Toms takes on Germany with liquorice – targets 30% growth in 2025
Toms takes on Germany with liquorice – targets 30% growth in 2025
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
Anthon Berg marzipan, Guldkarameller, and Toms chocolate bars are all Danish classics that have been flagships for Toms for decades. You already know that.
But you might be surprised to learn that another candy category is now playing a key role in the company’s international growth strategy. Toms Group tells dontt.dk that it is significantly expanding its presence in the liquorice category in Northern Germany. The ambition is clear: to increase sales by more than 30% in 2025.
“Northern Germany has developed a strong appetite for Danish liquorice.”

Toms Group’s new premium liquorice range, Pingvin Premium, is gaining strong traction in northern and northwestern Germany.
Luise Falkenberg, International Brand Manager at Toms Group, explains:
“Northern Germany has developed a taste for Danish liquorice – and with Pingvin Premium, we’re turning tradition into growth.
We believe there’s a Pingvin variety for every palate – even among the most sceptical liquorice consumers. As demand for premium products rises, we see significant potential.”
Luise adds that this growth initiative marks a clear shift from the company’s previous approach, where liquorice was mainly a stable, low-growth category.
Danish liquorice is thriving in Germany
Other Danish brands have already achieved great success in the region – for some, it has even become their largest single market.
In early 2025, Lakrids by Bülow CEO Fredrik Nilsson told dontt.dk that Germany is now the company’s biggest market, with Danish sales accounting for less than a third of total revenue. It’s a clear indication of how far Danish liquorice has come internationally.
“With liquorice on the rise across Germany, Pingvin is perfectly positioned to lead the way – even beyond Northern Germany,” says Luise Falkenberg.
The push coincides with Pingvin Premium recently winning the SWEETIE 2025 award, granted by a jury of industry experts. The prize recognises excellence in areas such as packaging, pricing, flavour, sensory appeal, and market potential.
Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
Carlsberg opens secret garden in Copenhagen
Carlsberg opens secret garden in Copenhagen
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
Until now, only specially invited guests have had access to brewer Carl Jacobsen’s secret garden, hidden behind Carlsberg’s headquarters on Valby Hill in Copenhagen.
Now, Carlsberg has decided to open it to the public—welcoming both locals and tourists who respect the garden’s unique history.
The garden reflects Carl Jacobsen’s deep passion for art and architecture and sits adjacent to his former private residence and museum.

"It is a place deeply rooted in Carlsberg’s cultural heritage."
The garden reflects Carl Jacobsen’s profound passion for art and architecture and is located next to his former private residence and museum. That private museum later became the foundation for the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, which Jacobsen had built to house his extensive art collection. Today, Carlsberg’s headquarters also overlook this historic garden.
Peter Virklund, Director of Real Estate at Carlsberg Group, explains:
“Stepping into Carl Jacobsen’s Garden is a truly special experience. It’s a place where art and history invite quiet reflection right in the heart of the city. We want to give something back to Copenhagen—but without compromising the character of the garden. It is a place deeply rooted in Carlsberg’s cultural heritage and deserves respectful access,” he says, and adds:
“The opening of the garden is a natural extension of the significant work Carlsberg and Carlsberg Byen have done over the years to share the legacy and identity of this place with the public.”
Visitors can access the garden via Ottilia Jacobsen’s Square or Valby Langgade. Opening hours are weekdays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
Ditur reports strong financials: Accelerating growth across Europe
Ditur reports strong financials: Accelerating growth across Europe
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
The Aarhus-based company Ditur has firmly cemented its position in recent years as Scandinavia’s leading online watch retailer. Today marks yet another milestone, as the company reports a strong financial performance for 2024, posting a gross profit of nearly DKK 54 million and a net profit of DKK 20 million.
Ditur was founded by twin brothers Kasper and Mikkel Dissing in 2014. The key to their success? Loyal customers, quality products at fair prices, and growing sales across European export markets.
"We’re both proud and grateful that more than 67,000 customers have rated us an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot"

