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, Danish Tech Startups 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

Founder - Scaleup Finance
(DK)

Background

Alexander Wulff built up Startup Finance to support early-stage fundraising and has supported growth-stage companies through closing rounds. He is now engaged in advising startups, focusing on financial planning and founder mindset. His deep understanding of VC fundraising processes and founder psychology can provide critical support during capital raises.

Primary area of expertise

Fundraising

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Benny Guld

Founder - CareerSearch
(DK)

Background

Benny Guld has extensive experience in board and leadership development, having advised management teams across industries. He currently operates a leadership advisory firm and is a certified coach. He is well-positioned to support founders in building effective boards and leadership teams, particularly for bootstrapped companies.

Primary area of expertise

Leadership & Team Dynamics

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Carl Johan Rising

Operator - Veo Technologies
(DK)

Background

Carl Johan Rising has scaled teams from two to 45 and taken several companies from Denmark into new markets, including at Too Good to Go. He currently advises on data infrastructure, analytics, and ML, with a hands-on focus on systemic decisions for scale. His expertise in building data-driven organizations makes him a strong asset for members preparing for international expansion.

Primary area of expertise

Scaling

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Cathrine Andersen

Founder - Former roger.ai (acq. by FLT)
(US)

Background

Former CEO of roger.ai.

Primary area of expertise

Leadership & Team Dynamics

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Christian Gabriel

Founder - Capdesk (Acq. by Carta)
(UK)

Background

Christian Gabriel was the founder and CEO of Capdesk, where he led the company to become the category leader in Europe, expanding its HQ and operations to London and scaling to 100 employees before securing a successful acquisition by Carta. At Carta, Christian served as the European Director, helping the Silicon Valley-based decacorn establish dominance in Europe. He specializes in finance and go-to-market strategy for startups, guiding both established companies and early-stage ventures through fundraising and rapid growth. Christian's expertise spans international fundraising, market entry, and B2B GTM, with a strong passion for mentoring first-time and emerging founders.

Primary aread of expertise

Product-Market-Fit (advanced)

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Christine Spiten

Founder - Former Blueye Robotics
(DK)

Background

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

Primary area of expertise

Leadership & Team Dynamics

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Helen Nguyen

Operator - Former HelloFresh
(DK)

Background

Helen Nguyen has scaled consumer brands like HelloFresh into three international markets, getting the business to market leadership and have scaled marketing teams from 0 to 30+ people. Her focus is on go-to-market, brand, and expansion – sharing actionable insights for both B2C and B2B founders.

Primary area of expertise

Go-to-market & Internationalization

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Jesper Brok

Founder - Former Happy Helper & Tjommi
(DK)

Background

Jesper Brok has led companies through IPOs and various fundraising rounds, with experience as CMO and COO in both B2B and B2C SaaS. He is now a Growth Advisor at Danske Bank, focusing on early-stage companies. Jesper can support members with pitch framing, strategic marketing, and the nuances of different funding paths.

Primary area of expertise

Fundraising

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Jonas Bøgh

Founder - Former Pento (acq. by HiBob)
(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

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Jozef Klaassen

Operator - Previously Aiia (Acq. by Mastercard)
(DK)

Background

Former CRO, led the expansion of Aiia across Europe and grew the company to a successful acquisition by Mastercard. Experienced in effective market expansion, including sales, marketing, and go-to-market strategy. Specialises in building commercial strategies that deliver results.

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

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Karsten Rendemann

Founder - Cookie Information A/S
(DK)

Background

Karsten Rendemann built Cookie Information into a leading compliance SaaS, growing the team to 200 and securing investment from the Lego family. He currently leads on marketing compliance and privacy tech. Karsten can support members with M&A learnings and roundtables on data privacy and compliance.

Primary area of expertise

Product-Market-Fit (advanced)

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Mads F. Gregersen

Founder - Former Connected Cars
(DK)

Background

Mads Gregersen is a commercial CEO and consultant with deep expertise in segment targeting, team building, and mission clarity. He currently advises founders with a strong focus on context-driven decision-making and commercial readiness. Mads brings strong operational insight, but should be evaluated on his ability to adapt beyond personal experience.

