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Back in late 2023, it became official that Joe & The Juice founder and former CEO, Kaspar Basse, would step down from the board of the company he founded in 2002. His departure came shortly after the private equity firm General Atlantic acquired a majority stake from Valedo Partners.
Since then, the board has been significantly strengthened, most recently with the addition of Jennelle Tilling, who previously held senior positions at global giants such as Nestlé and Yum Brands. (Read more here)

Now, Joe & The Juice has appointed a new Chairman of the Board to help define the next chapter of its remarkable journey.

The company has chosen American executive Jeffrey Lawrence, who has served on the Joe & The Juice board since April 2024, and will now step up as Chairman.

Jeffrey Lawrence

While his name might not immediately ring a bell, Jeffrey Lawrence is a major profile that the Danish company has brought on board. He spent two decades at the global giant Domino’s Pizza, where he ultimately served as Executive Vice President and CFO, and is credited as a key figure behind the company’s successful IPO and significant international expansion.
Today, Lawrence sits on several boards and acts as a Senior Advisor to General Atlantic, which, incidentally, owns the majority stake in Joe & The Juice.

Jeffrey Lawrence commented:

“Joe & The Juice continues to represent one of the most exciting and dynamic restaurant brands, with true global consumer appeal. Over time, the Company has finetuned a winning formula to deliver fresh, high-quality products, with a strong focus on hospitality and meeting the needs of today’s digitally enabled consumer. I have been inspired by the team’s ambition and potential, and I look forward to working closely together to continue building the Joe & The Juice brand globally.”

Thomas Nørøxe, CEO of Joe & The Juice, adds:

“Jeff’s appointment as Chairman of Joe & The Juice reflects how his active involvement has had a significant impact on the company’s performance and strategy. Over the past year, Joe & The Juice has continued to deliver impressive same-store sales and revenue growth, while also opening our 400th location globally. Unit economics remain incredibly strong, and digital sales are now approaching 40%. Jeff’s experience will be crucial as we continue to expand globally through both company-owned stores and franchise openings.”

Joe & The Juice currently operates more than 400 locations across 19 countries.

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House of Share is one of the most promising new ideas for the future of fashion in Denmark. Think “Airbnb for clothes” – an app where you can both rent and lend out high-end designer outfits for special occasions. Behind the concept are Sara Dahl and Gustav Johansen, who bring together entrepreneurship, technology, and circular fashion with backgrounds from CBS, Deloitte, and DTU.

Today, House of Share ranks among the most downloaded fashion apps in Denmark and already partners with well-established companies.

We sat down with the two founders to talk about the idea, the journey, the challenges – and the future. Plus, we asked them the very questions that immediately came to mind when we first read their story.

Sara Dahl, House of Share

Gustav Johansen, House of Share

How would you describe House of Share to someone who’s never heard of it?

Sara:
“House of Share is a bit like Airbnb — just for clothes. It’s a platform where you can rent beautiful designer pieces for special occasions and rent out the clothes you have hanging in your own closet. This way, you can save money, make money, and do something good for the environment by extending the life of your clothes — without compromising.”

How did the idea for House of Share come about?

Sara:
“The idea actually came about quite naturally. I had a bunch of dresses hanging in my closet that my friends would often borrow — and I thought, ‘Maybe others would like to borrow them too… and be willing to pay a little for it?’ That was the start of House of Share and a mission to make it easier (and more sustainable!) to be well-dressed — without compromising on style or conscience.”

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Sara:
“The biggest hurdle has probably been the fact that people are creatures of habit. We’re used to buying clothes – not renting them. So our biggest task has been (and still is) to shift people’s mindset and introduce them to a new and more sustainable way of enjoying fashion.”

How has the response been from brands and the fashion industry in general?

Gustav:
“In the beginning, the industry was a bit cautious – some probably saw us as a threat because we were changing consumer behavior. But that has definitely shifted. Today, a lot of brands are reaching out to us because they also feel the pressure to think more circularly and responsibly. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re seeing great interest in collaborations.”

