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Startup
How we found our co-founders – Experiences from three entrepreneurs
Andrea Donau from FÆRM
Andrea Donau, co-founder of FÆRM, met her co-founder Mikkel Dupont during her student job as telemarketer at the newspaper Information. Andrea was studying to become a food engineer, and Mikkel, who had a background from CBS, was lactose intolerant. This combination sparked the creation of FÆRM – a company that developed technology to produce plant-based cheese alternatives.
With her education from DTU, Andrea had a solid background in food science but no work experience. This turned into an advantage, as not being bound by established routines allowed Andrea the freedom to invent her own solutions. Mikkel brought several years of practical experience in sales and management, and his business acumen helped them navigate many challenges.
"Mikkel's experience in business management, especially in recruitment, firing, and employee development, has been a great help to me. I've learned so much from him along the way, and it has significantly contributed to my own development."
When it came to dividing titles and responsibilities, it was natural for Andrea to become the CEO. "I became the CEO because I had the deepest product knowledge and was always the one pitching our ideas. We felt it was most appropriate for a CEO type to be on stage," she explains.
Being a woman, they also saw an opportunity to increase the number of female CEOs. Mikkel took on the role of COO. Despite the different titles, these distinctions mean little in their daily work, where they collaborate closely.
"We do everything together, and very few emails are sent without the other having read through them first," says
Pablo Alberdi Pagola from ERLE Tek
Pablo Alberdi Pagola, one of the founders of the DTU-based startup ERLE Tek, found his co-founders in various unconventional ways – one through his football team, one from university, and another through mutual friends.
ERLE Tek develops robots to automate construction sites, a mission requiring a wide range of skills. For Pablo, co-founders are not just an advantage but a necessity.
"Without my co-founders, ERLE Tek wouldn't exist today."
When Pablo was looking for co-founders, he sought people with good chemistry and complementary skills. One of his co-founders, Lasse Olsen, has a business background from CBS, complementing Pablo's technical expertise.
Pablo explains that while you can tell people repeatedly how important a co-founder is, sometimes they need to experience it themselves to understand. His advice to other entrepreneurs is clear: be open and try to distinguish between when you're talking about personal life and business. Tell your friends you're looking for a co-founder – they might know someone who knows someone.
"The key is having someone to share the ups and downs with in your startup because they will come. And our ability to combine different strengths and perspectives is what truly makes a difference," he adds.
Foto: ERLE Tek
Simone Westergaard from Mewalii
Simone Westergaard, co-founder of Mewalii, met her co-founder Frederikke Dahl in a talent program at the University of Southern Denmark in 2019, which brought together 25 students from various educational backgrounds. Simone, who studied sports and health, and Frederikke, engineer in integrated design, bonded over a breakfast conversation about the lack of sustainable menstrual pads. This conversation sparked their business idea, and in January 2024, they launched their first products: pads made from European-grown hemp fibers.
Although Simone and Frederikke are not friends outside of work, they have built a strong professional bond.
"We only see each other at work, but we know each other better than many other colleagues because we are open. We share what's happening in our lives and can therefore assess how best to support each other. Should I push or take it easy today? That openness is truly valuable," says Simone, emphasizing the importance of having a co-founder:
"I strongly advise against starting something alone. If you do, you're incredibly strong, in my opinion. We wouldn't have made it without each other. It's about having the same drive and willingness to fully commit to the project. Whether you know each other beforehand is less important. What matters is sharing the same vision and commitment."
Foto: Mewalii
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