Primary area of expertise

Scaling

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Mads Mikkelsen

Founder - Former Practio (Acq. by Carelink)
(DK)

Background

Mads Mikkelsen has raised funding across multiple companies and brings deep insight into fundraising preparation and strategy. He is currently active in Spintop Ventures, focusing on founder relations and deal alignment. He can help members evaluate fundraising alternatives, prepare roadmaps, and connect with relevant funding sources.

Primary area of expertise

Fundraising

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Markus Klinger

Operator - Former Novozymes
(DK)

Background

Markus Klinger led strategy at Novozymes and now runs a consultancy supporting startups in bio and food tech entering new markets. He specializes in commercialization strategies for emerging science-driven companies. He would be a strong advisor for founders in food or bio-tech looking to expand internationally.

Primary area of expertise

Scaling

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Mia Grosen

Founder - Former Canute (acq. by Thursday Consulting)
(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

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Mogens Nielsen

Founder - Hafstrøm Nielsen
(DK)

Background

Mogens Nielsen holds a PhD in computer science and a B.BA. in strategy and has transitioned from the engineering side to focus on the commercial side. He has been founder and CEO of numerous software companies and has been part in 10+ successful exits. He currently advises on SaaS Scale-ups with focus on go to market approaches. His combined technical, commercial and entrepreneurial track record make him a valuable voice for founders building B2B SaaS businesses based on technically complex products.

Primary area of expertise

Go To Market Strategy

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Morten Bæhrenz

Founder - Rackbeat (Acq. by Visma)
(DK)

Background

Morten Bæhrenz began his career as an accountant at PwC before moving into roles at e-conomic and later consulting, where he developed a deep understanding of growth-stage tech companies. He now advises companies like Rackbeat on how to assess readiness for funding, scale, and acquisition without rushing into traditional VC paths. Known for his pragmatic approach, Morten helps founders test, de-risk, and evaluate whether their next growth step is strategic and sustainable.

Primary area of expertise

Fundraising

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Ninna Wicki Olsen-Stryhn

Founder - Former The Hub
(DK)

Background

Ninna Wicki Olsen brings a dual lens of strategic growth and founder coaching from her work with The Hub and Antler. She currently advises on Nordic go-to-market strategies for both B2B and B2C companies. Her combination of strategic insight and founder empathy makes her a valuable resource for early-stage international expansion.

Primary area of expertise

Go-to-market & Internationalization

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Peter Faaborg-Andersen

Operator - Former Novozymes
(DK)

Background

Peter Faaborg-Andersen brings a decade of corporate strategy, commercial execution and venture experience from senior leadership positions in Novozymes, GN Store Nord and other industrial firms. He operates in the intersection of corporates, startups, and funding as an investor, senior advisor and board member. Peter’s strength lies helping founders build and execute their growth strategy incl. building impactful strategic partnerships.

Primary area of expertise

Scaling

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Rasa Strumskyte

Founder - Talent Garden
(DK)

Background

Rasa Stumstyke co-founded Talent Garden and has led organizational design across 24 cities, including layoffs and M&As. She is now focused on startup structuring, recruitment, and synergy planning. With hands-on experience in M&A and organizational health, Rasa is ideal for founders navigating growth through structural change.

Primary area of expertise

Leadership & Team Dynamics

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Rasmus Holst

Founder - Zensai
(DK)

Background

CEO of Zensai, scaled from $0 to $20M ARR bootstrapped with three acquisitions in three years. Previously led teams through $1B+ in exits and raised $50M+ across VC- and PE-backed ventures including Wire and Huddle. Deep experience in scaling SaaS, M&A, fundraising, and leading global teams across 14 countries.

Expertise

Fundraising/M&A
Organisational Design
Scaling/G2M

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Rikke Stær

Founder - Former Coinify
(DK)

Background

Rikke Staer has built and sold a payments API company, led teams at Reuters, and currently serves as CEO in a regulated tech sector. She focuses on pricing strategies, blockchain, AI, and fintech innovation. Rikke can offer high-value support on pricing, compliance, and leadership in emerging tech industries.

Primary area of expertise

Product-Market-Fit (advanced)

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Rolf Pedersen

Founder - Former GoLearn
(DK)

Background

Rolf Pedersen founded GoLearn and transitioned it from B2C to B2B, selling learning platforms to banks and insurance. He remains focused on SaaS growth, metrics, and revenue strategies. He offers valuable support on commercialization, moving from product to sales, and subscription management.

