Your growth team
Get assistance from some of Denmark's top business developers
Access to valuable mentoring
DTU Science Park’s growth team consists of a range of experts who assist you on your growth journey. Through 1:1 mentoring, our team can help you where it’s needed.
When you participate in one of our programs, you will receive coaching from the subject matter experts of the growth team that you need.
You can also be assigned three impartial mentors for six months in our mentor program, DeepTech Mentoring.
With access to professionals who have extensive industry experience, you will receive valuable coaching and be challenged to develop your business exactly where it is most needed. You will gain a strategic direction for your company, a validated business plan, and knowledge of how to grow.
This contributes to your ability to overcome challenges faster and make yourself attractive to investors.
Experts in a wide array of fields
Our team offers great versatility and experience for your benefit and that of your company. Our growth team includes, among others:
- Business developers
- Investor manager
- Experts in product development
- Organizational psychologists
- Communication experts
- Serial entrepreneurs
Meet our team
As a participant in our growth programs, you receive qualified mentoring and assistance from our skilled business developers as well as external Supporting Partners.
Thomas Hebo Sparring
Senior Program Manager, GreenUP Accelerator
Background:
With a background in business development, Thomas has been active in the startup community for five years, helping startups navigate the process of finding their product-market fit.
Additionally, he has been involved in reviewing thousands of startup pitch decks and pitches and knows how to communicate your business case in the most appealing way.
You will meet me:
You will meet me in the “Getting to product market fit”-discipline, where I will help you make sure that you address the right problem, in the right way, for the right customer(s), in the right order. Getting to product-market fit is critical for any startup and breaking down your customers and markets into segments and navigating the nuances between them is key to achieve that.
This is what I will be working with you on as well as being able to communicate it in a convincing way to investors.
Furthermore, you will meet me in your biweekly check-in meetings in GreenUP.
Education
- M.Sc. International Business, Language and Culture – Business and Development Studies
Selected sector experience
- Renewable energy
- Technology transfer
- Energy access
- Soft funding
Selected industry experience
- UNEP DTU Partnership
- Innovation Fund Denmark
Susanne Rydahl
Program Manager, GreenUP, ScaleUP
Background:
Susanne has over 20 years of experience in business development, strategy and marketing. She has held positions as Strategy Director, Creative Director, CMO, and CSO at prominent international commercial and digital agencies, as well as within the cultural sector. Additionally, she has conducted research in innovation and creative management. Over the past three years, she has assisted startups with business development through programs such as Danish Tech Challenge and GreenUp Accelerator, in addition to serving as a mentor.
You will meet me:
I am the Program Manager for the GreenUp, ScaleUp phase and can assist you in developing your startup. I specialize in strategy, and business development, focusing on areas such as product-market-fit, go-to-market strategy, customer segmentation, value proposition, business model, and marketing.
Education
- Master in Management and Innovation of Complex Systems
- Master of Laws with a specialization in International Negotiation
- Narrative Coach
Selected sector experience
- Consulting
- FMCG
- Fintech
- Communication (B2C & B2B)
- Digitale services
Selected industry experience
- Isobar Magnetix
- National Gallery of Denmark
- TV2
- Innovation Lab
- Ogilvy & Mather
Background:
Danny knows the business angels in Denmark really well. He has been with Danish Business Angels – DanBAN for five years, where he was in charge of sourcing, identifying and reviewing investment opportunities on behalf of the 300+ angel members. He has arranged +300 events together with his colleagues, been in dialogue with +2500 startups, and helped hundreds of business angels and startups find each other. Combined with his passion and background within science and engineering he has the ideal combination of skills and know-how to help DeepTech startups to become funding ready and find the right investors for their specific business.
You will meet me:
I will mentor you while you analyse and identify relevant funding opportunities for your startup with the goal of obtaining a clear and solid funding strategy.
I can introduce you to relevant national and international business angels and VCs and will be your wingman and sparring partner during investor dialogues and negotiations.
