22 Interesting Facts about Ingvar Kamprad

Dan November 12, 2023

Ingvar Kamprad was a Swedish business magnate best known as the founder of IKEA, one of the world’s largest and most successful furniture retail companies. He was born on March 30, 1926, in Pjatteryd, Sweden, and passed away on January 27, 2018. Kamprad’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when he started selling matches to neighbors, displaying early signs of his future business acumen.

In 1943, at the age of 17, Kamprad founded IKEA, originally as a mail-order business. The name IKEA is an acronym formed from his initials (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm he grew up on (Elmtaryd), and the nearby village (Agunnaryd). The company’s concept of providing affordable, functional, and stylish furniture in flat-pack form revolutionized the industry. Kamprad’s vision was to make well-designed furniture accessible to the masses, and he achieved this through efficient production and self-assembly models.

Under Kamprad’s leadership, IKEA expanded globally, becoming a household name in more than 40 countries. He emphasized cost-consciousness, simplicity, and sustainability in his products. The company’s success was also attributed to its unique showroom concept, where customers could experience the products in a realistic setting.

Despite his immense wealth, Ingvar Kamprad was known for his frugal lifestyle and remained personally committed to keeping costs low. He stepped down from an active role in the company in 1986 but continued to be involved in its operations. His legacy lives on in the global success and impact of IKEA, which continues to shape the way people furnish their homes today.

Do you want to know more about Ingvar Kamprad? Let’s take a look at these 22 interesting facts about Ingvar Kamprad.

1. Early Life and Background: Ingvar Kamprad was born on March 30, 1926, in Pjatteryd, a small village in Sweden. He grew up on a farm named Elmtaryd near the village of Agunnaryd, which would later inspire the name “IKEA.”
2. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Kamprad’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a very young age. He started his first business venture at the age of five by selling matches to his neighbors.
3. Founding of IKEA: In 1943, at the age of 17, Kamprad founded IKEA as a small mail-order business. The initial products he sold were everyday items like picture frames and wallets.
4. Family Involvement: Kamprad’s entrepreneurial endeavors often involved his family. His first employee was his cousin, and many of his relatives played significant roles in the early development of IKEA.
5. Innovative Business Model: One of Kamprad’s most significant innovations was the introduction of flat-pack, self-assembly furniture. He believed that this concept could reduce transportation costs and, in turn, make furniture more affordable for the masses.
6. Dyslexia: Despite his remarkable success, Kamprad struggled with dyslexia, a learning disorder that affected his reading and writing abilities. This challenge didn’t deter him from achieving his goals.
7. Frugal Lifestyle: Kamprad was renowned for his frugal way of life, which he maintained throughout his career. He was often seen driving an old Volvo, flying economy class, and staying in budget hotels despite his immense wealth.
8. Thrifty Habits: Kamprad’s frugality extended to his everyday habits. He reportedly frequented flea markets, collected free sachets of ketchup, and even reused teabags.
9. Down-to-Earth Approach: Despite being a billionaire, Kamprad maintained a down-to-earth approach to life. He preferred to be addressed by his first name and often sat in the cafeteria at IKEA stores to chat with customers.
10. Inspirational Quotes: Kamprad was known for his wisdom and philosophy on business and life. He shared many inspirational quotes, such as, “We need to dream more, to do more, and be more.”
11. Global Expansion: Under Kamprad’s leadership, IKEA expanded rapidly across the globe. The company grew from its Swedish roots to become a household name in over 40 countries.
12. Commitment to Simplicity: Kamprad believed in the power of simplicity and practicality. He aimed to provide products that were functional, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing to the masses.
13. Showroom Concept: IKEA’s unique showroom concept, where customers could experience products in realistic settings, was a brainchild of Kamprad. This approach allowed customers to visualize how the furniture would look in their homes.
14. Sustainable Practices: Kamprad was an advocate for sustainability in business. He pushed for environmentally friendly and sustainable practices within IKEA, emphasizing the importance of conservation and recycling.
15. Personal Involvement: Even after stepping down from an active role in the company in 1986, Kamprad remained personally involved in IKEA’s operations and decision-making.
16. Philanthropy: Kamprad was involved in several philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the fields of entrepreneurship and rural development. He supported programs aimed at helping young entrepreneurs and farmers.
17. Recognition and Awards: His contributions to the business world were widely acknowledged. Kamprad received numerous awards and honors, including being named one of the “100 most influential people of the 20th century” by TIME magazine.
18. Legacy of IKEA: Kamprad’s legacy lives on in the global success of IKEA. The company’s influence on the way people furnish their homes continues to shape the furniture industry.
19. Passion for Design: Kamprad had a genuine passion for design and architecture, which greatly influenced the aesthetics of IKEA’s products. He believed that good design should be accessible to everyone.
20. Business Philosophy: His business philosophy was rooted in the concept of “Democratic Design,” which emphasized the five key elements of form, function, quality, sustainability, and low price in all IKEA products.
21. Personal Challenges: Kamprad faced personal challenges, including struggles with alcoholism. He publicly admitted to these issues and sought treatment.
22. End of Life: Ingvar Kamprad passed away on January 27, 2018, at the age of 91. His life and career remain a source of inspiration and admiration for entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide.

Ingvar Kamprad’s life was a testament to the transformative power of innovation, simplicity, and determination. From humble beginnings in rural Sweden, he built a global empire that reshaped the way people approach home furnishing. His relentless pursuit of affordability and quality, combined with his frugal lifestyle and commitment to sustainability, have left an indelible mark on the world of business. Kamprad’s legacy continues to thrive through IKEA, a brand that represents not only functional and stylish furniture but also the enduring values of its founder. His remarkable journey from a young boy selling matches to the heights of global entrepreneurship serves as a lasting source of inspiration for generations to come.