You’ve quickly built a strong community and a lot of users in the app – who is your typical user?

Sara:
“She’s typically a woman between 18 and 40 years old – and she’s usually heading to something special: a gala, a wedding, a milestone birthday, or maybe she just graduated. She wants to look amazing without spending a fortune on something she’ll only wear once. And at the same time, she likes the idea of making a more responsible choice – without compromising on style.”

Who or what inspires you – personally and/or professionally?

Gustav:
“There are a few people and things that come to mind. First and foremost, my mother.
Then, Paul Graham, founder of Y Combinator. I’m inspired by his thoughts and his often counterintuitive takes on startups and software, which he typically shares on his old-school blog from the early 2000s.

Sara – my co-founder and boss – is the most driven and welcoming person I’ve ever met, and somehow seems to have more hours in the day than anyone else. She’s the unstoppable type who leads from the front and makes things happen, which creates a huge sense of stability for my areas of the company. It’s incredibly inspiring to work closely with someone you also genuinely look up to.

Another major source of inspiration for me is the process of taking an idea or a thought and turning it into a piece of software that people in the real world actually use and enjoy. It might seem simple to tap a button on your iPhone, but behind that simplicity lies a huge amount of invisible craftsmanship that gives the button its true value. It’s a creative – and often frustrating – process, but when everything finally comes together and you see people using what you’ve built, it’s almost euphoric. That feeling becomes even more powerful knowing that people are using it not just for themselves, but for something bigger – like helping the climate.”

Sara:
“For me, inspiration largely comes from the idea of creating a more sustainable approach to fashion – without sacrificing what we wear. Let’s be honest: when we’re getting dressed for a special event, we still want to feel good and look great. That’s why it’s been so important for me to develop a solution that allows people to dress beautifully while doing something good for the planet.

Professionally, I’m hugely inspired by Gustav, whom I randomly crossed paths with – and who has since become my co-founder and the tech brain behind House of Share. He’s not only incredibly skilled but also a genuinely kind and diplomatic person to work with. His ability to dive into complex topics and execute at a high level is something I find deeply inspiring.

I also find a lot of inspiration in the world of sports. I’m very active myself and fascinated by the dedication and perseverance professional athletes show. I try to mirror that mindset in my work – constantly training, constantly improving – so that, in the end, we can reach our goals with House of Share and, in a way, stand at the top of the podium.”

What’s the best advice you’ve received along the way – and what’s next for House of Share?

Gustav:
“Execute – and don’t wait for everything to be perfect. That’s a piece of advice we’ve truly lived by. Our next step is to open up to even more audiences. We have some really exciting initiatives in the pipeline, and we’re looking forward to making House of Share even more accessible and relevant to even more people. We see a huge potential in expanding into the outdoor market, which is exactly what we’re currently developing further.”

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While American tech giants still dominate the headphone market — Apple alone has sold over 700 million AirPods since their 2016 debut — one Danish brand is beginning to carve out its own space.

Aarhus-based audio startup Wavell, founded by three young entrepreneurs — Hjalmar Kærn (25), Casper Christiansen (26), and Emil Lucas Degn Mortensen (26) — has kicked off April with two major announcements.

The company closed 2024 with record-breaking growth and a million-kroner profit. At the same time, they’ve launched their most advanced headphones to date and announced a doubling of their team as they set their sights on the rest of the Nordic market.

Casper Christiansen, co-founder of Wavell, explains:

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment and the professional guidance that came with it. They helped us find direction and accelerate our business. Where we’re really strong is in our crazy ideas and our ability to think outside the box — and I think that’s what makes our company unique.”

He is joined by Hjalmar Kærn:

“We don’t see ourselves as just another player in the market — we want to set a new standard for what consumers can expect from audio products. Our goal is to combine the best technology with a price that gives more people access to premium sound.”

Wavell is now launching the Wavell 4 Pro, an evolution of their best-selling model, the Wavell 3 Pro.

The new headphones are, according to the young entrepreneurs, packed with premium features such as adaptive noise cancellation, AI-driven ENC technology, and a battery life of up to a week — all at a price that challenges established brands.

