Mads Vad Kristensen
@madsjvk.com
Hands-on #innovator and #Venture Builder at DTU Skylab looking to #help great people #succeed. +25 years of #experience. #Thinker & #Doer.
Based in #Copenhagen, Denmark. Passionate about my #family, #friends, #LEGO and Blackburn Rovers.
Based in #Copenhagen, Denmark. Passionate about my #family, #friends, #LEGO and Blackburn Rovers.
Pinned
Mads Vad Kristensen
@madsjvk.com
· Sep 2
Notes From a Venture Builder | Notion
Bits, pieces and stray thoughts on research-based innovation, startup building and execution by Mads Vad Kristensen, Innovation Partner @ DTU Skylab
Feel free to connect on LinkedIn or follow me on B...
madsjvk.notion.site
New micro-blogging site for sharing short notes and observations on #innovation from my daily work at DTU Skylab helping turn #research into #startups.
madsjvk.notion.site
madsjvk.notion.site
Winter vacation week for some. Work week for others.
The good thing about many people being away is the peace and quiet to dig deep in some of the things that require a bit more focus.
The good thing about many people being away is the peace and quiet to dig deep in some of the things that require a bit more focus.
February 9, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Winter vacation week for some. Work week for others.
The good thing about many people being away is the peace and quiet to dig deep in some of the things that require a bit more focus.
The good thing about many people being away is the peace and quiet to dig deep in some of the things that require a bit more focus.
Actions you take have ripple effects. What goes around, comes around. That's how the universe works.
So when you fake it, you also set yourself up for getting found out and called on it. With all the ripple effects that might have for you.
Remember that.
Lead with honesty and integrity.
So when you fake it, you also set yourself up for getting found out and called on it. With all the ripple effects that might have for you.
Remember that.
Lead with honesty and integrity.
February 6, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Actions you take have ripple effects. What goes around, comes around. That's how the universe works.
So when you fake it, you also set yourself up for getting found out and called on it. With all the ripple effects that might have for you.
Remember that.
Lead with honesty and integrity.
So when you fake it, you also set yourself up for getting found out and called on it. With all the ripple effects that might have for you.
Remember that.
Lead with honesty and integrity.
Working from home due to heavy snow fall the last 24 hours.
Did I mention how much I hate and utterly detest snow?
I do.
Did I mention how much I hate and utterly detest snow?
I do.
February 6, 2026 at 7:25 AM
Working from home due to heavy snow fall the last 24 hours.
Did I mention how much I hate and utterly detest snow?
I do.
Did I mention how much I hate and utterly detest snow?
I do.
While I fundamentally agree that any product advice, a founder should ever take, should come from customers, I also firmly believe another thing:
Any advice should always lead to something the founder(s) can go and do to learn more and validate their assumptions.
medium.com/entrepreneur...
Any advice should always lead to something the founder(s) can go and do to learn more and validate their assumptions.
medium.com/entrepreneur...
The Surprising Danger of Getting Too Much Startup Advice
Getting advice from experienced startup mentors is important, but it also comes with an unexpected risk.
medium.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:53 AM
While I fundamentally agree that any product advice, a founder should ever take, should come from customers, I also firmly believe another thing:
Any advice should always lead to something the founder(s) can go and do to learn more and validate their assumptions.
medium.com/entrepreneur...
Any advice should always lead to something the founder(s) can go and do to learn more and validate their assumptions.
medium.com/entrepreneur...
Thoroughly enjoyed our team offsite yesterday and the excellent opportunity to get to know people, their skills and their passions better.
In a busy work-environment we often fail to be curious about what drives, motivates and demotivates people. It is a crying shame.
1/
In a busy work-environment we often fail to be curious about what drives, motivates and demotivates people. It is a crying shame.
1/
February 5, 2026 at 7:39 AM
Thoroughly enjoyed our team offsite yesterday and the excellent opportunity to get to know people, their skills and their passions better.
In a busy work-environment we often fail to be curious about what drives, motivates and demotivates people. It is a crying shame.
1/
In a busy work-environment we often fail to be curious about what drives, motivates and demotivates people. It is a crying shame.
1/
Gate meetings on the Skylab Startup Program today.
Always interesting to see how teams are progressing and figure out ways to help them move forward.
Always interesting to see how teams are progressing and figure out ways to help them move forward.
February 3, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Gate meetings on the Skylab Startup Program today.
Always interesting to see how teams are progressing and figure out ways to help them move forward.
Always interesting to see how teams are progressing and figure out ways to help them move forward.
