What is Founders Growth Club

Who is The ForceBehind Founders Growth Club?

The project is powered by a growing network of Growth Advisors - founders with hands-on experience from scaling internationally.
The project is backed by our Growth Partners - Founding and Supporting partners that are experts within banking, tech, revision, AI, legal and funding.
The project is operated by The Consortium, which consist of Canute by Thursday, Copenhagen Business Hub, and the FBV IPO Programme.

Our Experienced Founders Our Growth Advisors

At Founders Growth Club we empower founders to scale up smarter, by connecting them to a network of experienced founders with the practical guidance on the unknowns ahead.
Our growth advisors have travelled down the wrong roads, to learn the right lessons.
With knowledge of what lies ahead, we empower founders with practical advice - gained from first-hand experience - to guide them past today’s challenges, towards global success.

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Alexander Wulff

Scaleup Finance
(DK)

Background

CEO & co-founder of Scaleup Finance, a tech-enabled CFO-as-a-Service business turned into the world's first AI CFO. Previously co-founded, built and exited Abeo, a deep-tech spinout based on a building materials technology from DTU. Experienced in building and scaling B2B SaaS and deeptech businesses with special expertise in fundraising, GTM, internationalisation, scaling organizations etc.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
Organisational Design and Hiring
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

AI / DeepTech
Fintech
SaaS / B2B Software

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Cathrine Andersen

roger.ai (acquired by FLT)
(US)

Background

Former ceo of roger.ai.

Expertise

International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit

Industries

Fintech
SaaS / B2B Software

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Christian Gabriel

Capdesk (Acquired by Carta)
(UK)

Background

Former CEO and Co-Founder of Capdesk. Scaled from 0-100 employees and sold to Carta in 2022. 3 years leading GTM and Product for Carta in Europe.

Expertise

Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit

Industries

Fintech
HRTech / Future of Work
SaaS / B2B Software

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Christine Spiten

(DK)

Background

Former CSO and Co-founder of Blueye Robotics; a Norwegian ocean tech-company making underwater drones for underwater inspection and axploration. Now part of Danske Bank Growth - supporting Nordic Scaleups on their growth journey.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
Leadership and Founder Journey
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit

Industries

Biotech / Life Sciences
FoodTech
GreenTech / ClimateTech
Manufacturing / Hardware

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Jesper Brok

Happy Helper & Tjommi
(DK)

Background

Senior Growth Adviser and CMO with experience at Rocket Internet and named Berlingske Talent 100. Co-founded Happy Helper & Tjommi, scaling operations across multiple markets. Investor in 3 companies. Skilled in automation, social media marketing, and customer acquisition.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Scaling Operations
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

E-commerce / D2C
Fintech
HealthTech
Marketplaces & Platforms
SaaS / B2B Software

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Jonas Bøgh

Pento
(DK)

Background

Co-founder and CEO of Pento. Raised $55M and got acquired by HiBob in 2024. I know how painful it can be to build a company and am happy to be your therapist or chat M&A, fundraising, expansion, hiring, and anything in between.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit
Mental health
Expectations management
Board dynamics

Industries

FinTech
HRTech / Future of Work
SaaS / B2B Software

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Jonatan Hjortdal

PreSeed Ventures
(DK)

Background

Former C-level (CLO) of B2B SaaS company and former general counsel with PreSeed Ventures and its fonds. Participated in +200 investments and capital increases, acting as lead investor on several investments. Participated in and led negotiations on several exits, IPOs and secondary transactions with a combined value of +1.5 billion DKK.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Legal and Compliance (e.g. GDPR, equity)
M&A and Exit Strategy

Industries

AI / DeepTech
Fintech
HRTech / Future of Work
PropTech / Real Estate
SaaS / B2B Software

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Jozef Klaassen

Aiia (Acquired by Mastercard)
(DK)

Background

Fromer CRO, expanding Aiia through Europe and growth of the company to be sold to Mastercard. Experience in market expansion which works - sales, marketing and GTM strategy. How to build a commercial strategy which delivers.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Organisational Design and Hiring
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

Biotech / Life Sciences
E-commerce / D2C
Fintech
SaaS / B2B Software

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Karsten Rendemann

Cookie Information A/S
(DK)

Background

Founder and CEO of Cookie Information A/S, a 3× Gazelle-winning Danish software company with 200+ employees. A pioneer in privacy-first marketing technology, Karsten has successfully scaled in direct competition with US Big Tech. His expertise in strategic growth, M&A, and European data compliance offers scale-up companies a powerful path to sustainable expansion. Karsten was nominated ‘CEO of the year 2024’ by 100 fellow Nordic software CEOs and has won several pitch competitions. The company was nominated ‘Entrepreneur of the Year 2024’ in the Tech category, ‘FT 1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Company 2024’ by Financial Times, was nominated for the ‘KPMG IMPACT tech award 2023’ and more.

