Why a Canadian Founder Chose Denmark for Launch Bio

When Launch Bio established operations in Denmark, the decision was initially driven by business needs. One of the company's key customers was based in Denmark, making the country a natural place to expand. But it quickly became clear that Denmark offered more than market access. Strong demand for sustainable solutions, a supportive innovation ecosystem and a business environment geared towards green technologies all contributed to making Denmark the right place to grow the company.

As part of DI's Arbejdslyst campaign, which explores what motivates people at work and what makes Danish workplaces attractive to both local and international talent, DI Biosolutions spoke with Andrew Chiappetta, CEO of Launch Bio, about his experiences building a company in Denmark. 

For a company operating at the intersection of biotechnology and sustainability, having access to both customers and support structures has been an important advantage. Organisations such as the Innovation Fund and BioInnovation Institute played a significant role in creating the conditions needed to establish and develop the business, alongside the relative ease of setting up a company. 

While the business case brought Launch Bio to Denmark, Danish work culture left a lasting impression. Having worked in both Canada and Denmark, Andrew Chiappetta highlights the balance between work-life flexibility and accountability as one of the defining characteristics. Employees are given a high degree of autonomy and trust while remaining focused on delivering results, creating an environment where responsibility and performance go hand in hand. 

That combination is closely connected to what many describe as the Danish concept of arbejdslyst: finding motivation, purpose and satisfaction through work. In workplaces where people enjoy what they do, take pride in shared achievements and actively support one another's success, engagement becomes a natural outcome rather than a management objective. A strong willingness to help colleagues, partners and other organisations succeed contributes to a culture where people can thrive professionally while pursuing ambitious goals. 

Purpose is another recurring theme. The ambition to leave the world a little better than it was by helping bring green and clean technologies to life continues to be a key source of motivation. Building solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future, while creating a team capable of delivering them, is central to that mission. 

International talent also plays an important role in driving innovation. Different experiences, perspectives and approaches to research strengthen companies and contribute to new ideas, particularly in a small country. Denmark's combination of direct communication, collaboration and relatively flat hierarchies can help create the conditions for those perspectives to flourish. Giving employees significant responsibility and allowing them to learn and succeed on their own encourages both personal growth and innovation.

At the same time, attracting and retaining international professionals requires more than strong universities and a thriving biotech sector. Denmark's growing position within biotech, combined with English-language programmes and a strong talent base, makes the country attractive to international workers. However, practical challenges such as finding housing, obtaining a CPR number and navigating everyday administrative processes can make relocation more difficult than it needs to be.

For founders considering where to build their next biosolutions company, the strongest argument may ultimately be the combination of market demand and support. Customers that genuinely value sustainability and green technologies, together with programmes such as Innobooster, Innofounder and other industry initiatives, help create an environment where new companies can develop, hire and scale. Those factors have helped position Denmark as an increasingly attractive destination for businesses working to accelerate the green transition.