Education
- M.Sc. E. in Nanotechnology: Engineering background with specialization in Drug & Tissue Technology
Selected sector experience
- Energy
- Materials & Chemicals
- Engineering
- Finance
- Governmental
- NGO
Selected industry experience
- Danish Business Angels
- CPHFTW
- Haldor Topsøe A/S
- One startup
Christian Bygballe Haarh
Senior Program Manager, MedTech Growth
Background:
Christian has a background as co-founder and director of the MedTech startup ZenzeTech. At ZenzeTech, they developed digital biomarkers targeting neurological diseases, where Christian has interfaced with many functions and was responsible for commercialization, strategy, board, investor relations, and financing. Additionally, he conducted market research and +200 interviews with stakeholders in the healthcare sector to understand the problem, value creation, and how to navigate the complexity of the system, as well as securing soft funding and investment from industry leaders.
Here you will meet me
I am the program manager for MedTech Growth, so if you become part of this program, we will be working closely together. I assist startups in precisely the situation they are in. It can be anything from small questions in an entrepreneur’s everyday life to strategic considerations and decisions. An example could be how to create a coherent financing strategy and pitch your company to investors.
As an entrepreneur, there are thousands of tasks and opportunities that can distract focus. I can help set goals and develop strategies to ensure focus is maintained and executed.
Education
- Technical University of Denmark, Process and Innovation
Industry Experience
- MedTech
- Pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare
- Volunteer Work
Selected Professional Experience
- ZenzeTech – Co-founder and Director
- NNE – Project Excellence via Smarter Global Collaboration
- Global Collaboration
- DTU – Teaching Assistant
Background:
Mads has extensive practical experience with startups and has worked as a co-founder of several startup companies. He has been involved in domains ranging from fundraising and product development to management, economics, and strategy. As a result, Mads possesses significant technical expertise and experience supporting the scaling of deep-tech startups and understanding the importance of dynamic development in the founder’s role.
You will meet me:
I am the program manager for Danish Tech Challenge, so if you become part of this program, we will have much to do with each other. I am also part of the European program, EIT Urban Mobility Sustainable Cities & Clean Mobility, where I, together with five other European partners, help European mobility startups.
I help you develop your startup and am always ready to answer your questions and guide you on your journey as an entrepreneur.
Education
- Cand. Polyt. Design & Innovation.
Selected sector experience
- Technology Transfer
- Hardware
- IoT
- Crowdfunding
Selected industry experience
- Co-founder and CTO i Sentar
- Co-founder and CEO i TenderBar
- PhD on scaling deep-tech startups.
Nicholas Hawtin
Program manager, Dual-Use Growth
Background:
Nicholas has an internationally diverse background and has been active within the startup ecosystem in the North across sectors and verticals for fifteen years. He has assisted startups and corporate innovation in defining their value creation and raising capital.
You will meet me:
Meet me in the disciplines of “Business Model” and “Ownership and Financing”. Here, I will assist you in defining your value creation, identifying your target audience, and strategizing how you will generate revenue from the value you create. I will ensure that you can articulate to investors the returns they can expect from investing in your venture.
Additonally, you will meet me for weekly check-in meetings.
Education
- M.Sc. in E-Business.
Selected sector experience
- Business Model
- Ownership and Financing
- Product-Market-Fit
Selected industry experience
- Startup Specialist
- Corporate Innovation Consultant
- Former Defense Officer
Emilie Timm
Program manager, GreenUP Accelerator
Background:
Emilie has a background as co-owner and COO at Keystones for nearly five years. Keystones is an investor network for private investors and business angels who invest capital and expertise in Danish startups and scaleups.
At Keystones, Emilie has helped over 100 startups raise capital and facilitated more than 50 investor meetings. As a result, she has reviewed thousands of startup pitch decks and presentations, giving her deep insight into what investors look for and how to communicate a startup’s value proposition effectively.
You will meet me:
Meet me in the discipline of “Ownership & Financing,” where I help you establish a solid foundation and overview of ownership distribution, funding opportunities, and realistic budgeting. This ensures you are well-prepared before engaging with investors or funds.
I also offer pitch training with feedback and Q&A from an “investor perspective” for your startup team.
If you are part of GreenUP Accelerator, you will meet me every other week at check-in meetings and at all workshops throughout the program. Additionally, I am always available to discuss both small and big startup founder challenges and opportunities—so feel free to reach out when you see me at DTU Science Park.
Education
- DTU Board Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Selected sector experience
- Mentor for N(Y)OOMOON
- Instructor in training programs for startup investors
- Former COO & co-owner of Keystones
Selected industry experience
- Hard funding (capital processes, syndicates, valuation, etc.)
