Growth Zones: From finance to community – A co-working space where food plays a central role

Adam Feil
February 2, 2024

Adam Feil

@Adam

This post is also available in: Danish

In northern Aarhus, Morten and Søren Soltveit, Claus Methmann Christensen, and Thomas Jensen have transformed a previously abandoned data center into POP2, a vibrant epicenter of innovation. The name, which may seem enigmatic at first glance, is simply taken from the address of the place: P. O. Pedersens Vej 2. This simple and uncomplicated approach has proven to be very popular.

After selling their fintech companies, Quickpay and Clearhaus, these four entrepreneurs transformed it into a dynamic co-working space. It now houses over 20 companies, including fintech startups and other tech-based companies such as Anyday, Eio Energi, Jysk Energi, Hakio, MyMedCards, Safty, Vibrant, and a branch of Copenhagen Fintech.

In total, POP2 has over 20 businesses, with more moving in as the renovations are completed.

What makes POP2 unique is not just its impressive size or the successful companies it houses, but its canteen – or rather restaurant – which is at the center of its culture and innovation.

“To call it a canteen is almost an insult,” Morten Soltveit tells Techsavvy.media.

– The venue has employed chefs to create meals that rival restaurants, and it is this dining experience that acts as the focal point and foundation for the unique environment that has been created here on site.

The culinary philosophy symbolizes the essence of POP2: a place where differences meet and disappear over a meal.

“When we sit and eat, we are all just people. It’s in these moments that ideas are born and collaborations begin. The simple and uncomplicated approach has attracted a diverse range of companies that prove that the workplace of the future not only drives business growth, but also innovation and collaboration through something as fundamental as food,” Morten says and elaborates:

“Right here, we are people first. The human relationships emphasize the importance of the connections that are at the heart of innovation and growth.”

POP2 is growing as the renovation of the data center progresses, and many more people are expected to come out and participate in the special food experiences.

Fact box: About the building P. O. Pedersens Vej 2

POP2 is an abbreviation for P. O. Pedersens Vej 2.
The first building was built in 1975 by Kommunedata and became known as Kommunedata’s Hospital Data Center in Skejby.
In 1988, a larger extension was built. The extension was designed by architects Friis & Moltke.
Kommunedata renamed the Hospital Data Center ScandiHealth and sold the company to CSC in 2000.
CSC was housed at the address until 2020.
POP2 is 9,000 m2 in total and can house 400-500 employees in total.