Case

From Iceland to Denmark: Scaling Cybersecurity in Europe

Case

From Iceland to Denmark: Scaling Cybersecurity in Europe

When Icelandic cybersecurity company Defend Iceland set out to scale globally, Denmark became its first port of call, turning Copenhagen into the launchpad for its European expansion.

When

From island innovation to continental ambition

Growth rarely stands still in cybersecurity. For Defend Iceland, the move beyond its home market was a natural next step. As part of its internationalisation strategy, the company selected Denmark as its first market entry, signalling both ambition and precision in its expansion playbook.

Denmark stood out not just as a gateway to Europe, but as a market aligned with the company’s technological edge and operational needs. With a stable economy, strong digital maturity, and a regulatory environment mirroring other advanced markets, Denmark offered a smooth landing for a fast-moving tech company.

Why Denmark? A perfect match for cyber excellence

Defend Iceland’s decision was grounded in three clear advantages:

Beyond these, Denmark’s collaborative ecosystem, strong public-private partnerships, and focus on digital resilience create fertile ground for cybersecurity innovation.

Building a bug bounty hub in Copenhagen

Established in 2025, Defend Denmark is designed as a specialised operational unit supporting the company’s global platform.

At its core is a bug bounty platform that connects companies with ethical hackers. These experts identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, strengthening digital defences across industries.

The Danish setup includes:

  • Technical platform development and maintenance
  • Customer engagement and support 
  • Coordination with a global network of ethical hackers 

The platform ensures secure communication, efficient vulnerability reporting, and structured reward systems, making cybersecurity proactive rather than reactive.

Founder and CEO of Defend Iceland, Theodor Ragnar Gislason (centre) pictured with co-founders Hörn Valdimarsdóttir, COO (first-left), Markús Kötterheinrich, CTO (second from left) alongside angel investors Guðmundur Fertram (second from right) and Fanney (far right).
Emil Hørning, CEO of Defend Denmark

Strengthening Denmark’s cyber ecosystem

Defend Denmark’s presence contributes directly to Denmark’s growing cybersecurity landscape. By creating opportunities for ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals, the company helps nurture local talent and elevate industry standards.

At a time when cyber threats are increasing in both frequency and sophistication, this investment adds an important layer to Denmark’s digital resilience, benefiting both public institutions and private enterprises.

 

Invest in Denmark: Your partner in scaling securely

Invest in Denmark, together with Copenhagen Capacity, supported Defend Iceland with tailored advisory throughout the establishment process from navigating legal setup to connecting with service providers and accessing funding opportunities.

This hands-on approach ensures that companies can move from decision to deployment with confidence.

 

Get in touch

Ready to defend your next market?

If you are looking to expand your cybersecurity business in Europe, Denmark offers more than a location - it offers a launchpad. Contact our experts to explore opportunities or discover Denmark’s cybersecurity ecosystem and see how your company can thrive in one of the world’s most digitally advanced economies.

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