- Access to and networking within the Danish ecosystem
- Startup teams
Activation of - Advisors/Advisory Boards
Supporting Partners
In addition to our internal growth team, we also have Supporting Partners associated with our disciplines. Our Supporting Partners are external companies that assist participants in our startup programs in selected disciplines where they have specialized knowledge.
Leon Birdi
Sales expert, Birdi Copenhagen
Background:
Leon is one of Denmarks leading B2B sales trainers. He has worked with sales and sales development since 1988 and has consultant background since 1996. He is self employed with his sales training company since 2000. Leon has written several books and has written hundreds of articles about sales. He publishes Denmark’s most listened-to podcast about sales.
You will meet me:
Leon helps your startup plan, execute, and improve sales by working together with you on how to improve sales planning, cold calling, sales meetings, proposal and negotiation, retention, and added sales. Training is based on face-to-face meetings and online sales tools.
Education
- Cultivator Sales and Management Education
- DTU
- Henley Business School
Selected sector experience
- Engineering
- Construction
- Consulting
- B2B services
- Sales
Selected industry experience
- Avis Rent-A-Car
- ATEA
- Cultivator
- Birdi Copenhagen since 2000
Mikkel Trym
Co-founder, Impact Business Modeling System™
Background:
Mikkel is the co-founder of Impact Business Modeling System™ supporting start-up founders, investment managers and business advisors in making sustainable impact measurable, operational and profitable. Mikkel is a serial entrepreneur and coach working with breakthrough innovation, scalable impact, regenerative leadership and impact investments.
Mikkel has an environmental and commercial background from the development and trade of certified agriculture commodities (banana, cacao and pineapple) in Central and South America. As an impact pioneer he has supported sustainable entrepreneurship in Denmark, the Nordics and Europe for the past 15 years, including portfolio development of +200 impact start-ups raising more than 100 MEUR investment capital.
You will meet me:
I will help you develop a clear impact vision including impact indicators and metrics connected to your product or service. A clear impact proposition will make your business more competitive and it will help your company to stand out and stay relevant. It will enhance your communication, attract employees, investors and customers.
Education
- Executive: Enhance Growth Entrepreneurship
- M.Sc. Communication and Facilitation
- Cand. Agro. Tropical Agriculture
Selected sector experience
- Agriculture, Food, Bio and Energy
- Social and Environmental certification
- Impact forecast and validation
- Organizational development
- Sustainable Leadership
- Training and coaching
Selected industry experience
- World Bank
- UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
- Copenhagen Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Lab (CIEL)
- European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
- Impact Business Modeling System (IBMS)
Jørgen Ole Kjær
CSO, Move Innovation
Background:
Jørgen Ole is an experienced product developer working as an interim manager/consultant.
Jørgen Ole has been involved in projects related to software, hardware, mechanics, and innovation and held positions as Project Manager, Consultant, Advisor, Founder, Owner, Business Development Director, Sales Director, Key Account Manager, CEO, Board member and Chairman.
You will meet me:
I will help you define, among other things, development risk, certifications needed, product requirements and development path to your Minimum Viable Product. We will also look at the organizational requirements for your development organisation.
Education
- M.Sc. Engineering
- Courses: Board, Management, Sales, Systems Analyst, Project Management etc.
Selected sector experience
- Consulting and interim management
- Strategy and Business development
- Medico development
- Electronics and device development
- Public Transport systems development
- Software development
- Sales and sales development
Selected industry experience
- IBM
- DHI
- Locus
- Trapeze
- Move Innovation
- Tech Startups
Henrik Storm Jørgensen
Management consultant
So far, I have helped +50 start-ups in the DTU Science Park growth programs.
Background:
Henrik has a strong commercial background having worked +40 years with companies ranging from start-ups to global C25 companies mostly in global management roles.
He has been part of a management buy-out that within 2 years created a Scandinavian market leader in the bakery industry.
His main focus has always been developing, structuring, optimizing and running both domestic and global supply chains in a range of business segments. In the past couple of years his main focus has been assisting primarily SMV’s and Start-up’s either as an advisor/Management consultant or as a mentor and hold a number of Advisory Board positions.