The third co-founder, Emil Lucas Degn Mortensen, adds:

“We’ve built a brand in Denmark and a product lineup we’re really proud of. Now it’s time to take the next step and bring Wavell beyond Denmark’s borders. We’re aiming for the whole Nordic region and are also doubling our team in Aarhus.”

The coming months will be busy for Wavell. In addition to the launch of the Wavell 4 Pro, more product announcements are expected throughout the summer, alongside their expansion into Norway and Sweden. With these new launches and a growing customer base, Wavell expects another significant growth in revenue this year.

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The entrepreneurial journey of one of the Nordic region’s leading haircare brands, Swedish Björn Axén, began back in 1963.

At the time, a young Björn Axén had just completed his training under the legendary French hairdresser Monsieur Alexandre de Paris – one of the most iconic and influential hairstylists of the 20th century, known for styling Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. Armed with this knowledge, Björn returned to Sweden, where he quickly became the country’s most sought-after hairdresser. His career peaked in 1984 when he was appointed Royal Hairdresser. That same year, he launched his own product line – now known as the Björn Axén brand, offering more than 50 care and styling products.

Now, a new chapter begins for the proud company. After several years of strong double-digit growth, Norwegian private equity firm Driv Kapital steps in as a new investor – primarily to support the company’s continued international expansion.

Johan Hellström, CEO & co-owner of Björn Axén

Johan Hellström, CEO and co-owner of Björn Axén, says:

“We’re truly grateful for the trust and support we’ve received from Driv Kapital. This investment marks an important milestone in our growth journey and stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication our team has put into the company. We look forward to continuing our mission of delivering professional haircare while expanding our international presence with Driv Kapital as a strategic partner.”

With the investment, Driv Kapital becomes the majority shareholder in Björn Axén Retail AB, holding 52.67% ownership, while Johan Hellström retains 40% and continues as CEO.

Hellström adds:

“This investment gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen our position in key international markets. We remain firmly committed to our core values and vision of leading in professional haircare. Quality, sustainable ingredients, and responsible beauty will continue to be the foundation of our entire business.”

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A healthy and varied diet is something we all strive for — but with the pace of everyday life, it can be hard to keep up. That’s why Danish brand aioss has developed a simple supplement solution that makes it both easy and enjoyable to get many of the nutrients your body needs.

Behind aioss are Jesper Wahlberg and Theodor Barington — two entrepreneurs with very different backgrounds, but a shared passion for health and lifestyle. Jesper, 52, spent nearly 30 years in North America, building a marketing agency in Toronto and a subscription business in California. Theodor, 30, began his career as a management consultant, including a stint in New York, followed by several years in the biotech industry. He’s driven by a deep personal interest in health — both his own and the broader public’s.

The journey with aioss began when Jesper and Theodor met and found themselves asking the same question: “Why has it become so hard to live healthily — and why does it so often feel like a chore?” That conversation led them to create aioss: a blend of vitamins, minerals, fiber, herbs, plant extracts, and probiotics, all in one product. Just mix it with water, drink, and enjoy. In short, it’s a rebellion against the frustration and dull experience many associate with supplements.

As they put it, it’s no miracle cure — but it’s a delightful and effortless way to check one important box on the nutrition front.

In this conversation, Jesper and Theodor share the story behind aioss, how they came together, and what drives their mission.

Co-founders of aioss: Jesper Wahlberg & Theodor Barington.

How did the idea for aioss come about?

“The idea for aioss came to me when I realized just how much my life had changed — going from Northern California to Copenhagen. When you’ve lived somewhere with 325 days of sunshine a year, a winter in Copenhagen can feel very long. My nutrition had also changed significantly — from a North American, always-on-the-go kind of diet to a somewhat healthier and more varied Danish one. On top of that, I moved in an entirely different way — I swapped the car for a bike and started walking everywhere. That’s when it really hit me: so much about my lifestyle, diet, and surroundings had changed — and I could feel it in my body, both for better and for worse.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and when I moved back to Copenhagen, I didn’t have a job or colleagues waiting for me. I did have some family and a handful of wonderful old friends — but naturally, they all had their own lives. So I found myself standing there, asking: What now?

