Next Step Challenge is a part of Scale-Up Denmark and they facilitate 3 out of 12 hubs. It is an elite acceleration program for potential high growth companies within 'Energy Efficient Technologies', 'Offshore Industry' and 'Experience Economy & Tourism'.

Kickstart your business in Scale-Up Denmark powered by Next Step Challenge and have the chance to access a unique business development program. Their past programs have ensured experience working with both Danish and international companies.

Experience

Since 2013 more than 3000 companies have been screened and 100 high-growth companies have been selected to participate in the Next Step Challenge program.

The programs are built on massive corporate networking with some of the largest companies in Denmark; Grundfos, Danfoss, Siemens, Stofa, Best Western, Blue Water Shipping, Semco, Maersk, Kamstrup and more.

How much do they invest?

Top selected companies receive an accelerator program valued more than 250.000 DKK. During the program, investor relations are key factors in the training, networking and future growth plans.

Benefits towards your 5-year growth plan:

• Your own interim advisory board in collaboration with industry corporates.
• A systematic validation and development of your company and strategy.
• Access to development and suitable investors preparing you and your company for the search for suitable investors.
• A customized scale-up program, focusing on all business aspects in order to sharpen your growth potential.
• Company-specific activity plans and milestones - based on your company needs.
• The opportunity to penetrate additional markets.
• A number of professional camps, providing new learnings.

How do they work?

Each acceleration program runs from January to June and gives each participating company more than 180 hours of business development where Lean Canvas is an essential part of the process combined with workshops, advisory board support, marketing and PR.

Application period is open each year from September - November.

This makes a difference to them

Within the 3 categories; Energy Efficient Technologies, Offshore Industry and Experience Economy & Tourism, the main focus is digitalization, cost reduction and sustainability.    

THE RIGHT PRODUCT - ARE YOU ON TO SOMETHING INTERESTING?

It has to be more than just an idea. Think of it as a qualified pitch presentation to get investors interested in your company. You must have a proof-of-concept or a MVP (minimum viable product), but we strongly prefer if you already have a product on the market.

THE RIGHT TEAM - CAN YOU DO IT AND MAKE IT BIG?

Participating companies must have several full-time employees that are 100% focused on the core idea. They must be able to receive coaching and mentoring in English and stay committed to realizing their business goals. They are looking for visionary entrepreneurs with ambitions to change the future.

RELOCATION

International participants must relocate to Next Step Challenge's facilities in Denmark.

A good pitch for them

The perfect pitch convinces them that you have a great team, a proof of concept, the necessary documentation and the power to scale your business.

Each acceleration program runs over 6 month – application form is open all year.  Each participating company receives more than 180 hours of business development coaching where Lean Canvas is an essential part of the process - combined with workshops, advisory board support, marketing and PR.

The unique network and advisory boards are the main assets, claims alumnis.

Startups they funded

CasusGrill, Xsided, Digital Guest, Qampo, Real Safety, Teleskin, OneGrid, TableGrabber, Glamping Hub, Amplex, BLOC, Baser, Geemit and many more.

"I will enhance other companies to join the Next Step Challenge program, as getting out there and getting advice is the most valuable way to develop your business. It is like getting a lot of small boxes with advice and then you can open them one by one when you are ready,” says Søren Hvorslev, CEO in Geemit.