for you. Birgitte Borgen

Genres: Nonfiction

544 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2018

About the author

Hans Peter Bech holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Copenhagen and has established himself as a leading voice in the field of international business development, particularly within the software industry. As a keynote speaker, consultant, and blogger, Hans Peter has shared his insights and expertise with a global audience, helping companies navigate the complexities of expanding their operations across borders.

In addition to his work in business development, Hans Peter is a bestselling author, known for his thought-provoking writings on the intersection of business and technology. His most recent literary achievement is the novel 'Tumult in Mecca', published in 2024. This work marks the beginning of 'The Henrik Bertelsen Saga', a compelling series that blends rich storytelling with profound reflections on the human condition.

Hans Peter's diverse career and deep knowledge make him a sought-after expert and a captivating author, whose work continues to resonate with readers and professionals alike.

Reviews

[Moutasem Awa]

The book is filled with great details that connects you to the origins of Microsoft Dynamics products, and that's very useful part.

However, it's too lengthy and sometimes over detailed, with almost 600 pages to cover the story.