A fully-funded talent training program for founders
Hero Academy is a talent and development program for early-stage entrepreneurs in Copenhagen with potential for growth and scaling. The program is run by TechBBQ in collaboration with the City of Copenhagen.
What is Hero Academy?
Over the past three years, Hero Academy has proven that the right support at the right time can make all the difference for early-stage startups. Launched by TechBBQ and powered by Københavns Kommune, this program has helped founders in Copenhagen sharpen their skills, build strong networks, and take their startups to the next level.
And we’re just getting started. In 2026, Hero Academy is back—bigger, better, and more committed than ever to fueling the next wave of entrepreneurial success. If you’re ready to grow, connect, and make an impact, this is your chance. Let’s build the future together!
The program includes:
– Practical course sessions tailored to real startup challenges
– Exclusive networking opportunities and invite-only startup events
– Investor matchmaking event with experienced VCs & angels
– A complimentary TechBBQ 2025 ticket (the best place to build your network)
– Exclusive networking opportunities and invite-only startup events
– A peer group of ambitious founders navigating the same journey
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Is Hero Academy for you?
Hero Academy is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, focusing on the needs of seed and pre-seed startups. If you’re a founder looking for essential resources, valuable knowledge, and a strong network to propel your business forward, this is your opportunity!
We understand the challenges startups face, and our program is here to support you. Whether you’re refining a scalable idea or raising capital to develop your product, Hero Academy provides the guidance, mentoring, and tools to fuel your growth.
Selection and acceptance into the program:
With extensive connections within Copenhagen’s startup ecosystem, we ensure a fair selection process based on objective criteria.
Essential criteria for startups:
• Based in the Copenhagen area
• Have a product or service
• Raised or in the process of raising capital
• [Looking to be] Generating revenue
• [Working on] Market traction
Deadline for applications: April 25th
Should your startup be one of the lucky ones to be selected to the program, you will receive an acceptance email after application deadline, along with a welcome package with all the details about the sessions and activities.
Hero Academy Dates 2026
Important program dates
• Meet & Greet: May 15
• Session 1: May 22
• Session 2: June 12
• Session 3: August 22
• Founders Hotspot: August 27
Previous Speakers
Aaron Ross
Author of 'Predictable Revenue'
Mathias Bruhn
Pitching coach and Communications expert
Nicolaj Højer Nielsen
Investor and entrepreneur
Camilla Lilleby Kildal
VP and marketing representative at ScaleupXQ
Maria Willoch
Director GTM Infrastructure at ScaleupXQ
Lisa Winther Nielsen
Country Lead at Talent Garden
Werner Valeur
Serial entrepreneur
Iris Isabella Engelund
CEO & Founder of Play Your Talent
Nickolai Damgaard
Coach and Biohacker
Nima Tisdall
CEO / Operating Partner at Nordic Makers
Thomas J. Howard
Professor at DTU
Maiken Michelsen
Head of Programs at ScaleupXQ
Henri Parviainen
VP at ScaleupXQ
Jennifer Montague
VP of Growth at Onomondo
Michael Wiatr
General Partner from Antler
Testimonials
CEO & Founder at AdPlenty
"Hero Academy excels in equipping founders with vital insights and introductions to investors. Its curriculum offers practical guidance, masterclasses and events, and its community fosters great networking opportunities."
Founder at HubDo
"Hero Academy has given me a much clearer understanding of funding options, where we are on the early-stage map and where to turn to for help. I'm confident that HubDo's path ahead will continue to benefit from the guidance and new network links made through Hero Academy."
Co-founder & CEO at Henryflow
“TechBBQ's Hero Academy was a game-changer for us, refining our GTM strategy and opening doors to crucial investor connections. On a personal level, the learning and growth I've experienced through this program have made me a better founder and pushed our startup forward.”
