As a seasoned legal advisor and partner at the Swedish corporate law firm Vinge, Jonas Bergström has been a key player in Fidelio’s journey. We sat down with him to learn more about his perspective on Fidelio’s development, the distinctive qualities that sets the firm apart, and what it’s like to be in a partnership based both on a shared vision and business.
Can you tell us how you first got involved with Fidelio?
My connection with Fidelio goes back to its early days. I had worked with Gabriel Fitzgerald at his previous firm, and when he launched Fidelio, I was invited to pitch for some initial work. What started as a single assignment developed into a close collaboration over the years. In the beginning, it was just a small team so we were naturally working very closely. Since then, we’ve grown together — Fidelio has become much larger, with an impressive team and global reach, and here at Vinge, we now have multiple colleagues supporting them.
Could you describe what it’s been like to work with them?
It really is a special relationship. Working with Fidelio isn’t just about providing legal advice; it’s about being part of their journey. We communicate more or less on a daily basis, and I almost feel like I’m a part of their team. There’s a sense of collaboration that goes beyond the usual client relationship, with both sides learning from each other. Fidelio has a bold mindset — always questioning, challenging the norms, and looking for the road less traveled. That drive is inspiring, and it has pushed me, and our team, to think more creatively and to continuously question why we do things a certain way.
Fidelio has achieved significant growth over the years. What’s that journey been like from your perspective?
It’s been fascinating to witness. Fidelio has evolved from investing in relatively small companies to creating notable portfolios and leading international acquisitions. Being there from the start and watching that transformation has been incredibly rewarding. Many firms talk about growth, but what makes Fidelio unique is their approach — they don’t grow for the sake of it; they focus on building something meaningful, taking it step by step, and staying true to their vision. That’s a rare quality and a big reason behind their success.
Can you give an example?
I think the international expansion of the portfolio companies is worth mentioning. Many of them have achieved a truly global footprint, with substantial activity in the US and Australia, organically and through acquisitions. That is somewhat unique for an investment company born out of Sweden to achieve in such a short time, and tells you something about Fidelio’s mindset.
What do you see as Fidelio’s key strength in today’s market?
Flexibility. Fidelio has a nimble mandate, allowing them to be more innovative and opportunistic than many others in the industry. They don’t just follow the conventional approach of buying out companies; they’re willing to take minority stakes, find creative deals, and create partnerships that benefit everyone involved. This flexible approach enables them to seize opportunities that others might miss.
You’ve been with Vinge for nearly two decades. How has working with Fidelio impacted your role as an advisor?
Fidelio has been a defining part of my career. Working with them has allowed me to build deeper relationships, not just professionally but personally. It’s also made me a better advisor, as the time we’ve spent together has given me insights into their strategic thinking and values. With a relationship like this, you’re not just advising from a distance; you understand the client’s mindset, their challenges, and their goals, which lets you add more genuine value to their journey.
Looking ahead, what do you see for Fidelio in the next decade?
From what I see, the team at Fidelio has the ambition to keep growing, but I believe they’ll stay true to their roots by growing thoughtfully and with purpose. If we check back in five or ten years, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve continued to break new ground, but I’m confident they’ll remain the same curious, bold team they’ve always been. Working with them has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.