New fund aims to secure Denmark’s future position as Europe’s robotics capital

This post is also available in: Danish

In recent years, Odense’s unique robotics, automation and drone technology ecosystem has proved to be one of Denmark’s biggest business success stories in modern times. But if the ascent is to continue, entrepreneurs need (even) better opportunities in the future.

That is why a number of robotics companies and CEOs, influential investors and commercial funds in collaboration with Odense Robotics have established the Odense Robotics StartUp Fund – a commercial fund to help ambitious robot and drone entrepreneurs succeed.

“We want to lay the foundation for Danish robot successes for the many years to come. The idea is to have those who helped put Denmark on the world map as a robot nation help get the next generation of startups on their way,” explains Mikkel Christoffersen, Startup Partner at Odense Robotics.

Therefore, the fund supports talented, dedicated teams solving critical problems with robotics and drone technology by helping them over 1-2 years until they are ready for a larger pre-seed or seed investment round.

“It’s hard to create new products. That’s why it’s important that a startup builds a valuable business with substance before they get their first external investments. That is the journey they are on while working with us,” says Mikkel Christoffersen.

Over the next six years, the fund will select at least 30 robot and drone startups that will have access to loan capital, unique robotics knowledge from experts, and an international incubation environment at the Danish Technological Institute to develop their product and business. In addition, some of the founders will act as mentors for the entrepreneurs.

“We need to keep an eye on the food chain of new startups continuously. It is essential for the ecosystem in Denmark that we continue to be the best place to run robot and drone companies in Europe,” says Mikkel Christoffersen.

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Odense Robotics StartUp Fund

• The foundation has raised DKK 18.4 million in donations from key professionals from Denmark’s biggest robot success stories.
• The goal is to invest in at least 30 startups over the next six years. The returns will be reinvested in new startups.
• The selected companies will have access to a world-leading incubation environment, mentors, guidance, and facilities for product and business development. 
• To learn more, visit https://robotstartupfund.dk