New Symbion chair from Innovation District Copenhagen
Chairperson of the Innovation District Copenhagen board and Rector of the University of Copenhagen, David Dreyer Lassen, has been elected as the new Chair of the Board for start-up community Symbion. He succeeds Jørgen Bardenfleth, who has served as Chair since 2009.
A suitable replacement
At Symbion’s Annual General Meeting on Friday, 3 July, Lassen replaced Bardenfleth, who continues as a member of the Board, ensuring continuity and continued access to his extensive experience.
It is with great pleasure that I hand over the baton to Symbion’s new Chair, David Dreyer Lassen. As Rector of the University of Copenhagen, Symbion’s largest shareholder, and given the university’s increasing focus on innovation, combined with David’s strong interest in Symbion, I am convinced that Symbion will benefit greatly from David’s leadership as Chair.” Jørgen Bardenfleth, board member, Symbion.
A Non-Profit Organisation with Entrepreneurs at its Core
Symbion was founded in 1984 by three researchers from the University of Copenhagen. Since then, the organisation has had a clear purpose: to create the best possible environment for entrepreneurs, start-ups and growth companies. Symbion has always operated as a non-profit organisation, with any surplus reinvested in developing the community, facilities and services that benefit entrepreneurs.
We are delighted that David Dreyer Lassen has taken on the role of Chair. Symbion originated from the University of Copenhagen, and we see tremendous potential in strengthening that collaboration even further for the benefit of researchers, entrepreneurs and the Danish innovation ecosystem. The entrepreneurs should reap the rewards – not us.” Peter Torstensen, Chief Executive Officer, Symbion
Aiming to strengthen innovative entrepreneurship
Today, Symbion is owned by the Symbion Foundation, the University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Business School (CBS), and a number of private shareholders, all of whom share the ambition of strengthening Danish innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
An Even Stronger Partnership with the University of Copenhagen
David Dreyer Lassen has been a member of Symbion’s Board since September 2021. With his appointment as Chair, Symbion aims to further strengthen the already close relationship between the University of Copenhagen and Symbion. The new chair looks forward to continuing the work of strengthening the connection between research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Denmark needs strong environments where research, innovation and entrepreneurship come together more than ever before. I very much look forward to continuing the excellent collaboration with the rest of the Board and the management team to create the best possible conditions for even more research-based ideas and companies to grow and create value for society.” David Dreyer Lassen, Chair, Symbion.
At the same time, Lassen expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Chair:
For nearly two decades, Jørgen Bardenfleth has played a pivotal role in Symbion’s development. His commitment, strategic insight and strong belief in entrepreneurship have helped shape Symbion into the organisation it is today. We are extremely grateful that Jørgen will continue as a member of the Board.”
Two decades of development
Jørgen Bardenfleth reflects on his 18 years as Chair with great satisfaction and highlights the considerable development Symbion has undergone during his tenure.
It has been 18 exciting and eventful years marked by the continual development of Symbion’s ambition to be the place where entrepreneurs can work, exchange ideas and grow their businesses. We have expanded from a single incubator housing 50 entrepreneurs on Fruebjergvej to five innovation hubs across Copenhagen, home to around 600 growth companies. Along the way, the University of Copenhagen and CBS became co-owners, and we realised major projects such as COBIS and Symbion Frederiksberg. The entire Symbion team has driven this development and deserves enormous credit for what Symbion has achieved. I would also like to extend a special thank you to CEO Peter Torstensen, with whom I have had countless discussions over these 18 years, and to the many Board members who have contributed valuable insights and collaboration over the years. Thank you.” Jørgen Bardenfleth, Member, Board of directors, Symbion.
About Symbion’s Board of Directors
Symbion’s Board comprises representatives from academia, industry and the entrepreneurial community:
- David Dreyer Lassen, Rector of the University of Copenhagen (Chairman)
- Jørgen Bardenfleth, former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Denmark
- Arnold Boon, University Director at Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
- Peter Buhl Jensen, former Chief Executive Officer of TopoTarget
- Chico Sandbeck, Chief Executive Officer of Sandbeck A/S
- Astrid Haug, CEO of Astrid Haug Bureau
- Jon Bille, Senior Vice President, Technology & Data, VML MAP
For a better future
With this change in leadership, Symbion continues its work of building strong connections between research, innovation and entrepreneurship for the benefit of the companies and society of the future.
About Symbion
Symbion is an Innovation District Copenhagen partner. It was founded in 1984 by three researchers from the University of Copenhagen and has operated as a non-profit organisation ever since. Its purpose has always been to create the best possible conditions for entrepreneurs and growth companies – not to generate profits for its owners. Any surplus is therefore reinvested in Symbion’s activities, facilities and community for the benefit of entrepreneurs.
