What I learned from visiting the startup ecosystem in Denmark

I took part in a delegation to Denmark last September, mainly to attend the TechBBQ event. This delegation, organized by LOJIQ(thank you!), brought together a dozen people representing entrepreneurship support organizations and fourstartup founders.

During this experience, I forged bonds, but I also discovered that my initial perception of the country was somewhat different from reality, especially in terms of the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Discovering a complex and inspiring country

Denmark turned out to be a more complex and nuanced place than we had imagined. This initial lesson prompted us to explore the country further. "We" refers to Guillaume Campeau and Théo Corboliou from La base entrepreneuriale HEC Montréal, Olivier Rivas, then manager atMontréal International, Anabelle Dagenais from theJeune chambre de commerce de Montréal(JCCM), Claire Bardin, also a member of the JCCM and founder ofBoréalie, as well as three entrepreneurs from La base: Charles Couture, founder ofOff The Grid, Cindy Vaucher, co-founder ofRetournzy, andDahlia Jiwan, co-founderof Élance.

One of Denmark's most striking features is its education system. Following numerous discussions with local people, we were impressed by how this system encourages the learning of values relevant to entrepreneurial ventures from an early age, with a particular emphasis on self-confidence and the culture of failure. Young Danes are encouraged to take risks and even to pursue the path that they feel is right for them. This encouragement allows them to learn from their mistakes, which promotes the development of essential skills.

Denmark also stands out for its approach of support rather than imposition. Unlike some cultures, the country does not seek to dictate children's career choices, but rather to support them in their decisions. This philosophy creates an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Despite its status as one of the happiest countries in the world, we found that this notion of happiness does not necessarily translate into a happier experience for entrepreneurs. The structures and challenges they face, such as managing work time and mental health, are often similar to those in other regions.

a visit packed with encounters on thestartup ecosystem

The Danish entrepreneurial ecosystem has specific strengths in design and sustainable development. Instead of trying to create startupsin all fields, Denmark is leveraging these strengths to set itself apart.

One notable trend we have observed is that the country is placing a strong emphasis on leveraging key data about its economy. They have gained a clear understanding of the number of startupsin their ecosystem, which they have divided into clear verticals, all orchestrated by Digital Hub Denmark, which has also worked extensively in the GovTech sector. This digitization of data thus offers new opportunities for startups and innovative companies.

However, there are challenges, particularly with regard to diversity. It can be difficult to achieve true diversity within the Danish ecosystem, and foreign companies may also encounter obstacles when seeking to integrate.

During our stay, we met with various players in the ecosystem, including the French-Danish Chamber of Commerce and the Danish Startup Group, which is an organization made up of volunteers who are building a strong entrepreneurial community.

What's more, we were there to witness the event TechBBQ, the central event of the Scandinavian startup ecosystem. In addition to finally finding a real BBQ on site, I remember very interesting conferences and numerous networking activities. In particular, I attended a panel discussion on creating networks between universities to facilitate the exploitation of intellectual property.

Another particularly powerful moment was the pitch competition, where we witnessed apitch that kept us on the edge of our seats from start to finish and the victory of a young Ukrainian entrepreneur who presented his solution for locating landmines. It reminded us that war in Europe is not so far away!

the value of being in a group to discover

What was particularly rewarding as a member of this delegation was the cohort effect. Sharing the same hotel, meals, and lunches strengthened our understanding of the motivations of each organization present. This allowed us to develop strong ties with local stakeholders, facilitating our conversations with organizations and startups, particularly those accompanying us. The three founders of the delegation had distinct objectives ranging from prospecting for clients to comparing diversity and equity initiatives, including from a sustainable development perspective.

In short, our experience in Denmark allowed us to challenge our preconceived notions, explore the unique characteristics of the Danish entrepreneurial ecosystem, and forge valuable connections with local stakeholders. This experience enriched my understanding of various aspects necessary for developing a startupecosystem and opened up new perspectives for our own initiatives in Quebec.