Board Education

 Anne has experience from board positions, founding, counselling, and mentoring startup companies at CBS and DTU. She is a Senior Manager with 20+ years of experience in leading innovation and commercial development. Anne’s experience with entrepreneurship includes startups, scale-ups, and large corporations, with focus on digitalization, innovation and learning. Anne co-founded DTU Board Education together with Jes Broeng and Thomas J. Howard.

Prior to joining DTU, Anne worked at Copenhagen Business School as Head of Business Relations and before that within FMCG and in consulting. Anne holds a Master in Learning and Change Management from the University of Aalborg, a DP in IT from Aarhus University, a B.Ed. and executive training from Copenhagen Business School and Henley Business School. Furthermore, she has published a book about E-learning.

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Jes Broeng is serial entrepreneur, professor and director of DTU Entrepreneurship. Born in Copenhagen. He has co-founded six companies and spent a total of 12 years in industry – mainly as technical director at executive level. He now serves on the board of several companies, including a venture capital firm (PreSeed Ventures). For the European Commission, he serves as an expert on innovation (EIC Expert Group) and for the Danish government, he is a member of the Danish Research and Innovation Council (DFiR).

Jes has a Ph.D. from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and spent longer research stays abroad, including invited professor at UC Berkeley. Jes has co-authored more than 250 scientific publications, one textbook and holds 22 patents. He is a Fellow of SPIE (the international society for optics and photonics) and a member of the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences. He was awarded the European Optics Prize in 1999 and DTU’s Innovation Award in 2016.

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Thomas is an Associate Professor in Engineering Design, with research specialization in Design for Quality and Robustness. In 2014 Thomas won the DTU Innovation prize for his approaches and teaching related to Technology Entrepreneurship and Open Innovation. Thomas is now the CTO of spin-out company MASH Biotech ApS and runs a large innovation network and ecosystem around technology entrepreneurship. In 2013 he became the youngest elected member of the Design Society Advisory Board and holds a position as visiting faculty at UC Berkeley and Distinguished chair at CETYS University.

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Danny Grydholt-Jantzen is Program Manager at DTU X-Tech, which is an accelerated learning program that combines engineering, business and marketing students with inventions, patents and technological needs from industry partners and DTU research. The result: a prototype, a business plan and an entrepreneurial team ready to explore a new business project. Danny’s great passion is helping startups and enterprising souls along the way. In addition, he is a DTU Board Education alumnus from team 1 and organizes the Digital Tech Summit’s Startup Community across 8 Danish universities and is deeply involved in expanding the ecosystems across silos.

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Francesco is Associate Professor in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation at DTU Entrepreneurship. He conducts research and education on entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development to understand how entrepreneurship and innovation can contribute to provide solutions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Francesco’s research has been awarded with the 2020 Tietgen Award, and he is a recipient of a Carlsberg Foundation Young Researcher Fellowship. He teaches courses on strategy, entrepreneurship and corporate sustainability at Master and Executive level. He also serves as advisor for a number of sustainability-oriented start-ups and organizations.

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VOLA manufactures taps designed by Arne Jacobsen a.o. As Sales and Marketing Director Birthe Tofting has made the long journey with the company from being a SME to become an group of 10 international sales subsidiaries which she manages as Director in the companies. From the very beginning Birthe Tofting has managed the VOLA brand and design and developed it into a prize-winning brand and design that is recognized in architect and design communities worldwide. Birthe Tofting has strategic and hands-on experience in international sales, marketing, organizational development and establishment of international subsidiaries. Since 2006 Birthe Tofting has served as Board member in several companies, currently E V Metalværk A/S and CRECEA A/S. Birthe Tofting graduated from BSS, Aarhus University and has worked as external examiner at Danish universities for more than 10 years.

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Bjarne Schøn is serial entrepreneur, passionate innovator and board member with over 30 years experience from multiple industries. He has built both “traditional” startups and corporate startups in companies like Microsoft, Nilfisk and Hasbro. One of his startups became a global market leader in just 4½ years while one of his corporate startups led to a business review w. Bill Gates.
Bjarne has been on the board of 15+ companies in DK, SW, IS and USA. Today he has the company DiTra where he provides sparring to executives and helps companies with their digital transformation. He is also Industry Fellow at DTU Entrepreneurship and DeepTech mentor at DTU Science Park where he has helped 50-60 startups over the years. He holds 7 patents and was in 2005 awarded “Rising Star” by a leading Danish business paper and head-hunting company.

