Startups and mentors flocked to Venture Cup’s speed matching event at CBS last week on Thursday. Not too dissimilar to a speed dating event – but with less cologne – the participants were keen to find their ideal match.
“We have an Iphone and Android app now – it’s been growing really fast! We’re looking for a kick-ass mentor: someone who has experience in running a global business,” said Stian Haanes (left) from Too Good To Go, along with Adam Papalia Sigbrand (centre) and Klaus Bagge Pedersen (right)
Cycle Savers is another startup-to-watch. Co-founder Tobias Gebetsberger explained the business concept: “If you have a problem with your bicycle, you can use our application and order a freelance mechanic. We are here to find a mentor: someone who can help us with scaling up the project.”
Twenty-seven different startups participated in the quick-fire pitches, all optimistic that their snappy rhetoric would nab them a Danish Alan Sugar. Hopeful ventures included Match My Thesis, Billetfix, Planet Local and Music Stories
“It’s really interesting how the startup scene has developed in Copenhagen over the last five to ten years,” enthused Thomas Ebdrup, a mentor from Operate, a strategic communications company based in Norrebro. “We are seeing more foreigners coming here because they find it is a good environment in which to start a company. There is a big community … an open culture of helping each other, and there also seems to be a lot of capital available.”
Solveig Felbo from Rahandel says she is hoping to find a mentor with experience in the food industry:“ There are a lot of food startups here that I am surprised about – I’ve already spoken to one guy, previously a venture capitalist, who has given me some really good feedback.”
