Jacob Doktor Mogensen, CEO of Incuba, joins the show to unpack how Aarhus's science park model turns university research into scaled companies.
The conversation moves from Incuba's problem-first, hands-on approach to acceleration, through real cases like Coana and CrowdStrike/Humio, to the harder question of why Danish companies sell out to international capital - and what "spinning in" corporate innovation could change. Listeners get a grounded look at what actually moves a startup from idea to exit.
Episode Timestamps
(09:37) Concrete support: financing, applications, introductions
(10:49) The Investor Hub: proximity that closes deals
(27:26) Success story: Quana's journey and US sale
(41:39) Defining "spin-in" innovation
(46:14) Spin-in success story: CrowdStrike and Humio
(50:01) Turning company problems into student projects
(55:00) Aarhus' innovation ecosystem over the next 10 years
Guest Bio
Jacob Doktor Mogensen is CEO of Incuba, the Aarhus-based science park connecting university spin-outs, established companies, and investors across three hubs. Before Incuba, he spent fifteen years in Danish innovation clusters and science parks, including time in the food industry.
Resources Mentioned
Incuba (Incuba.dk) — science park hubs at Katrinebjerg, Navitas, and Skejby
Incuba on LinkedIn
Coana — Aarhus University spin-out and EU Horizon-funded case study
CrowdStrike / Humio acquisition
Delfinus Venture Capital
InnoFonden, InnoBooster, Horizon Europe funding programs
Startup Aarhus
Aarhus Investor Summit (October 8)
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