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Christel Piron is a VC investor, Co-founder and General Partner of PSV Tech Fund 1. Since 2017, Christel has been the CEO of PreSeed Ventures (PSV) and have headed the transformation and rebranding of PSV, including the launch of the very successful Startup School PreSeed Academy.

She has taken PreSeed Ventures through a change of business model going from the venture partner for the Danish Government to a full commercial early-stage fund and has been instrumental for the new and strengthened position, that PreSeed Ventures now has in the ecosystem surrounding Danish startups. The track record of PreSeed Ventures includes successful companies such as Vivino, Glycom, Lunar, Trustpilot and many more – companies that PreSeed Ventures have taken from the earliest most fragile stages to their next crucial rounds of funding.

Innovation, strategic business development, investments and cooperation with entrepreneurs have been key words throughout most of Christels professional career.

She was the CEO of Pharmavie, an innovation and venture capital company for 12 years, focusing on developing new business areas, products, and concepts in the life science industry. During this period, she successfully built, bought and exited a number of companies in Scandinavia.

After Pharmavie, Christel was the director of PwC’s department for Strategic Development, where she has been developing and integrating new strategies and business development tools in +30 companies across different industries – all facing challenges with current business model and/or strategy – i.e. digital challenges.

Christel is a strong believer of the value driving impact of board work. A belief deeply rooted in her own broad experience as a member and chairman of more than 25 boards throughout Scandinavia, where she has contributed with her extensive financial, M&A and business development knowledge. Christel have been a keynote speaker on the topic; value adding board work for many years, a mentor for women seeking a board career and presently serves as a censor on the Board Education from Aarhus University.

Christel holds a MSc in Business administration from CBS and several board educations.

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Erik has over 30 years of leadership experience, specializing in strategic stakeholder management and fostering innovative solutions. With a background spanning public and private sectors, Erik excels in strategic leadership, organizational development, and securing substantial funding for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). His role as a transition broker sees him forging collaborations across academia, industry, startups, and policymakers, driving impactful change.

Erik’s personal attributes include attentiveness, integrity, and strategic thinking, enhancing his effectiveness in board roles. His extensive board experience reflects his commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth across sectors. Erik’s continuous education in governance ensures he remains at the forefront of best practices.

Outside work, Erik enjoys an active lifestyle, participating in activities like road biking and skiing. Testimonials from colleagues affirm Erik’s invaluable contributions to organizations, highlighting his role as a trusted leader and collaborator in driving transformative initiatives.

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Hanne Breddam is a board member, advisor and investor with global experience. She is a Chair and board member in startups, SMVs and other organizations. Hanne was founding partner & CEO in BusinessMinds a Data & Analytics consultancy firm with international footprint, partner in QVARTZ Analytics and Expert Principal in Bain & Co. Hanne holds a MSc in Computer Science & a BSc in Economics. She completed the DTU Board Education in June 2021 and has since started in numerous board positions.

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Venture Capital professional, with a background from co-founder of successful scale up GlobalConnect A/S, Business Angel track record, and Corporate Intrapreneurship at eBay Europe.

He received his MBA in Finance & Entrepreneurship from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, where he studied on a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship. He is an External Lecturer and Industry Fellow at DTU, Technical University of Denmark.

He has served as Investment Manager at Vækstfonden and Capnova. Prior to this he helped commercialize spinouts from DTU, Technical University of Denmark. He has considerable managerial experience, having held numerous board seats throughout his career.

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Kurt is a visionary technology executive with a knack for fostering innovation and driving growth. With a proven track record in building international B2B relationships and leading transformative initiatives, he brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Kurt has held key leadership positions, including as a Non-executive Director guiding companies through successful mergers. His expertise as a CIO overseeing large IT departments has earned him recognition as Denmark’s top CIO in 2015. Beyond corporate roles, Kurt chairs boards in research and education institutions, focusing on cybersecurity and AI initiatives.

He’s also deeply involved in coaching, consulting, and educational endeavors, impacting industries from EdTech to social services. Kurt’s recent projects, such as the EdTech Learning Center and national research infrastructure, highlight his commitment to driving meaningful change through strategic collaborations and innovative funding approaches.

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Lasse is a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with a rich background spanning diverse industries, from Beauty and Fashion to Healthtech and Cleantech. With over a decade of experience, he has excelled in venture building, fundraising, and strategic advisory roles, demonstrating a keen ability to drive results and foster entrepreneurial success.

As a trusted advisor and preferred CFO Consultant for Working Founders, Lasse leverages his extensive hands-on experience to support startups and growth companies. He is also a seasoned trainer in various fields, including Coaching, Leadership, and Negotiation, empowering others to excel.