Expertise

Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
Legal and Compliance (e.g. GDPR, equity)
M&A and Exit Strategy
Product-Market Fit
Scaling Operations
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

SaaS / B2B Software

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Mads Mikkelsen

Practio (Acquired by Carelink)
(DK)

Background

Serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and board professional. In 2015, he co-founded healthtech company Practio, leading it through multiple funding rounds to profitable operations and a successful exit in 2022. Prior to Practio, Mads held early executive roles at Endomondo and Myfitnesspal, both of which were acquired by Under Armour Inc. in 2015.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey

Industries

HealthTech
Logistics & Supply Chain

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Mia Grosen

Canute by Thursday
(DK)

Background

Former co-founder og two B2B tech startups and a consultancy. Experienced in international expansion and venture funding. Currently investor in a UK based venture fond.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
Product-Market Fit
Scaling Operations

Industries

Marketplaces & Platforms
SaaS / B2B Software
Consultancy

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Mogens Nielsen

Hafstrøm Nielsen
(DK)

Background

Experienced Senior Executive. He operates through his business development advisory Hafstroem Nielsen. They help young technology companies accelerate their international growth, by active sparring for senior management and/or owners.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
M&A and Exit Strategy
Product-Market Fit
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

AI / DeepTech
EdTech
Fintech
GreenTech / ClimateTech
HRTech / Future of Work
Marketplaces & Platforms
SaaS / B2B Software

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Morten Bæhrenz

Rackbeat (Acquired by Visma)
(DK)

Background

Co-Founder and CEO of Rackbeat, sold to Visma. Investor, advisor and Board Member for Start-ups/Scale ups. Experience in strategy, go-to-market (GTM), finance, investment rounds, and taking a company from concept to exit.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
Leadership and Founder Journey
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

Fintech
Logistics & Supply Chain
Marketplaces & Platforms
SaaS / B2B Software

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Rasa Strumskyte

Talent Garden
(DK)

Background

Co-founder of Talent Garden, a European edtech group that scaled across the continent and grew to over 250 employees. Board member at Hyper Island, a Sweden-originated global network of schools and business services. Early-stage investor and advisor to scaleups with a focus on expansion, performance optimisation / restructuring, management, and external relations with investors and media.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring
Scaling Operations

Industries

EdTech
FoodTech
HealthTech
HRTech / Future of Work
Media & Entertainment
PropTech / Real Estate
SaaS / B2B Software

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Rasmus Holst

Zensai
(DK)

Background

Information coming.

Expertise

Information coming.

Industries

Information coming.

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Rikke Stær

Coinify
(DK)

Background

Former CEO of fintech scale up. Experioenced in scaling organisations, developing growth strategy and sale of company.

Expertise

Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Go-to-Market Strategy
Legal and Compliance (e.g. GDPR, equity)

Industries

Fintech

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Rune Knudsen

A Dream Factory
(US)

Background

Founder and growth strategist with 12+ years in NYC supporting Nordic startups breaking into the U.S. market. Former CEO & co-founder of a two-sided product testing platform and Head of Marketing at a food-saving marketplace app. Led 100 %+ revenue growth as Director of Growth at a public tech company. Raised early-stage funding for F&B CPG brands through A Dream Factory, a consultancy for high-potential scale-ups. Currently advising ambitious founders on GTM, fundraising, and U.S. expansion.

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
Product-Market Fit

Industries

E-commerce / D2C
FoodTech
GreenTech / ClimateTech
Marketplaces & Platforms
Media & Entertainment
SaaS / B2B Software

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Rune Mai

(DK)

Background

Cofounder and Ex CEO of a B2C & B2B company scaled to European market and a team of +200 people. Experienced in growth strategy, organization building, product & tech, sales differentiation, contracts and negotiations with both small and very large companies. Involved in 13 projects and still thinking about building and bootstrapping again

Expertise

B2B Sales or Growth Marketing
Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Go-to-Market Strategy
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

AI / DeepTech
Fintech
GreenTech / ClimateTech
Marketplaces & Platforms
PropTech / Real Estate
SaaS / B2B Software

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Sara Green Brodersen

(UK)

Background

Two-time founder, Chief of Staff, and leadership partner to startup and scale-up executives. I’ve built companies from the ground up, scaled teams across markets, fundraised, and helped leadership teams navigate the complexities of growth. Passionate about building both companies and people, I now advise founders and leadership teams on scaling sustainably, strengthening operations, and leading with purpose.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
Organisational Design and Hiring
Scaling Operations
SaaS Metrics and Pricing
UK market

Industries

AI / DeepTech
Fintech
Marketplaces & Platforms
SaaS / B2B Software

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Simon Haldrup

Agreena
(DK)