Primary area of expertise

Scaling

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Rune Knudsen

Founder - 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

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Rune Mai

Founder - Former Aiia (acq. by Mastercard)
(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

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Sara Green Brodersen

Operator
(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

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Simon Haldrup

Founder - Agreena
(DK)

Background

CEO and 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

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Soulaima Gourani

Founder - Happioh Inc.
(US)

Background

Soulaima Gourani is a VC-backed founder with $7M raised globally and over a decade in Silicon Valley building SaaS companies. She focuses on enterprise sales, partnerships, and global fundraising strategy. Soulaima offers deep insights on international growth, enterprise GTM, and founder mindset. She is the Co-founder of Happioh, Co-founder of AILO Datacenters, and serves as a WEF Global Future Council Member on Faith in AI.

Primary area of expertise

Scaling

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Stine Mølgaard Sørensen

Founder - Alliance VC
(DK)

Background

Stine Sørensen transitioned from founder to funder and now leads initiatives across health tech, climate, and AI governance. She is a board member of TechBBQ, vice chair of the Tech Commission, and highly active in Nordic venture ecosystems. Stine is a superconnector with insights into both soft and hard funding and helps founders evaluate team fit and structure.

Primary area of expertise

Fundraising

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Søren Starup-Jensen

Founder - The Subscribers
(DK)

Background

Soren Starup Jensen is an angel investor and long-time advisor, having worked with 100+ startups through structured SaaS development programs. He currently runs founder education initiatives, including a four-month course with the Danish Business Ministry. Soren’s broad experience and deep understanding of SaaS company-building make him a good fit for roundtables or founder education sessions.

Primary area of expertise

Leadership & Team Dynamics

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Thomas Sveningsen

Founder - Metriks
(DK)

Background

Thomas Svenningsen comes from a finance background at Maersk and has since worked in venture and PE, focusing on SaaS metrics and value creation. He currently supports companies in building financial structures and preparing for exits. Thomas can guide members on financial strategy, ownership structures, and aligning financials for international scaling.

Primary area of expertise

Product-Market-Fit (advanced)

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, scaleups 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 'Danish Industry'?

Danish Industry (DI) is Denmark’s largest business and employers’ organisation, representing over 20,000 companies across a wide range of industries. DI’s mission is to create the best possible conditions for Danish businesses to thrive – nationally and internationally – by advocating for growth-oriented policies, fostering innovation, and strengthening the competitiveness of Danish enterprises.

How do they support scaleups' growth?

DI actively supports startups and scaleups by offering tailored programmes, strategic policy influence, and access to extensive networks both in Denmark and abroad. Through initiatives such as DI Digital and DI International Business Development, DI helps growth companies navigate regulatory landscapes, access new markets, and connect with key decision-makers and partners. Their support includes mentoring, market insight, and assistance with internationalisation.

Why do they support FGC?

Danish Industry supports Founders Growth Club because the initiative aligns closely with DI’s commitment to strengthening the Danish scaleup ecosystem. By partnering with FGC, DI aims to empower ambitious founders with the tools, networks, and insights needed to scale globally. Supporting scaleups not only boosts innovation and job creation but also reinforces Denmark’s position as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.

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 the Danish Industry Foundation (Industriens Fond), led by The Consortium, 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.

Danish Tech Startups is Denmark’s independent industry association for tech startups. Founded in 2020 by 50+ experienced founders, DTS works to improve conditions for Danish startups through advocacy, networking, and events such as Unicorn Academy, Exit and M&A Academy, and Townhall.

DTS ensures that the voice of tech founders is heard in shaping Denmark’s future. We focus on innovation economy, R&D incentives, and access to talent, while creating strong communities where founders learn from each other.

As part of Founders Growth Club, DTS brings its founder network, education programs, and scaleup know-how into selected initiatives – ensuring that ambitious Danish scaleups gain the tools and community to grow globally.

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.

The Danish Board of Business Development allocates funding to initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness across Denmark. It coordinates regional and local business development efforts, advises the government, and ensures that projects support productivity, digitalisation, and the green transition – all to strengthen a balanced business environment nationwide.

The Danish Industry Foundation is a philanthropic foundation whose purpose is to support and strengthen the competitiveness of Danish industry. The foundation works across a broad set of challenges, but four themes carry the highest priority – sustainable production, cybersecurity, new technologies, and internationalisation.