You will meet me:
I will help you build, structure and get an overview of your supply chain and by sharing my experience hopefully enable you to avoid some of the pitfalls I’ve previously met.
Education
- HD (SCM)
Selected sector experience
- Management Consultant
- Life Science (Medical Devices)
- Food/FMCG/Retail
- Energy Sector (construction of power plants)
- Shipping/Logistics
Selected industry experience
- Zillion Consulting Group
- Ambu A/S
- Kelsen Group
- Bisca A/S
- United Biscuits
- BWSC A/S
- EAC Ltd.
Background:
Maria has a background as a consultant within leadership advisory and recruitment. Maria has worked with assessment and development of leaders and leadership teams.
She holds a Cand.Merc. degree and is a certified psychotherapist.
Maria is passionate about helping founders and future leaders develop a healthy and sustainable leadership culture.
You will meet me:
Maria offers 1:1 consulting as well as consulting for the whole team.
The starting point will be a psychological assessment, followed by individual and team feedback.
Maria will also be a consulting partner for you in relation to, for example, the development of your organization, competence clarification, and recruitment strategy.
Education
- Cand.Merc., CBS
- Psychotherapist MPF
Selected sector experience
- Early stage VC
- Financial Services
- Tech
- Pharma
Selected industry experience
- PreSeed Ventures
- Alumni/Heidrick & Struggles
- Leiba – own consultancy since 2020
Anna-Cathrine Grønkjær
Strategy consultant, Holst Mouritzen
Background:
Anna-Cathrine (called AC) has a background and experience from marketing and strategy from Denmark and UK. She has experience working on a local, nordic, european and global level and across various sectors.
Her focus is on commercial marketing, brand and business strategy.
You will meet me:
I will help you identify your key messages your brand should communicate to your target audience(s), when and where and help you create the foundations for your brand long term.
Education
- Masters of Arts: Advertising and The Creative Economy
- Bachelor: Media Science, marketing branding and organisational communication
Selected sector experience
- Business strategy
- Marketing and brand strategy
- Membership organisations
- Luxury and lifestyle brands
- B2B
- Retail
- Army and defence
- Auto brands
- Telecommunication
Selected industry experience
- SAP, IBM, DSM
- L’Oreal corporation
- Tower of London
- Ugg Australia, Mikimoto
- Skateistan
- Volkswagen group
- IDA, Lederne
- Forsvaret
- CBB mobile
- Son of a Tailor (scale-up)
Anders Heebøll-Nielsen
EPA, M. Sc. (Chem. Eng.), Ph.D., AWA Denmark
Background:
Anders is a chemical engineer and has a background in research in process biotechnology ranging from microfluidic devices to industrial-scale protein purification technology.
Since 2006 he worked as a patent attorney at AWA Denmark A/S.
You will meet me
Anders is a partner in the intellectual property (IP) discipline at the Danish Tech Challenge and GreenUP where he helps the participants with identifying relevant IP and planning for its protection.
Education
- M.Sc. in chemical engineering from the Technical University of Denmark (1998)
- Ph.D. in process biotechnology from the Technical University of Denmark (2002)
- Certified Danish Patent Agent, CDPA (2009)
European Qualifying Examination, EQE (2011)
Selected sector experience
- Chemistry
- Food & beverages
- Life sciences
- Manufacturing & process technology
- Materials technology & nanotech
- Polymer engineering
Selected industry experience
- AWA Denmark A/S
Ricki Boye
NJORD LAWFIRM
Background:
Ricki has experience working with startups both in- and outside DTU Science Park. He loves entrepreneurship, and all crazy ideas that come from being curious, openminded and interested in the world around us.
NJORD LAWFIRM is driven by experienced, highly specialized attorneys, and professionalism, insight and availability are guaranteed. In recent years, NJORD LAWFIRM has been a legal partner in DTU Science Park’s growth programs.
You will meet me:
I can assist you with your legal documents and challenges, such as shareholder agreements, employment contracts, investment documents, company structure, etc. I take pride in not making legal matters more complicated than they need to be, and no question is too small or too large – we will always do our best to help you.
Selected industry experience
- Nordea Private Banking, Wealth advisor
- Master of Laws, Copenhagen University
- Lett Law Firm (Corporate/M&A)
- Attorney, Partner – NJORD LAWFIRM