The next step for Aarhus as a tech city
In other words, tech is no longer a clearly defined industry, but a fundamental competitive parameter across large parts of the business community.
Fewer new startups in a strong ecosystem
Despite this strong position, a clear paradox is emerging. The number of new IT startups in Aarhus is at its lowest level in more than a decade. This challenges the long-term pipeline for growth, exports, and job creation.
The report from Tech City Aarhus shows that while the number of new companies has declined, the impact of those that survive is significantly higher. Tech startups that make it through the early years create substantially more jobs than companies in other sectors.
Capital is available – but not always early enough
Aarhus attracts a substantial share of Danish venture capital, and the vast majority is invested in tech companies. According to the report, around 88 percent of venture investments in Aarhus are directed toward tech, and the city attracts approximately 16 percent of Denmark’s total venture capital investments in technology.
At the same time, the data shows that capital primarily flows to companies that have already proven their business model. This leaves a familiar gap in the early stages, where many technological ideas struggle to move from prototype to scalable business.
This is where the interaction between startups, investors, and supporting environments becomes crucial. At INCUBA Next Level, startups and investors work side by side in everyday settings, including actors such as Delphinus Venture Capital. This creates shorter distances and more qualified dialogue early in a company’s development.
Jobs are created when companies survive and scale
Job creation in tech happens primarily when companies reach a certain level of maturity. It is not the very youngest startups, but companies that have been operating for several years, have survived the first critical phases, and have begun to scale their business that account for the greatest employment impact.
This is also evident among companies in INCUBA. Examples such as Partisia, Kvantify, MedicQuant, Mindway, Teitur Trophics and Minds and Co have, over recent years, expanded their organisations and created new, highly specialised jobs.
This points to a central conclusion: the challenge is not only to get more startups off the ground, but equally to ensure that companies which are already established are given the opportunity to continue growing. Jobs are created when companies survive long enough to scale, and this requires access to capital, competencies, and frameworks that support the next phase of growth.
Advance, together
Aarhus’ position as a tech city is strong, but not self-sustaining. It must be continuously supported through a focus on the entire value chain – from entrepreneurship and capital to scaling and job creation.
This is where the next step must be taken. Together.