Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley

What an incredible journey it’s been. Last week we concluded our Health Tech Accelerator program, packed with incredible experiences and opportunities. Over the course of last week, our ten Danish startups had the chance to meet with industry leaders, take part in key industry events, and visit innovative organizations. These visits provided a deeper understanding of the important work being done in health tech. The week has been a testament to the transformative potential of health technology, and we can’t wait to see where these startups will go in their journeys going forward! ??

Last Friday marked the conclusion of our Health Tech Accelerator. A week packed with inspiration, innovation, and invaluable connections for 10 Danish startups exploring Silicon Valley. The week featured workshops on navigating U.S. healthcare, personalized pitch coaching, and networking with top investors, giving our founders key insights on scaling into the U.S. market. The group participated in Plug and Play Tech Center's November Summit, where we saw excitement and interest for health technologies and our startups connected with both investors and peers to propel their solutions forward. Our Senior Advisor Jon Therkildsen, who, together with our team guided the startups through Silicon Valley highlights two key principles: ?? Everything is about storytelling and being supercharged. These ideas underscore a contrast I often see between Scandinavia and the U.S. - seemingly simple, yet they permeate the Bay Area. Pitch decks, small talks, business development, deal-making… everything. Our excellent group of Danish Health Tech Startups took this to heart, for sure. Thank you to everyone who contributed, including our invaluable network of Silicon Valley advisors, investors, and partners. We look forward to following these startups and seeing their solutions make a positive impact on more lives!

This Tuesday, our Health Tech Accelerator startups took the stage at the residence of Consul General and CEO of Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley, Jesper Kamp, for an evening of pitches and networking! ?? In his welcome speech, Science Consul Allan Sk?rup Kristensen, Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet's Head of Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley, reflected on Denmark's health care system. Allan spoke about the pressing need to deliver high-quality health services with fewer health care employees in the future and emphasized the critical role of innovation in tackling these challenges. He also highlighted the vast opportunities for Danish startups in Silicon Valley, setting the scene for the night. Shiva Amiri from Pivotal Life Sciences gave an exciting keynote presenting the tremendous potential in making a difference in the life of patients and health care professionals by developing new technologies. Under sparkling stars, the 10 Danish startups pitched their products and visions to leading investors and professionals in Silicon Valley’s health and life sciences ecosystem. After the pitches, the venue buzzed with conversations between startup founders, local investors, and industry experts. We loved witnessing the passion and many new connections made. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this night special ?

When launching a product, it's essential to look beyond your home market ?? While achieving local success can be a solid starting point for some entrepreneurs, ambitious founders should adopt an international mindset from the beginning. Being "born global" might not be feasible for every startup, but preparing for global expansion should be part of your foundational strategy. Here’s why: 1. Many startups overlook the vast opportunities that exist beyond their local borders. By designing a product with international appeal, you can tap into new customer bases and diversify your revenue streams. 2. Building a product with scalability in mind allows for easier modifications based on different market needs. Think about localization from the start - this could mean language, cultural preferences, or regulatory compliance. 3. Companies that think globally often have a leg up on competitors only focused on their local markets. Also, investors are often more interested in startups with a clear vision for growth. Showcasing your readiness to scale can enhance your appeal to potential investors looking for high-impact ventures. To learn how some of the world’s best entrepreneurs addressed this as they started, we recommend listening to the podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz. The podcast zooms in on what it has taken to build some of the world’s biggest global brands. ___________ In collaboration with our Senior Advisor in Entrepreneurship, Daiana Fobian Nielsen Davis, we’ve developed this series to unveil some of the traits shared by successful entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more insights!

Denmark sets bold course with a new 10-Year Space Strategy ?? On Monday, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Research Christina Egelund, Minister for Business Morten B?dskov, and astronaut Andreas Mogensen unveiled Denmark's ambitious new 10-Year Space Strategy. This initiative, which doubles Denmark’s voluntary contributions to the European Space Agency - ESA, is designed to advance space research, foster innovation, and strengthen Denmark’s position on the global space stage. The strategy lays the groundwork for exciting initiatives, including: - Funding up to four national space missions over the next decade, such as the Máni mission, which aims to provide the most detailed mapping of the Moon’s surface to date. - Supporting sustainability and security goals through space technology, benefiting Denmark’s climate and defense efforts. - Boosting commercialization of space research with initiatives like ESA's Business Incubation Center Denmark, expected to foster over 100 new Danish space startups. Science Consul Allan Sk?rup Kristensen, Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet's Head of Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley, shared: "Denmark’s increased commitment to space underscores how small nations can play a significant role in solving big challenges. This strategy not only reinforces our capabilities in science and innovation but also creates new opportunities for Danish startups in the global space economy.” Denmark's space sector has come a long way since launching the ?rsted satellite 25 years ago. Now, with this enhanced investment, Denmark aims to harness the full potential of space exploration to drive solutions for both Earth and beyond.

