The Danish startup landscape is more dynamic than ever. Whether you are a first-time founder, a seasoned investor, or a student with a “wild idea,” knowing where to turn for support is half the battle.
This week, the ecosystem got a significant clarity boost as Heyfunding released their updated 2026 map of the Danish startup ecosystem. With approximately 500 private and public initiatives categorized into 20 distinct areas—ranging from “Soft Funding” to “Incubators & Accelerators”—this infographic is the gold standard for navigating the Danish landscape.
A Diverse and Growing Landscape
Heyfunding’s latest mapping reveals a highly specialized ecosystem. The 20 categories identified help founders find exactly what they need, including:
- Funding Pathways: Seed & Venture Capital, Soft Funding, and Business Angel (BA) Networks.
- Support Structures: Coworking Spaces, Science & Technology Parks, and National Clusters.
- Specialized Initiatives: Targeted support for Female Founders and Student Entrepreneurship.
You can read the full overview and download the high-resolution poster for free here.
The Distinct Role of Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
As a business university, Copenhagen Business School (CBS) plays a complementary and vital role in this ecosystem. While technical and life-science universities focus on the “what,” CBS often focuses on the “how”—turning breakthrough ideas into viable, scalable businesses.
The impact of CBS and its Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship (CSE) on the Danish startup scene is backed by some truly impressive numbers:
- The Funding Pipeline: 25% of all Denmark’s VC-funded founders studied at CBS.
- Global Recognition: According to PitchBook, CBS ranks among Europe’s top five universities based on the amount of venture capital funding secured by its alumni.
- High Engagement: One in every 12 CBS students goes on to found a company. Currently, the pipeline includes over 630 active founders across more than 450 startups.
- Structured Success: Through the CSE, 10-16% of students engage annually with founder-facing programs like Founder to Leader and Commercial Co-Founder.
CBS doesn’t work in a vacuum; it collaborates across the Nordics on programs like the recently launched Nordic Fintech Center, ensuring that Danish innovators have access to international networks and funding opportunities.
Resources to Jumpstart Your Journey
In addition to the ecosystem map, Heyfunding provides a suite of tools to help you scale in 2026:
- Funding Matchmaking: Try the free matchmaking function on Heyfunding.dk.
- The Heyfunding Grant: Apply for the “Heyfunding Legatet” and potentially win 25,000 DKK.
- 2026 Funding Guide: Read the updated Guide to Startup Funding in Denmark 2026.
- Pitch Deck Assistance: Master your presentation with their Pitch Deck Guide.
🔍 Curious about the opportunities at CBS and CSE? Visit https://cse.cbs.dk/ to explore learning pathways and alumni initiatives.
The Danish ecosystem is a dynamic machine, and with the right map and the right education, your startup could be the next major milestone in the 2026 landscape.