With an “Education First” approach, Lasse equips his clients with financial knowledge and insights, simplifying complex financial planning to facilitate informed decision-making. As a partner in PL Ventures, he invests in initiatives aimed at promoting equality of opportunity and making a positive impact on the world.

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Martin Stenfeldt is an acclaimed Life Science entrepreneur renowned for his commercial acumen and global impact. As the Co-founder and former CEO of MedTrace Pharma A/S, Martin orchestrated remarkable achievements, including raising DKK 260 million (€35 million) with a substantial non-dilutive portion. Under his leadership, MedTrace Pharma expanded its team to 45 Full-Time Employees (FTEs), achieving diversity with 50% women and 40% foreign passport holders. Martin’s strategic vision propelled the company into Phase III clinical trials, securing CE marking and establishing a US subsidiary for international expansion.

With a decade of experience in the medical devices sector across the US and Germany, Martin brings invaluable insights to his role as a commercial pathfinder and fundraising expert. He continues to contribute to the life sciences arena through mentoring, consulting, and as an author, shaping the future of innovative startups worldwide.

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Michael Kai Petersen, an External Lecturer at DTU Centre for Technology Entrepreneurship, possesses over 30 years of engineering experience. His focus lies in creating scalable startups harnessing generative AI’s potential. Michael has pioneered initiatives such as augmentedhearing.io and aethena.ai, merging machine learning with user experience for cognitive interfaces. Collaborating with industry giants like Demant, Lego, and Sony, he’s made a significant impact.

Michael’s mentorship, supervision, and involvement in industry collaborations reflect his commitment to fostering tech leaders. Backed by funding from Innovation Fund Denmark and PreSeed Ventures, his ventures exemplify innovation and impact in the tech entrepreneurship landscape. 

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Michael Stadi worked in the financial and energy sectors before leading SMEs and advising start-up ventures. He has spent 13 years working in banking and financial markets in Copenhagen, Stockholm and London, before managing and establishing greenfield operations within the energy sector in Denmark. In 2007, Michael co-founded and listed the world’s first long only carbon fund: KlimaInvest A/S on the NASDAQ OMX Exchange. In 2008, Michael joined solar company Gaia Solar as CEO. After securing growth capital, Michael was responsible for 25-doubling turnover between 2008 and 2012 and was awarded “Growth Gazelle” by Børsen for four consecutive years. In 2012, Michael was  nominated for the E&Y – Entrepreneur of the Year award. Prior to joining and listing FOM Technologies, Michael was CEO for the Luxury and Apparel brand at Kopenhagen Fur and responsible for strategy and business development. Michael has served as a board member of several start-up companies.

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Mikkel Naesager is a successful tech entrepreneur and strategic advisor with a knack for navigating the complexities of digital landscapes. With over 15 years of experience, Mikkel has successfully founded and exited two companies, leveraging future trends and digital business models to drive success. His expertise extends to advising over 100 enterprises on data, AI, and digital platform strategies, with a global clientele served from locations including the USA, Dubai, and his native Denmark.

At DTU Mikkel works as a Resident Industry Fellow at the Centre for Technology Entrepreneurship, Mikkel imparts his wealth of knowledge to students and industry professionals alike. His focus on futurism, strategic foresight, and digital value chains enables him to accelerate the adoption of future technologies and guide entrepreneurial ventures towards success..

From keynote speaking on several programs, including Board Education to coaching and board work, Mikkel’s skills and extensive experience make him a valuable asset in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Nicklas has 25 years of diverse experience in international business, and stands as a seasoned expert in maritime, logistics, and global trade. Half of his career was dedicated to corporate leadership within A.P. Møller Maersk, where he directed commercial business units and spearheaded strategic initiatives as Director of the Strategy Office and Managing Director of Operations.

The other half of his career saw Nicklas venture into entrepreneurship, founding tech startups and partnering with innovation businesses like RAINMAKING. His recent role as founder and General Partner of a venture capital firm underscores his commitment to fostering innovation and growth.

Nicklas’s focus on digital business models and energy transition aligns with his groundbreaking work in emission reduction projects within the shipping industry. Leveraging his extensive experience, he guides startups, corporations, and investors towards collaborative success, bridging the gap between different stakeholders for mutual value.

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Nickie is a Managing Partner in Boardmeter ApS. Her experience comes from roles at executive levels in international companies, from business development, Board of Director- and advisory board roles, management consulting and program management in foundations. Boardmeter is a startup providing Board Evaluation services to Boards of Directors. Nickie has solid business understanding, international experience and is a strong relation builder with a broad network.