Yesterday, we officially kicked off our Health Tech Accelerator with 10 promising Danish health tech startups here in Silicon Valley! ?? We started the day at Plug and Play Tech Center, where Senior Program Manager Elina Gorji Gojri welcomed us with a tour and an introduction to the history of one of the world’s largest venture capital firms. Partner Sobhan Khani provided an in-depth look into the venture ecosystem, while health tech investors Julianne Roseman and Laura Soto Polo shared valuable advice on opening doors for investment. To wrap up the day, Corporate Storyteller Donna Griffit delivered actionable insights on how founders can refine their pitches to make them memorable and impactful. ?? Here's a few key takeaways from the day: - The health tech sector offers immense promise from an investor's perspective, with growing market demand driven by aging populations and increasing chronic diseases. - When pitching to investors, be sure to communicate your long-term vision and present a development roadmap that extends beyond just six months. - Ask for investment sums large enough to support ongoing development rather than staying stuck in constant fundraising mode. - Be human, relatable, and tell captivating stories about your product—this is what will make you stand out and stay memorable. After a strong start, we’re eager for what’s ahead this week, including more inspiring sessions and opportunities to pitch and connect with investors during a networking event and Plug and Play Tech Center’s November Summit on Wednesday and Thursday. ?? Want to follow along on this journey? Head over to Instagram @icdk_siliconvalley, where we’re sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the accelerator!

Denmark signs the Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration ?? ? Last week, Denmark officially joined the Artemis Accords - a global agreement focused on responsible, peaceful, and collaborative space exploration. ? In a ceremony in Copenhagen, Danish Minister for Higher Education and Research, Christina Egelund, signed on behalf of the Danish government, making Denmark the 48th nation to commit to these principles. ? “With the Artemis program, the United States is leading the way back to the moon, and Denmark wants to strengthen the strategic partnership with the United States and other partners for the benefit of both science and industry,” said Christina Egelund.? ? This step reflects Denmark’s longstanding contributions to space, both with NASA and the European Space Agency, and strengthens the close U.S. - Denmark partnership. The Artemis Accords, launched by the United States and seven other countries in 2020, set out principles to guide sustainable, civil space activities for all of humanity. ? With this new chapter, Denmark joins a global community dedicated to exploring space responsibly, and we look forward to continuously contributing to strengthening Denmark’s space efforts.

This Wednesday, we hosted a Networking Event at the residence of Consul General and CEO of Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley, Jesper Kamp, to mark the 5th anniversary of the International Bioinnovation Program. Science Consul Allan Sk?rup Kristensen, Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet's Head of Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley, shared insights into the program’s purpose – fostering impactful research and supporting the path from idea to market. We’re proud to support talented students on the journey to develop their skillset and create valuable solutions. The evening was a chance for startups, current scholars, and Advisory Board members to connect, share, and discuss future opportunities for collaboration across biotech and life sciences. In the spirit of Silicon Valley, the evening also featured exciting startup pitches that clearly showcased the ambition and creativity that flow when Danish and Californian innovators come together. Thank you to all who joined us for a fantastic evening??? The International Bioinnovation Program is generously funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, providing students in Denmark with an opportunity to learn and develop while working at a Silicon Valley based biotech startup.

You’re invited to Health Tech Pitch Night next Tuesday! ? Discover Danish health tech innovation with us Tuesday, November 19, in Menlo Park! Hosted by Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley at the private residence of Consul General Jesper Kamp, this event is part of our Health Tech Accelerator program. 10 Danish startups will each deliver two-minute pitches, showcasing their unique solutions in health tech and life sciences. Network with investors, partners, and industry professionals in a setting designed to spark connections and innovation. Join us for an evening filled with new ideas, great food, and drinks. ?? Menlo Park ??? Tuesday, November 19 ? Check-in at 5:00 PM Sign up: https://lnkd.in/dvWw4hDN For questions, please connect with Jon Therkildsen, Jonas Samland, or Adam Dam.

A common mistake entrepreneurs make is sending out pitch decks randomly to venture capitalists (VCs) without fully understanding how the investment process works ?? This can lead to significant repercussions - if VCs determine that a startup lacks potential for investment, it may negatively impact future opportunities with them. Understanding the VC market is crucial. Research by CB Insights indicates that approximately 70% of startups fail, often due to a lack of market understanding, product-market fit, and ineffective pitching strategies. ?? To maximize your chances of success, consider: 1. Not all VCs are the same. Understand their investment focus, preferred industries, and portfolio companies. Tailoring your pitch to align with their interests and sending it to the right VCs can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed. 2. A well-crafted pitch deck is essential for making a strong impression. Ensure it clearly communicates your business model, market opportunity, financial projections, and unique value proposition. Aim for clarity and conciseness to engage your audience. 3. Seek professional advice and don’t navigate this process alone. Consulting people with experience in fundraising can provide invaluable insights and help refine your approach before you reach out to VCs. By taking these steps, you can improve your chances of securing the funding you need while avoiding potential pitfalls in the VC landscape. To get the best advice on how to navigate your pitches, we recommend to check out the podcast The Pitch hosted by Josh Muccio. This podcast will teach you how entrepreneurs sell their ideas and break through. ___________ In collaboration with our Senior Advisor in Entrepreneurship, Daiana Fobian Nielsen Davis, we’ve developed this series to unveil some of the traits shared by successful entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more insights!