I’ve always felt that health is hard. And I found myself missing a supplement solution that was easy to understand, easy to use, and actually enjoyable — something that made sense for my new life in Copenhagen.”

How did you two meet?

Jesper:
“At the time, I was having a ton of coffee meetings with all kinds of people — many of them found by ‘crawling’ LinkedIn. I was very clear that I wanted a co-founder with a background in nutrition and health. It was actually an old friend from San Francisco — now working with Theo at a biotech startup — who introduced us.

We met for a quick coffee at Bottega Barlié in Copenhagen, but ended up talking for three hours. We both felt the concept had real potential, and that this could be the start of a meaningful journey — and a great business. So we kind of ‘dated’ for a bit to see if we worked well together, but from there, things moved pretty quickly.”

Theodor, do you remember what your first thoughts were?

Theodor:
“I’ve always had an entrepreneur inside me. A lot of the steps I’ve taken over the past ten years have felt like part of preparing myself to one day start something of my own. I’ve always had plenty of ideas — I just wish I’d been ready a bit earlier. But now the timing was right. I love physical products and the experience around them, and I’m a bit of a health nerd, so it all felt very natural.

I grew up with a mom who was all about wellness, and I’ve been interested in nutrition and physiology for over 20 years — so what would become aioss was already close to my heart. But I probably needed someone like Jesper to give me that final push.”

Who is aioss made for?

Jesper:
“Most people will notice a difference when they start their day with aioss. But of course, if you already live super healthy and eat a well-balanced, varied diet, a supplement won’t have the same effect as it would for someone who doesn’t exactly tick all the boxes when it comes to nutrition.”

Theodor:
“Exactly. In short, there’s no magic in our product — and that’s the point. We’ve worked closely with top nutrition experts to design something that fits the Scandinavian lifestyle, combining the best and most relevant vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and probiotics.

Over 90% of Danes don’t reach the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, and that’s obviously one of the main challenges we’re addressing. We know it’s hard to eat perfectly every single day — and we’re here to help just a little, without it feeling like a chore or a compromise.”

Where do you stand as a company now, and what are your ambitions?

Jesper:
“We’re of course well aware that there are similar products, especially from the U.S., but we’re actually happy about that. We’ve focused on developing aioss specifically for Scandinavians, ensuring the highest quality, while still managing to price it significantly more affordably, so that as many people as possible can ‘join in’ and be inspired to make good, healthy choices in their daily lives. We also find that many people appreciate that our production is based here in Scandinavia.

With the positive daily user experience, we’ve also been very conscious from the start of developing aioss as a lifestyle brand. Health is often considered complicated and difficult, by many people, including myself. So, our goal was not just to make using aioss easy and enjoyable, but also to create a lifestyle brand that our users identify with and enjoy using every day.

For example, our aioss bottle is very easy to recognize and has already become somewhat of an icon for our brand. We love hearing from our users when they write to us and tell us their aioss bottle was stolen at a sauna session, and how they’re getting a new one. Externally, in our communication, we probably come across mainly as a lifestyle brand, but internally, we’re extremely focused on the product and creating the best possible user experience.

It’s only now that we’re starting to ramp up our marketing. We’ve been careful to get everything in place first, so we’ve almost entirely grown organically through recommendations and trust. We feel we’re in a really good place now, and there’s so much more to build on. We look to successful and attractive brands and keep an eye on many of the brands you cover here on dontt.dk.”

Theodor:
“As a company, we’ve also invested in hiring skilled people who can support the things Jesper mentioned. We’re constantly testing and developing the product. Even though we say the product is finished, and it has proven its relevance in the market, we’re still keeping an eye out for the smallest details. It’s extremely nerdy and takes time. In addition, we have plans to expand into Scandinavia and Northern Europe. We dream of reaching 100,000 subscribers within a reasonable timeframe.”

