23 Feb 2026 – Marketing communication

New partner strengthens Dansk Vækstkapital’s pursuit of top venture investments in Denmark and the Nordics

With the recruitment of Carsten Gjørtler Salling as new partner, the Dansk Vækstkapital funds are sharpening their focus on the attractive return prospects in startups and growth companies both within and outside Denmark. Initially, he will focus on venture investments in Dansk Vækstkapital IV, which is expected to conclude fundraising later this year.

Danske Private Equity A/S is pleased to welcome Carsten Gjørtler Salling as new partner in Dansk Vækstkapital. He will play a key role in the selection and management of venture investments in the Dansk Vækstkapital funds.

“With Carsten on board, we strengthen our foothold in the ecosystem for startups and growth companies. He has extensive experience, a large network, and a strong track record, making him an ideal match for our high ambitions in Dansk Vækstkapital,” says Casper Bruyant Bonde, CEO of Danske Private Equity A/S, part of the Danske Bank Group, and manager of the Dansk Vækstkapital funds.

Carsten has extensive experience, a large network, and a strong track record, making him an ideal match for our high ambitions in Dansk Vækstkapital.
Casper Bruyant Bonde
CEO of Danske Private Equity A/S

Joining amidst successful fundraising for Dansk Vækstkapital IV
The recruitment of Carsten Gjørtler Salling marks a leadership transition within the partnership at Dansk Vækstkapital and comes during the fundraising process for Dansk Vækstkapital IV – the latest fund programme from Dansk Vækstkapital.

So far, leading organisations, companies, and funds such as EIFO (Denmarks Export and Investment Fund), Dansk Industri, ATP, Danica, and DTU’s subsidiary, PSV Foundry, have committed to investing more than DKK 1.7 billion in Dansk Vækstkapital IV. This spring, significant commitments are expected from additional institutional investors. Alongside the fundraising, Dansk Vækstkapital IV has made its first investments, and investment activity is expected to accelerate further – now also with Carsten Gjørtler Salling at the helm.

Carsten Gjørtler Salling brings deep international experience in venture investments from his time as Investment Manager and General Partner at venture capital manager Dreamcraft Ventures (2020-2025). He describes the decision to join Dansk Vækstkapital as an easy one:

“It is fantastic to have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter in the history of the Dansk Vækstkapital funds. There is a significant need for risk capital to support future growth in Denmark and the Nordics, and excellent return prospects for the most talented investors – and I will do my utmost to ensure that Dansk Vækstkapital remains among them,” says Carsten Gjørtler Salling.

The Dansk Vækstkapital funds already hold a strong market position, which I will help develop further to ensure we always have a prominent seat at the table in the right places.
Carsten Gjørtler Salling
Partner at Dansk Vækstkapital

Focus on venture funds within technology and life science
Since the launch of the first fund in 2011, the Dansk Vækstkapital funds have collectively raised more than DKK 11 billion and have historically delivered strong returns to investors. Previous Dansk Vækstkapital funds have, among others, provided investors exposure to companies like Danish Flatpay and Swedish Lovable before they became unicorns.

Dansk Vækstkapital IV consists of three fund modules*, investing in venture funds, buyout funds, and carefully selected companies as co-investments with mainly buyout funds. With this three-part structure, each investor can largely tailor their exposure to their preferences.

Carsten Gjørtler Salling’s primary focus will be investments in leading Danish and international venture funds, particularly targeting startups and scale-ups within technology and life science.

“Technology and life science are areas marked by great innovation and many attractive investment opportunities, but also considerable competition to gain access to funds managed by the most successful venture capital managers. The Dansk Vækstkapital funds already hold a strong market position, which I will help develop further to ensure we always have a prominent seat at the table in the right places. Through strong relationships with some of the best venture capital managers, we have a clear goal of securing exposure for investors in Dansk Vækstkapital IV to the next Nordic unicorns and ultimately identifying future successes like Klarna, Spotify, and Oura,” says Carsten Gjørtler Salling.

A leadership transition at Dansk Vækstkapital
As Carsten Gjørtler Salling joins, Ole Hauskov will step down as partner after more than 10 years with the Dansk Vækstkapital funds. Thus, the partnership will remain at four members.

“Ole has been instrumental in building the strong foundation that Dansk Vækstkapital rests on today. We owe him a great thanks for his remarkable efforts on behalf of Dansk Vækstkapital and our many investors,” says Casper Bruyant Bonde.

Ole Hauskov is proud and grateful to have contributed to the development and growth of Dansk Vækstkapital but feels that the time is now right to take on new challenges.

“It has been a privilege to be part of Dansk Vækstkapital for many years, and I look forward to following its continued development from the sidelines. Dansk Vækstkapital is in a very strong position today and has all the prerequisites for continued success,” he says.

*The three fund modules are Dansk Vækstkapital IV Venture K/S, Dansk Vækstkapital IV Buyout K/S, and Dansk Vækstkapital IV Co-Invest K/S.

Please note that investing always involves risk, and you may lose the invested amount. This material does not constitute an investment recommendation, including a recommendation to invest in any of the companies mentioned. For further information, including the Key Information Document (PRIIPs), please refer to Dansk Vækstkapital's website. An investment in the three fund modules of Dansk Vækstkapital IV is reserved for professional investors who meet specific requirements.