TechBBQ 2023: The Catalyst for Nordic Tech Evolution

Copenhagen, the vibrant heart of Denmark, is gearing up for the much-anticipated TechBBQ that takes place on September 13th and 14th. As Scandinavia’s paramount startup conference, this year’s iteration holds a special significance. Not only has TechBBQ recently secured a substantial €4 million (approximately $4.7 million USD) in funding, but it also brings to the Starlight Stage two stalwarts of the tech world after a significant hiatus: Jordan French and Christian Jepsen, Partner at Heartcore Capital.

Taking place from 13:05 to 13:25 CEST, this 20-minute dialogue is poised to be one of the highlights of the event. For Jordan French, it marks a fourth rendezvous with TechBBQ, while Jepsen, representing Denmark’s early stage investment fund powerhouse, Heartcore Capital, adds gravitas to the conversation.

TechBBQ’s recent financial boost isn’t just a testament to its rising significance in the European tech landscape, but it also underscores Denmark’s growing prominence as a global entrepreneurial nexus. With contributions from major players such as The Danish Industry Foundation, The Novo Nordisk Foundation, Realdania, The Danish Board of Business Development, HSBC Innovation Banking, and the Copenhagen Municipality, the amassed capital showcases a shared vision of elevating Denmark and the broader Nordic region into a global entrepreneurial and innovation hotspot.

Benjamin Rej Notlev, CCO & CIO at TechBBQ, encapsulates the organization’s trajectory aptly. From a modest team of eight in 2020 to a robust contingent of nearly 30 today, TechBBQ’s evolution mirrors the rapid growth and global ambitions of the Nordic startup ecosystem. As Notlev articulates, TechBBQ’s aspiration isn’t about emulating the colossal scale of events like Web Summit in Lisbon. Instead, the focus remains on delivering quality over quantity. By fostering intimate, impactful engagements, the organization aims to ensure participants derive tangible value, nurturing their eagerness to reconvene year after year.

This year’s event encapsulates a decade-long journey of nurturing the Nordic entrepreneurial spirit. With an ethos rooted in fostering global conversations and showcasing industry success stories, TechBBQ has morphed into a platform that resonates beyond Scandinavia, casting its influence globally.

The endorsement from Thomas Hofman-Bang, CEO of The Danish Industry Foundation, further solidifies TechBBQ’s importance. As he asserts, empowering Danish entrepreneurs with resources, knowledge, and global connectivity fortifies the nation’s competitive edge. Such collaborations and investments reflect the changing dynamics of the Nordic startup scene. No longer just a breeding ground for ambitious apps targeting U.S. success, it’s now a formidable tech ecosystem with its success narratives and influential figures.

TechBBQ 2023 isn’t just another tech conference. It’s a symbol of Nordic tech evolution, a convergence of ideas, and a celebration of entrepreneurial tenacity. As Jordan French takes the stage with Christian Jepsen, attendees will not only be witnessing a dialogue between two tech luminaries but also partaking in a broader narrative of innovation, ambition, and global outreach.