We look forward to following Theodor, Jesper, and the rest of the aioss team on dontt.dk

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Upgrades is our new monthly format – a few shortcuts to a slightly better everyday life.

Simply put, it’s five things we own, love – or just genuinely feel like recommending. It probably won’t make you a happier person, but hey, sometimes a little goes a long way. It’s about the products and the people behind them.

In short: Upgrades, tested and loved by us.

When telling the story of Vipp, you have to go all the way back to 1939. The young metalworker Holger Nielsen created the now-iconic pedal bin for his wife’s hair salon. Customers commented on the beautiful waste bin, and so it went into production. The years have passed, and today, you can’t talk about Danish design without mentioning Vipp.

The universe surrounding their products could be an article in itself – but right now, we just want to recommend their beautiful Swivel Chair. Not only does it aesthetically enhance any room, but it’s also incredibly comfortable to sit in. We’re thinking office… but surely it works at home too?

There are several variations available, with prices starting just below 6,000 DKK.

Swedish Aarke has released another color of their hit Carbonator 3. The carbonation device that turns water into sparkling water – and is actually something you’ll want to keep out in the open, both at the office and in the kitchen. It works without electricity and is as stylish as it is practical.

Danes have embraced Aarke’s products as if they were IKEA and Spotify. The new color Burgundy will hit stores in April – along with the already many beautiful colors.

Aarke was founded in 2013 by Swedish industrial designers and friends Jonas Groth and Carl Ljungh.

SharkNinja is a relatively unknown and underrated brand here, although it is a market leader in several other countries. The company was founded in 1994 and is now a global brand, known for its two main labels: Shark, which focuses on cleaning devices, and Ninja, which specializes in kitchen equipment.

Their cordless vacuum cleaner, the Shark Stratos, delivers both power and functionality. With Anti Hair Wrap technology, you no longer have to remove hair from the brush roll, and Clean Sense IQ automatically adjusts the suction power as needed. It’s easy to use, the features are intuitive, and it’s simple to clean and empty after use.

DuoClean technology ensures it works efficiently on both carpets and hard floors, like those in the kitchen. As the highly informative cardboard box tells you, the battery lasts for an hour, but our test actually showed it lasts longer, so that’s a plus.

The vacuum can be bent to easily get under the sofa, and the top can be removed, making it a handy handheld vacuum for cleaning between cushions, behind the sofa, or even in the car.

Even though we’re approaching sun and summer, the only thing that’s soon certain in this world is that we won’t entirely escape a lot of rain in Denmark. We all know those poor “advertisement” umbrellas that can’t handle a Danish breeze.

The Danish company DRIP has solved that. They’ve created a durable quality umbrella with a rarely beautiful design, and for just under 400 DKK, you get something that actually lasts. Recently, they collaborated with the Danish rising star SOEREN LE SCHMIDT – but they also offer the reliable, solid colors.

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Last week, Amsterdam Fashion Week (AFW) announced that it will implement a series of sustainability measures in the fashion industry, inspired by Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Specifically, this means that AFW – in collaboration with Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) – will adopt the sustainability requirements developed by CPHFW into their official show calendar. Additionally, they are forming a partnership aimed at promoting these initiatives across the Nordic and Benelux markets.

Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week, says:

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Amsterdam Fashion Week, especially so soon after our collaboration with the British Fashion Council. With this new alliance, we further anchor sustainability requirements in Europe and work more closely together on shared goals and a common language. This partnership is not only about creating a more unified industry – it also emphasizes the fashion industry’s unique role in driving positive change.”

Danie Bles, CEO of Amsterdam Fashion Week, adds:

“At AFW, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Sustainability is not an option – it is the future of fashion, and we are already shaping it today. That is why we are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with CPHFW. By joining the sustainability requirements, we are aligning with other fashion weeks to support designers in taking concrete, measurable steps toward a more sustainable future.”

The measures will be fully implemented by September 2026, but already at the upcoming Amsterdam Fashion Week, around 30 brands on the official show calendar will be evaluated based on the sustainability requirements.