Background

CEO & co-founder of Agreena and previous bank executive - scaled vertical SaaS/two-sided platform across 20 markets and +150 employees, while raising +€80M.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit
Scaling Operations
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

AI / DeepTech
Fintech
GreenTech / ClimateTech
Logistics & Supply Chain
Marketplaces & Platforms
SaaS / B2B Software

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Stine Mølgaard Sørensen

(DK)

Background

Experienced entrepreneur and board member, skilled in Strategic Affairs, Investor Relations, and Public Speaking. She founded her first company in 2013 and have been working with new technology and digital transformation for more than 15 years both in a corporate global role and founding several tech startups where I led one to a successful Silicon Valley exit. Later I co-founded a health tech startup called Radiobotics bringing AI technology to hospitals. Today she is a Partner at Alliance VC and sit on numerous boards further, and a vice-chair at the Innovation Fund Denmark's investment panel. In 2020 she won the KPMG award as the Scandinavian Entrepreneur of the Year and finally, she is a best-selling author with my book “F*ck It, Ship It” which is all about experimenting with new technology.

Expertise

Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
International Expansion
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring

Industries

AI / DeepTech
Biotech / Life Sciences
Fintech
GreenTech / ClimateTech
HealthTech
HRTech / Future of Work
PropTech / Real Estate
SaaS / B2B Software

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Søren Starup-Jensen

(DK)

Background

He builds high-growth companies and exits them when they reach full flight. With multiple successful SaaS exits, international C-level experience, and millions raised in funding, he supports teams in achieving lasting success. He has played a key role in building and scaling subscription-based businesses from the ground up to significant exits, developed global partner networks, and is deeply passionate about transforming strong ideas into market-leading ventures.

Expertise

Building and Leading Commercial Teams
Fundraising (Pre-seed to Series C)
Go-to-Market Strategy
Leadership and Founder Journey
M&A and Exit Strategy
Organisational Design and Hiring
Product-Market Fit
SaaS Metrics and Pricing

Industries

Fintech
Logistics & Supply Chain
Marketplaces & Platforms
Media & Entertainment
SaaS / B2B Software

Who are Our Growth Partners

At Founders Growth Club, we have partnered with corporations to support our members' growth through their expertise in banking, auditing, funding, tech, legal services, and recruitment. They will facilitate roundtables, offer insights and expertise through presentations, panel discussions, and 1:1 sessions, and host events, roundtables, and social gatherings.

Our Founding Partners

Who is 'Crayon'?

Crayon operates globally across 46 countries with a dedicated team of 4,000 professionals. The company leads the charge in IT optimisation and innovation, guiding businesses towards impactful technological advancements for the greater good. Crayon empowers organisations worldwide to strategically acquire and optimise software investments, embrace cloud and AI technologies, and drive innovation through enhanced efficiency.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

Crayon’s services and innovation support startups and software companies in modernising their IT infrastructure by migrating to the cloud, enabling them to concentrate on their core business. In partnership with Crayon, a long-term, effective cloud strategy is developed to accelerate time to market, enhance agility, and foster differentiation. Crayon assists businesses in identifying various cloud strategies to help accelerate growth.

Why do they support FGC?

Startups often face significant challenges when attempting to scale, including complex regulations, bureaucratic obstacles, and the ongoing search for funding. Crayon believes that when some of the best companies, each with distinct areas of expertise, come together, they can deliver real value to Danish startups that are ready to scale and modernise their operations.

Who is 'Danske Bank Growth'?

Danske Bank Growth is the one-stop bank for Nordic growth companies, offering support from get-go to IPO. We are part of Danske Bank, with the mindset of a growth company, providing tailored solutions that can scale as you scale.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

Danske Bank Growth supports scaleups by providing specialised growth advisers, scalable banking solutions, and non-dilutive funding. We offer access to a network of VCs and business angels, digital banking, liquidity and currency risk management, and tailored non-dilutive funding options to meet the unique needs of scaleups.

Why do they support FGC?

Danske Bank Growth is pleased to be part of initiating Founders Growth Club. We see it as an exciting and new initiative that opens up opportunities to strengthen relationships and collaboration with innovative companies and experienced entrepreneurs. We look forward to be an active participant in the growth journey of the scaleups in the program.

Who is 'EY'?

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and consulting services, committed to shaping the future and building a better working world. With a global network of 400,000 professionals across 150 countries, EY leverages its extensive expertise to empower businesses - particularly scaleups - to realise their full potential.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

EY supports scaleups by offering tailored services in audit, tax, consulting, and more, while providing access to its global network of resources and expertise. Each year, EY hosts the world’s largest growth competition, EY Entrepreneur Of the Year, which highlights the most innovative and fast-growing companies. In addition, through the Nordic EY’s Amplifier programme, the firm contributes approximately 5,000 pro bono hours every two years to support startups and scaleups with customised projects aimed at driving their success.