“That’s why we’ve set our sights on launching in at least five new markets during 2025”
Kasper Dissing, Co-founder & CEO, explains:
“We’re both proud and grateful that more than 67,000 customers have rated us an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. It’s a clear sign that our combination of quality products, fair pricing, and great service resonates — not only in Denmark but across Europe.”
“Today, we operate webshops in eight countries and have physical stores in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. That gives us a solid foundation to scale further. That’s why we’ve set our sights on launching in at least five new markets during 2025.”
Kasper adds that the company has seen growth across both existing and new markets.
Ditur is an authorized retailer of major international brands like Hamilton, Tissot, Certina, Seiko, Casio, and Orient. The company has also built its own in-house brands, including Dissing and Lugano.
Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
NN.07 Breaks Records: Best Financial Performance in Brand History
NN.07 Breaks Records: Best Financial Performance in Brand History
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
Today, we can report that the Copenhagen-based brand NN.07 wrapped up 2024 on a high note and entered 2025 with strong momentum. In fact, 2024 marked the best financial performance in the brand’s history — a brand originally founded by Victor Lindh, Ulrik Pedersen, and Tommy Holte.
NN.07 reports double-digit growth across both top and bottom lines. Operating profit (EBIT) rose by 47%, net profit increased by 28%, and gross profit was up 16% compared to 2023.
According to CEO Anders Rahr, the results reflect years of focused execution of an international strategy, strong partnerships, and a sustained commitment to product quality. That very strategy is now paying off. The financials show a significant increase in both revenue and earnings, driven by growing demand and NN.07’s expanding presence in key global markets.
“Store openings in New York and London have significantly strengthened our position and made the US our largest market”

“It’s about getting closer to the consumer”
Anders Rahr became CEO in 2021, taking over the role from Tommy Holte. Here, Anders talks about the year’s financial results:
“We’ve spent the past few years strengthening our brand internationally, and we’re now beginning to see the results. Store openings in New York and London have significantly strengthened our position and made the US our largest market. At the same time, we’re experiencing strong growth in the UK, the DACH region, and Benelux. At the heart of it all is still our focus on well-designed products.”
The store openings in these two fashion capitals are part of a clear strategy to enhance the physical brand experience and get closer to the consumer.
“The store openings in New York and London are crucial for us. It’s about getting closer to the consumer and building meaningful relationships,” adds Anders Rahr.
Today, the majority of the company’s revenue comes from markets outside Scandinavia. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the company continues to invest in both international and Scandinavian markets.
“The momentum we’ve built together with our team and partners gives us the confidence to raise our ambitions — both globally and locally. We’re focused on new markets and store openings in the coming years,” concludes Anders Rahr.

Anders Rahr
Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
They traveled among Europe’s hidden treasures – and that sparked their growing design platform
They traveled among Europe’s hidden treasures – and that sparked their growing design platform
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
Behind NORDINARY are Cornelia Whitt Palmå and Alvaro Gonzalez – a couple who met during their university years in Copenhagen and have since lived in countries such as Germany, Portugal, and the USA.
Along the way, their passion for discovering unique artisans and designers – often found only by chance during their travels – grew. They wanted to share that experience with more people, which led to the creation of NORDINARY: an online platform featuring a carefully curated selection of design objects from small, independent brands across Europe.
We spoke with Cornelia Whitt Palmå about the idea behind NORDINARY, their future ambitions, and why sometimes it’s more important to put projects out into the world than to wait for the perfect moment.
If you were to describe NORDINARY to someone who doesn’t know you, how would you do it?
“NORDINARY is an online platform where you can discover a curated selection of design and interior objects from small, independent brands and artisans across Europe. Here, you’ll find products that you won’t see elsewhere – created with passion and love, often produced in small quantities or as truly unique one-of-a-kind pieces.”
"It all started with a passion for finding unique design objects from local designers and artisans while we were on vacation."

The two co-founders, Cornelia Whitt Palmå and Alvaro Gonzalez
How did the idea for NORDINARY come about?
“It all started with a passion for finding unique design objects from local designers and artisans when we were on holiday. We often received interest from friends and family, and it became clear to us that we could hardly even find the artist again ourselves.
That sparked the idea of making it easier for others to discover talented, smaller artists and brands. This is how NORDINARY came to be – a platform where talented, smaller artists and brands can be discovered by those looking for something unique, that not everyone has, and which is made with passion.
We felt there was a gap for a space where it wasn’t just about buying a product for your home, but also about the experience of discovering a designer or artisan. The feeling of hearing the story behind each product and taking it home is hard to replicate online. But we do our best to come as close to that experience as possible by bringing the people behind the designs into the spotlight and sharing their stories and the thoughts behind their work.”
"We make an effort to get as close to that experience as possible by bringing the people behind the designs into the spotlight and sharing their stories and the thoughts behind their works."