Iconically, the partnership with Amsterdam Fashion Week comes at a time when Copenhagen Fashion Week has recently been the subject of debate following DR’s broadcast “Jorden kalder: Klima på catwalken?” The program raised the question of whether fashion can even be sustainable – but it wasn’t necessarily the content that sparked the biggest debate.

In the broadcast, a journalist attempts to confront CPHFW’s CEO, Cecilie Thorsmark, in front of a fashion show – an approach that has been criticized for resembling a sensationalist pursuit rather than objective journalism. Thorsmark later expressed her surprise at DR’s methods and explained that she would have been open to an interview had she been contacted directly.

“I think it becomes a very constructed scene,” she told Berlingske, calling the incident “absurd” in an Instagram post. The criticism has since turned toward DR, who admitted they only contacted Cecilie Thorsmark directly after the incident at the Han Kjøbenhavn show – but denied that the pursuit in the broadcast was staged.

You can read more at Berlingske here.

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The EIC Summit 2025 was held in the heart of Brussels, bringing together Europe’s most innovative thinkers to discuss the continent’s future in technology and development. The key question on the agenda: How can Europe reclaim its leadership in innovation? With a guest list of startups, founders, investors, politicians, and media professionals, the ambition was clear—to turn words into action.

The summit took place in a historic park house by the city’s canals, but the setting stood in stark contrast to the current challenges. While Europe talks about future solutions, the rest of the world is moving forward. The timing could hardly have been more symbolic—just one day after Donald Trump announced new tariffs. The need for European action is urgent.

The opening speech by Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU’s first Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, set the tone from the start: “We need to step up. We need to shift into a higher gear. Europe should be the best and most innovative.” A clear call to action—talk is no longer enough.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU’s first Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation

One of the standout moments at EIC Summit 2025 was a panel discussion featuring Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Italian Prime Minister, alongside Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon. The debate was moderated by Anita Krohn, CEO of DSD AS Group and Vice Chair of the EIC Board.

Enrico Letta began with a critical look inward: “Europe consists of 27 countries – some small, others that haven’t realized they are small. Individually, we are nothing when facing global powers like China and the U.S. We should stand more united, yet instead, we create rules for and against each other. Overregulation is holding us back – there are simply too many useless rules.”

Carlos Moedas agreed that bureaucracy is stifling Europe’s ability to innovate: “We love Europe, but we will never be world leaders if we don’t clean this up.” At the same time, he emphasized that Europe remains a safe haven for many and that cities like Lisbon are leading the way with initiatives such as Unicorn Factory Lisboa – a concept that any major European city could learn from.

The panelists all agreed on one thing: Europe has the potential, but action is needed now.

The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, was invited due to the remarkable success of Unicorn Factory Lisboa. In short, the initiative was launched in 2022 by Lisbon’s city council with the goal of positioning the city as a leading innovation hub in Europe.

The initiative provides a platform of programs and hubs that support startups and scaleups in developing strong business models, optimizing processes, and achieving sustainable growth. With success stories like Rauva, Neuraspace, and Bhout, Unicorn Factory Lisboa has already established itself as a key driver of innovation. Through targeted initiatives, the project has attracted entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, creating a dynamic framework for international scaling.

Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta

Anita Krohn & Carlos Moedas

Another highlight of the EIC Summit was the presentation of the EU Prize for Women Innovators – an award that honors female pioneers in innovation and entrepreneurship. The prize was presented by EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and celebrates women who, through their ideas and leadership, are pushing the boundaries of European innovation.

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators! For eleven years, we have celebrated exceptional women driving innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Their bold ideas and leadership are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of innovators,” Zaharieva said at the award ceremony.

You can see the winners here.

Next week, you can read even more about the EIC Summit on dontt.dk!

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There was a special energy in the air last week as Zalando and the iconic designer brand Diane von Furstenberg brought together representatives from across Europe in the heart of Berlin.

