In collaboration with a selected group of experts, 24Victoria has attempted to identify the ten most influential individuals in the Danish startup ecosystem. So what makes someone influential? Can influence even be measured – and if so, how? These are the fundamental questions that form the basis of this list. Together with ten experts from […]
In collaboration with a selected group of experts, 24Victoria has attempted to identify the ten most influential individuals in the Danish startup ecosystem.
So what makes someone influential?
Can influence even be measured – and if so, how?
These are the fundamental questions that form the basis of this list. Together with ten experts from the Danish ecosystem – including venture capitalists, academics, policymakers and senior consultants – we have sought to identify the people who hold the most influence across startups, capital, policy and public opinion in Denmark.
We are fully aware that any such ranking is, by nature, subjective. However, we have attempted to qualify the assessment using the following criteria:
- Position and professional track record
- Formal political power
- Number of companies involved in as founder, investor or executive
- Success rate of those companies
- Impact and visibility within the ecosystem
- Participation in the public debate
Below are the ten most influential people in the Danish startup ecosystem:
Margrethe Vestager
Former European Commissioner for Competition and former Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. She has also served as Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior and as political leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party. Today, she is Chair of the Board at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
“I am very pleased and humbled – there are truly many strong profiles who contribute to this important area.”
Tommy Ahlers
Entrepreneur and investor. Former Minister for Higher Education and Science and former Member of the Danish Parliament. He currently holds several board positions, including at Metroselskabet and Concito.
24Victoria contacted Tommy Ahlers for comment, but he did not respond.
Jesper Buch
Entrepreneur and investor. Board member at the Danish Export and Investment Fund (EIFO) and at Niels Brock Business College. He also serves as an ambassador for Audi Denmark.
“Thank you very much for the recognition and for putting focus on the startup community. It is naturally a great honour to be highlighted. For me, influence is first and foremost about inspiring others to dare to take the leap – and about contributing to an environment where the next generation of entrepreneurs can succeed even better than we did.”
Jeppe Rindom
Co-founder and CEO of fintech company Pleo. He has also previously founded other ventures, including YWC Sports.
24Victoria contacted Jeppe Rindom for comment, but he did not respond.
Mette Lykke
CEO of Too Good To Go and co-founder and former CEO of Endomondo. She has also served as a board member at Gyldendal Publishing.
24Victoria contacted Mette Lykke for comment, but she did not respond.
Steffen Frølund
Investor and Partner at Likeminded. Member of the Danish Parliament for the Liberal Alliance.
“It is always wonderful to receive recognition. I am proud of this. However, I would have achieved nothing without many talented – current and former – colleagues and partners. I try to use my mandate in Parliament as best I can in relation to improving conditions for startups. There is still a lot of work to be done.”
Martin Thorborg
Entrepreneur and investor. Founder and CEO of Visma Dinero. He also holds a number of board positions.
“I am very proud to be on a list with such strong candidates. I love entrepreneurs and try every day to make it easier for them to run a business. Entrepreneurship is extremely important for Denmark and something we should all support.”
Morten Strunge
Investor and board member at several companies. Founder and CEO of Podimo.
24Victoria contacted Morten Strunge for comment, but due to a busy schedule it was not possible to provide one.
Christian Arnstedt
Founder and CEO of Blazar Capital. He previously worked at McKinsey & Company and also serves as an ambassador for the Danish Red Cross.
24Victoria contacted Christian Arnstedt for comment, but he did not respond.
Avnit Singh
CEO of TechBBQ and active in multiple forums and advisory boards relating to entrepreneurship and capital. He is a former founder and has a background in Deloitte.
“It is a great honour to be on the list of the most influential people in the Danish startup ecosystem. I hope that the list also makes room for the many entrepreneurs and teams who push boundaries every day. The Danish startup ecosystem is facing an exciting development, and I look forward to continuing to be an active part of that journey.”
| About this article This is a special English edition from 24Victoria, created to make insights from the Danish startup and innovation ecosystem accessible to an international audience. The article was originally published in Danish as part of our mission to spotlight the leaders shaping the future of technology, entrepreneurship and growth in the Nordics. |