Lessons from Copenhagen for Africa’s founders and investors

TechBBQ, a gathering of over 10,000 startups and investors in Copenhagen, Denmark, showcased how the definition of a tech startup has evolved. Alongside traditional software companies, founders were working on groundbreaking innovations in quantum computing, biotechnology, medical diagnostics, robotics, security systems, and novel food technologies. This broadening of the technology industry was a significant lesson for African founders and investors.

Traditionally, venture capital (VC) has focused on sectors like payments, lending, digital banking, logistics, e-commerce, and AI. However, the 2026 TechBBQ event highlighted that investments are now shifting towards more challenging areas such as healthcare, energy, defense, biology, and the physical economy. This shift was evident in the dedicated Life Science x Deep Tech stage and the nearby University of Copenhagen's Maersk Tower, which houses numerous research-based startups.

Contrary to traditional VC assumptions, deep tech challenges require significant time, resources, and expertise. Biotechnology, quantum computing, and medical devices face regulatory hurdles and require specialized researchers and expensive equipment. Despite these obstacles, the gap between potential and actual market-ready technologies is closing. TechBBQ emphasized that investors are increasingly seeking to turn ambitious scientific research into viable companies.

Investors are now considering the strategic importance of technologies to their countries, making the boundary between technology policy, industrial policy, and national security increasingly blurred. This shift in focus opens up investment opportunities in sectors that were previously considered difficult, such as energy, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, water, and transport infrastructure in Africa.

African founders and investors can leverage these emerging opportunities by addressing these complex problems with innovative solutions.

Moreover, the ecosystem surrounding deep tech investments has become more diverse, involving researchers, foundations, policymakers, universities, corporations, and public investment institutions. This collaboration is necessary to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability. Europe is still grappling with the challenge of transforming excellent scientific research into successful technology companies.

As Africa faces similar issues in commercializing its scientific discoveries, the lessons learned from TechBBQ in Copenhagen can provide valuable insights for African founders and investors looking to navigate the changing landscape of venture capital.