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Niels Korsholm is a firm believer in every industry being prone to radical innovation and accelerated transformation. Niels has previously acted as CEO and Group Head of Consulting in Devoteam Group SA, and he has comprehensive experience with developing growth companies from not only notable C-level roles but also Founder, Business Angels and Chairman positions. Currently, Niels is Chairman of the board in DTU Science Park A/S and PreSeed Ventures A/S in addition to serving in board roles in numerous growth companies, scaleup companies, and startup companies, and he dedicates much of his time to actively contributing to the Danish startup ecosystem.

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Per Thau brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience to the table, having served as CEO/CXO in prominent companies like Coop, Dagrofa, and Unilever, alongside a substantial tenure in board positions across the retail and consumer goods sector. With a proven track record in driving growth, transformation, and turnarounds, Per excels in navigating complex and dynamic business landscapes. His portfolio career reflects a deep engagement with various companies, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. 

Per’s expertise lies in crafting customer-centric strategies that produce commercial and operational advantages, complemented by his Proficiency in enhancing efficiencies, optimizing supply chains, and managing global complexities. Furthermore, his experience extends to ESG strategies, M&A activities, and strategic IT transformations, showcasing a holistic approach to organizational success. 

In addition to his profound impact on Nordic retail and consumer goods, Per’s diverse sectoral experience underscores his comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics, further enriching his strategic insights and leadership acumen. 

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Rikke has spent most of her professional life working with digital entrepreneurs in medicine and media as CEO and Editor in Chief of Netdoktor and Dagens Medicin. She is originally an educated doctor and journalist. She has been owner of Netdoktor in Denmark and knows the M&A process from both sites of the table. She also knows the board work and duties as both CEO and member of the board having been part of boards in Berlingske Media and Bonnier Healthcare when they acquired Netdoktor.

As of today Rikke runs her own business as consultant working with strategic development and communication in all aspects of healthcare with a special interest for leadership and digital healthcare. She is member of the board at the publishing company FADL’S Forlag, which originally mainly published textbooks for medical students but today covers the healthcare sector in general. 

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Shomit Ghose is a long-time Silicon Valley start-up entrepreneur and investor.  He has been part of multiple successful exits both as an entrepreneur and as a venture capitalist, and has served on many startup boards of directors. Shomit is a Lecturer at UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco’s School of Management, and serves as entrepreneurial advisor to the University of California – Riverside.

Shomit’s data-centric vision of the future has helped lead ONSET’s investments in software. Prior to entering venture capital, he was a startup software entrepreneur for 19 years. Shomit’s startup roles included three highly successful IPOs as SVP of Operations at Tumbleweed Communications; VP of Worldwide Services at BroadVision; and software engineer at Sun Microsystems. He was also CEO and board member of ONSET portfolio company, Truviso, for two years leading to its acquisition by Cisco Systems.

Since 2001, Shomit has represented ONSET on the boards of Adara, HyperGrid, Imanis Data, Pancetera (acquired by Quantum), Polymorph, Truviso, Vidder and Vindicia (acquired by Amdocs.)

At the age of 15, Shomit was awarded two academic scholarships to the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. He serves on the advisory boards of UC Berkeley College of Engineering’s Sutardja Center, Innovation Center Denmark’s ScaleIT program, and the Lundbeck Foundation Clinical Research Fellowship Program.

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Tommy Andersen is Managing Partner at byFounders, an early-stage venture fund investing in the next generation of globally minded technology- and impact startups. byFounders is backed by a large group of accomplished entrepreneurs and strive to be the preferred choice for early-stage VC funding.

Prior to his work at byFounders Tommy was an ambitious serial tech entrepreneur and have successfully co-founded and exited three companies, including Libratone and Embedit, as well as built an extensive portfolio of angel investments individually and as part of the angel collective Nordic Makers.

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Torben Andersen brings a wealth of commercial leadership experience from the software industry, spanning Europe and the US. With a 15-year tenure in global tech companies, 15 years in both local and international scale-ups, as well as recent co-founder experience from his own startup, Torben possesses a unique blend of expertise in incubation projects, market expansion, and business scaling. His accomplishments include spearheading incubation initiatives at Microsoft, launching new product and services categories and venturing into untapped geographies and partner segments.

Torben’s advisory roles have been instrumental in guiding numerous startups through their scaling journey, leveraging his proficiency in areas like software, SaaS, and commercial strategy. Known for his energy and creative problem-solving, Torben excels in setting strategic direction, business development and coaching, making him a sought-after advisor, mentor, and board member for scale-ups and startups alike. His current and past board positions underscore his commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the tech and GreenTech sectors.

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