F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Herning, Denmark #881

City Scores

City Total Score

0.148

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.02

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.01

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.12

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

60

Startup Ecosystem in Herning 🌟

TL;DR

Herning ranks as the 881st city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. This Danish city combines a strong community spirit with significant local support, creating a nurturing environment for startups, especially in the technology and design sectors.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Easy online registration processes and minimal bureaucracy make launching a startup straightforward.
  • Startup Incentives: Local initiatives support new businesses with tax breaks and consultations.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Fair and comprehensive laws that protect employee rights, though they may seem intricate for startups.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Denmark’s flexible work permit system facilitates hiring skilled foreign workers.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: Competitive corporate tax rate of 22%, with potential deductions for startups.
  • VAT Regulations: A standard VAT of 25% that applies across various sectors, including tech.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: High quality of life, with affordable living costs in comparison to bigger cities.
  • Culture and Leisure: A mix of cultural options including music festivals, art galleries, and outdoor activities.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Streamlined processes lead to efficient service from local authorities, with fast access to permits.
  • Government Support: Active government programs aim to boost innovation and startup growth.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Access to favorable visa conditions for foreign entrepreneurs establishing their businesses in Denmark.
  • Residency Options: Long-term residency pathways available for qualifying business founders.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • A variety of community-hosted meetups, workshops, and innovation contests.
  • Strong local networking culture that fosters collaboration among startups.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Government initiatives provide grants and financial support tailored to startup needs.
  • Access to local funding networks and business angels.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: Growing interest from VCs looking to invest in promising startups, particularly in tech and design.
  • Major Firms: Small but rising local firms focusing on nurturing early-stage businesses.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Several incubators exist, focused primarily on tech innovation and design, providing mentorship and office spaces.
  • Collaborative programs that often include workshops and funding opportunities.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Emphasis on technology, design, sustainability, and health tech.
  • Government Initiatives: Favorable schemes to promote tech-driven entrepreneurial growth.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Danish is predominant, but English is widely spoken among businesses, especially in startups.
  • Work Environment: A supportive atmosphere where teamwork and innovation are highly valued, with a laid-back yet productive culture.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Supportive community and vibrant startup culture.
  • Government-friendly policies and initiatives catering to young entrepreneurs.
  • High quality of life with lower living costs compared to major cities.

Cons:

  • Limited access to large-scale venture capital compared to bigger cities.
  • Smaller market size may pose challenges in scaling businesses.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Numerous programs promoting female entrepreneurship, offering mentorship and funding specifically for women-led initiatives.
  • Local networking events aim to bring together women in business to share resources and opportunities.

Herning offers a unique blend of community support and strong local initiatives, making it an appealing destination for budding entrepreneurs! 🚀

MeanCEO Index for Herning 🌟

Herning may not be the most famous city for startups, but it possesses a unique charm that can be particularly appealing for female entrepreneurs. Let’s dive into the MeanCEO Index score based on ten critical factors that influence the entrepreneurial landscape in this quaint Danish city.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 6/10
    • While Herning experiences its fair share of grey days typical of Denmark, it also benefits from moderate temperatures in summer and relatively mild winters. The overall weather does not obstruct outdoor networking but certainly lacks the sunshine abundance found in warmer climates.

2. Location 🏖️

  • Score: 4/10
    • Herning is inland, providing limited access to beaches, yet it is not far from Denmark’s coast. Accessing warm swimming waters might require a small trip, which doesn’t quite compare to coastal cities.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 8/10
    • Denmark is known for its commitment to gender equality, and Herning reflects this culture. Local initiatives supporting female entrepreneurs and the general respect for women’s rights significantly bolster the environment for women in business.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 7/10
    • The local community is generally welcoming to foreigners, fostering an environment conducive to building new friendships. The smaller size of the city means newcomers are often embraced with warmth and curiosity.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 9/10
    • English is widely spoken, especially in the startup scene, making it easy for international entrepreneurs to communicate and network effectively.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 5/10
    • Danish cuisine isn’t particularly renowned for being extravagant, though it does emphasize local, fresh ingredients. There are no strong aversions like onions and a growing interest in wine production, but it doesn’t rival culinary powerhouses like Italy.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 5/10
    • The dating scene is decent, and while the men in Denmark have a generally good reputation, the focus on career may make starting a family somewhat challenging. A balanced work-family culture is present but not at the forefront.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 8/10
    • Denmark provides a robust healthcare system with reasonably quick access to appointments and tests. While there may be some wait times, overall, healthcare in Herning is cost-effective and of high quality.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Herning has a reasonable local transportation system but lacks the extensive public transport options found in larger cities. Its connectivity to the rest of Denmark is decent but does not include an international airport, which may require longer travel for international flights.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 7/10
    • The local startup culture is nurturing, and failure is generally viewed as a part of the entrepreneurial journey. However, compared to larger cities, it lacks some of the more vibrant, risk-taking dynamics.

MeanCEO Index Score: 60/100 🎉

Herning presents a compelling option for female entrepreneurs seeking a supportive environment intertwined with community spirit and strong local initiatives. While challenges exist, particularly concerning access to international resources and the startup mindset is still growing, the city’s commitment to gender equality, a reasonable quality of life, and accessible English communication make it an inviting place to launch and grow a business.

Happy entrepreneurship in Herning! 🚀