Why do they support FGC?

EY supports Founders Growth Club because it recognises the initiative as a valuable platform for strengthening the scaleup ecosystem. With a strong commitment to the startup and scaleup space, continuing its collaboration with Canute by Thursday and supporting FGC was a natural next step.

Who is 'Microsoft Denmark'?

Microsoft Denmark is headquartered in Kongens Lyngby and employs approximately 800 people, including developers, sales teams, and quantum researchers. Its presence in Denmark is supported by an ecosystem of 3,500 partners who implement and build on the Microsoft Cloud to serve Danish customers. Microsoft Denmark is committed to supporting Danish businesses and society through technology, with a particular focus on AI, digital transformation, and sustainability.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

Microsoft supports the growth of startups and scaleups through the Microsoft for Startups programme. This initiative offers cloud credits, access to Microsoft’s sales channels, technical support, and co-marketing opportunities. It helps scaleups connect with potential customers, optimise their technology for enterprise deployment, and accelerate business growth.

Why do they support FGC?

Enabling startups and scaleups to thrive internationally is a core element of Microsoft’s strategy, and the company invests significantly in this area. Microsoft also seeks to contribute to the society it is part of. Supporting Denmark’s development as an innovation hub for startups and scaleups through Founders Growth Club is fully aligned with this vision.

Our Supporting Partners

Who is 'Bech-Bruun'?

Bech-Bruun is a top-tier Danish law firm and one of Denmark’s leading full-service legal providers, with nearly 600 specialised and experienced professionals. The firm delivers expert legal advisory services to businesses across Denmark and internationally, as well as to the Danish public sector. Bech-Bruun’s commitment to collaboration, trusted partnerships, and commercial insight enables it to translate legal expertise into tangible, real-world outcomes for its clients.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

In addition to advising a large number of Danish and international scaleups, Bech-Bruun supports Danish growth companies through BB Impact - a collaborative programme focused on startups that are actively working to create a better world.

Why do they support FGC?

As a long-standing supporter of Danish scaleups through initiatives such as Canute by Thursday and BB Impact, Bech-Bruun is proud to partner with Founders Growth Club, thereby continuing its mission to support Danish scaleups in realising their international growth ambitions.

Who is 'EIFO'?

EIFO (the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark) is Denmark’s national promotional bank and export credit agency, offering risk-tolerant financing to Danish companies across all sizes and sectors.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

EIFO supports scaleups by providing risk-tolerant capital through direct loans, guarantees, and equity investments, always in collaboration with banks and by syndicating investments alongside other investors. This approach enables innovative companies to accelerate their growth, expand internationally, and realise their full potential.

Why do they support FGC?

EIFO supports Founders Growth Club because it equips Danish scaleups with practical advice and tailored guidance from experienced founders, enabling more effective scaling and faster international expansion. This aligns closely with EIFO’s mission to strengthen Danish businesses and enhance Denmark’s global competitiveness through targeted support.

Who is a part ofThe Consortium

The initiative is backed by the Danish Board of Business Development and led by Canute by Thursday and aim to foster collaboration and innovation among Danish scaleups.

Our Consortium

Canute by Thursday is leading the project and holds overall responsibility for the content and quality of Founders Growth Club. The organisation ensures that every element of the programme is meaningfully connected, maintaining high standards for the participating scaleups.

Canute is also responsible for the branding and marketing of Founders Growth Club, and curates the right circle of Growth Advisors, corporate partners, experts, and strategic collaborators who help bring the ecosystem to life.

With years of hands-on experience supporting internationally ambitious scaleups, Canute is best known for its market entry programmes in Berlin, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and New York. Over the past seven years, the organisation has helped more than 300 Nordic scaleups expand into these key markets, building a strong and trusted network along the way.

Copenhagen Business Hub (Erhvervshus Hovedstaden) is the operator of the programme and is responsible for overall project administration. With extensive experience in designing and delivering programmes for SMEs, the organisation brings both operational expertise and strategic insight.

As a co-developer and subject matter partner within the consortium, Copenhagen Business Hub also serves as a sparring partner for participating companies where relevant. Acting as a central hub in the Danish business support ecosystem, it is well positioned to introduce additional support offers and services tailored to the specific needs of participating scaleups.

Over the years, Copenhagen Business Hub has delivered numerous growth-focused programmes for ambitious companies - particularly those aiming for international markets - and has supported hundreds of SMEs on their journey to scale.

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The Association of Listed Growth Companies (FBV) is a financial partner in Founders Growth Club and leads both the programme and subject matter for IPO Academy. Founded in late 2021, FBV has since developed strong experience in delivering educational sessions, hosting networking events, and running initiatives tailored to companies with IPO potential.