How do you find and select the brands and designers you collaborate with?
“We discover the brands we collaborate with in many different ways – from exciting finds during our travels, to discoveries on Instagram, or even direct inquiries from interested brands.
To ensure that the brands and artists we work with reflect NORDINARY’s values, we base our selection process on four criteria:
Unique design: We exclusively collaborate with independent brands that are either owned or run by the designer themselves. This ensures that each product stems from personal passion, a strong artistic vision, and a clear brand identity.
Craftsmanship and quality: Our partners are dedicated to creating durable, high-quality products. Each item is crafted with great care, often in small batches, using materials selected for longevity.
Responsible production: We prioritize brands that produce responsibly, making it easy and transparent for our customers to understand how sustainable practices are integrated into their production. This could include handmade production, made-to-order concepts, or the use of upcycled and recycled materials.
Innovation and originality: We select brands that dare to think outside the box and have a distinct identity. These are the ones bringing fresh perspectives to the design world and creating pieces you won’t find everywhere.”

"Perfectionism is great, but it should never become a roadblock to bringing projects or ideas into the world."
What inspires you?
“We are inspired every day by the brands and artists we collaborate with. Their passion, knowledge, and creative process are what drive NORDINARY forward.
We work with a diverse range of designers and people, but what they all have in common is a genuine passion for what they do. You can feel it, and it keeps inspiring us. Every time we connect with our partners, we leave with renewed energy and ideas to continue developing NORDINARY.”
What is the best advice you’ve received along the way?
“Perfectionism is great, but it should never become a roadblock to bringing projects or ideas into the world.
Both Alvaro and I tend to want to polish and fine-tune our projects until they feel 110% perfect before sharing them. That’s why we often remind each other that the most important thing is to get projects out there – the best test happens in the real world, and that’s where we learn and grow.”

"We want to go global."
What are the next steps for NORDINARY?
“After a successful launch, we dream of expanding NORDINARY and giving more unique designs a home. This means adding more categories and broadening our geographic reach.
Expanding our categories: We want to explore more product categories and present an even wider selection – still focusing on craftsmanship, quality, and responsible production. Thinking more globally: Right now, our focus is on Germany and Denmark, but we dream of opening up to customers worldwide.”
Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
Joe & The Juice taps top US executive | Jeffrey Lawrence
Joe & The Juice taps top US executive
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
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.
"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"

Jeffrey Lawrence
Behind the success of Domino’s Pizza

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.”
Digital sales are booming
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.
Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
Clothes are meant to be shared, not shelved – House of Share from Denmark is here to change your habits
Clothes are meant to be shared, not shelved – House of Share from Denmark is here to change your habits
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
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.
"Today, many brands are reaching out to us because they, too, feel the pressure to think more circularly and responsibly"

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.”
"The idea came about quite naturally. I had a lot of dresses hanging in my closet that my friends would often borrow"
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.”

"I find a lot of inspiration in the world of sports"
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.”
"We have some exciting things in the pipeline"

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.”
Get smarter, faster!
Subscribe to dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: Get our weekly updates on culture, branding, entrepreneurship, and inspiration—rooted in Copenhagen—delivered straight to your inbox.
Danish audio brand Wavell reports strong growth and launches new flagship headphones
Danish audio brand Wavell reports strong growth and launches new flagship headphones
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
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.
“Our goal is to combine the best technology with a price that gives more people access to premium sound.”


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.
"Now it’s time to take the next step"
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.
Get smarter, faster!
Get dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: You can receive our weekly update for free on culture, branding, entrepreneurship & inspiration, with a focus on Copenhagen.
New chapter for iconic Nordic brand as Driv Kapital steps in
New chapter for iconic Nordic brand as Driv Kapital steps in
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
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.
"Quality, sustainable ingredients, and responsible beauty will continue to be the foundation of our entire business."

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.”


Photo: Swedish hair legend Björn Axén
Get smarter, faster!
Get dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: You can receive our weekly update for free on culture, branding, entrepreneurship & inspiration, with a focus on Copenhagen.
Behind aioss: Two Danish entrepreneurs on a mission
Behind aioss: Two Danish entrepreneurs on a mission
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
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.
"When you’ve lived somewhere with 325 days of sunshine a year, a winter in Copenhagen can feel very long."

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.”
"I’ve been interested in nutrition and physiology for over 20 years, so what would eventually become aioss felt like a very natural fit for me."

"90% of Danes don’t meet even the minimum recommendations for a healthy diet"
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.”
"The less varied your diet, the more it helps"
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.”

“We feel like we’re in a really good place right now — and there’s a lot to build on from here”
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
Get smarter, faster!
Get dontt.dk’s newsletter for free: You can receive our weekly update for free on culture, branding, entrepreneurship & inspiration, with a focus on Copenhagen.