In an exceptionally elegant venue, history and future merged as the new partnership between the two was unveiled. In short, Zalando and DVF have entered into an agreement that grants Zalando the exclusive rights to distribute Diane von Furstenberg across its 25 European markets.

With this, Zalando takes yet another strategic step in cementing its ambition to become the leading platform for designer brands in Europe, while DVF gains the opportunity to introduce its iconic designs to a new and younger audience.

The legendary Diane von Furstenberg (78) was present in Berlin herself, hosting a talk about her expectations for the partnership, as well as her journey and her mantra, “Woman in charge.” You can read more about that later in this article.

Photo: Diane von Furstenberg

Photo: Lena-Sophie Röper, Zalando

Lena-Sophie Roeper, Vice President Designer at Zalando, shares her thoughts on the collaboration:

“Having worked with DVF for several years, I’m delighted that Diane has now fully entrusted us with her distribution as their Europe-exclusive retail partner. This partnership is a true milestone in our efforts to build an inspiring and elevated assortment, as well as an innovative shopping experience for the next generation of designer customers.”

The undisputed highlight of the evening was the conversation with Diane von Furstenberg, who took the stage alongside Lena-Sophie Röper, Vice President Designer at Zalando, in a discussion moderated by author and director Alexandra Bondi de Antoni.

The conversation revolved around DVF’s legacy, the brand’s new era, and, most importantly, her lifelong mission to empower women.

Diane began by reflecting on a quote from her book Own It – The Secret of Life: “Each of us is the woman on the other side of the room.” She explained: “We see a woman who appears confident and strong, but in reality, she is looking at you and thinking the same. We are all that woman.”

She also shared personal stories about the women who shaped her, especially her mother: “My mother was a great inspiration. She was strong and taught me never to be afraid.” And about Diana Vreeland, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue: “When I came to New York, she was incredibly important to me. She believed in me.”

Photo on the left: Magazine cover from 1976
Photo on the right: Diane von Furstenberg & Jon Nedza at the event in Berlin

As the conversation shifted to the new partnership with Zalando, Diane was clear about her vision: “I took full control of my company earlier this year, and it was important to find a digital partner who could support my product and my story. Zalando is only 16 years old, but they do everything right. There is so much we can do together.”

Lena-Sophie Röper followed up with her personal connection to the brand: “When I moved to New York to work in the fashion industry, one of my first purchases was a DVF lavender silk dress. I still have it.” She emphasized how the collaboration is based on shared values: “Diane shares so much with Zalando – we both want to give people confidence through their style.”

The conversation ended with Diane’s four pieces of advice for being a woman in charge: know who you want to be, have confidence, own your story, and remember that kindness is currency. She left the audience with a powerful reminder: “We live in a chaotic world, but more than ever, it is important to be true to ourselves, to be honest, and to be kind. Light will always win over darkness.”

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The Danish juice chain Joe & The Juice has expanded its board with a new member. This is not a replacement but an expansion, increasing the number of board members from seven to eight. The new addition is American business executive Jennelle Tilling, who is described as a top-profile leader by U.S. media.

Jennelle Tilling has previously held senior positions at industry giants such as Nestlé and Yum Brands, the company behind KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Since then, she has served on several boards, including the British real estate company Shaftesbury Capital and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in England.

Joe & The Juice is owned by the American private equity firm General Atlantic and still maintains a Danish presence on the board with Tue Mantoni. In January, investor Nassef Sawiris, Egypt’s wealthiest person, stepped down from the board and appointed his daughter, Nadia Sawiris, in his place. You can read more about that here.

The board expansion comes at a time of great ambition for the juice chain. CEO Thomas Nørøxe has previously revealed that the goal is to have 1,000 stores by 2028, which would more than double the current size. According to Nørøxe, there is potential to reach this goal through strategic acquisitions.

“We are open to acquisitions in specific markets. It could be entire chains or a certain number of units that we acquire. What matters is which locations we get in the deal. That’s what we are interested in,” he says.

Joe & The Juice has expanded significantly in recent years, and with a strengthened board and the backing of a private equity firm, the company appears to be aiming for an even larger international presence.

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