Sometimes peoples LinkedIn headlines are infinitely more interesting than what they actually do.
Creativity is a powerful concept.
Creativity is a powerful concept.
February 3, 2026 at 9:18 AM
Sometimes peoples LinkedIn headlines are infinitely more interesting than what they actually do.
Creativity is a powerful concept.
Creativity is a powerful concept.
Following up with a number of teams today.
Part of the challenge of helping researchers create spinouts is to ensure momentum and balance the workload between research commitments and working on progressing the startup plans.
1/
Part of the challenge of helping researchers create spinouts is to ensure momentum and balance the workload between research commitments and working on progressing the startup plans.
1/
February 3, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Following up with a number of teams today.
Part of the challenge of helping researchers create spinouts is to ensure momentum and balance the workload between research commitments and working on progressing the startup plans.
1/
Part of the challenge of helping researchers create spinouts is to ensure momentum and balance the workload between research commitments and working on progressing the startup plans.
1/
Reflecting a bit on January. What a whirlwind here, there and everywhere in between.
The optimist has a feeling this could be a real stand out year...
The optimist has a feeling this could be a real stand out year...
January 30, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Reflecting a bit on January. What a whirlwind here, there and everywhere in between.
The optimist has a feeling this could be a real stand out year...
The optimist has a feeling this could be a real stand out year...
Yesterday was a nightmare day for Microsoft investors with the stock being 10 % down following Q2 earnings.
But that is not the worst part. The worst part is part of the reason: That AI (OpenAI in particular) counts for 45% of the backlog on commercial revenue.
That's a lot & a HUGE problem.
1/
But that is not the worst part. The worst part is part of the reason: That AI (OpenAI in particular) counts for 45% of the backlog on commercial revenue.
That's a lot & a HUGE problem.
1/
January 30, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Yesterday was a nightmare day for Microsoft investors with the stock being 10 % down following Q2 earnings.
But that is not the worst part. The worst part is part of the reason: That AI (OpenAI in particular) counts for 45% of the backlog on commercial revenue.
That's a lot & a HUGE problem.
1/
But that is not the worst part. The worst part is part of the reason: That AI (OpenAI in particular) counts for 45% of the backlog on commercial revenue.
That's a lot & a HUGE problem.
1/
The narrative about startup culture of often about big egos.
In reality it should be about something completely different:
Accountability.
madsjvk.com/the-one-thin...
In reality it should be about something completely different:
Accountability.
madsjvk.com/the-one-thin...
The one thing that can make or break your startup team
It is a pretty simple yet often overlooked concept
madsjvk.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:02 AM
The narrative about startup culture of often about big egos.
In reality it should be about something completely different:
Accountability.
madsjvk.com/the-one-thin...
In reality it should be about something completely different:
Accountability.
madsjvk.com/the-one-thin...
Reposted by Mads Vad Kristensen
Back in school today attending day one of DTU Board Certificate in Digital Innovation.
Super interesting. The need for experienced board operators, who can ask the critical and tough questions on digitalization strategies and initiatives is high.
Super interesting. The need for experienced board operators, who can ask the critical and tough questions on digitalization strategies and initiatives is high.
January 27, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Back in school today attending day one of DTU Board Certificate in Digital Innovation.
Super interesting. The need for experienced board operators, who can ask the critical and tough questions on digitalization strategies and initiatives is high.
Super interesting. The need for experienced board operators, who can ask the critical and tough questions on digitalization strategies and initiatives is high.
Did the last of this years annual innovation meetings at my departments today. Lots of momentum and great new stuff coming out. Good vibes all around.
Looking forward to continuing the great work with the researchers and help move amazing inventions to market.
Looking forward to continuing the great work with the researchers and help move amazing inventions to market.
January 26, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Did the last of this years annual innovation meetings at my departments today. Lots of momentum and great new stuff coming out. Good vibes all around.
Looking forward to continuing the great work with the researchers and help move amazing inventions to market.
Looking forward to continuing the great work with the researchers and help move amazing inventions to market.
First research-based startup from one of my departments in 2026 incorporated!
Bring it on! Love helping talented researchers take their research out into impactful startups!
Bring it on! Love helping talented researchers take their research out into impactful startups!
January 26, 2026 at 12:10 PM
First research-based startup from one of my departments in 2026 incorporated!
Bring it on! Love helping talented researchers take their research out into impactful startups!
Bring it on! Love helping talented researchers take their research out into impactful startups!
Looking so much forward to reading this one.
I believe Alexander Stubb is an impressive and very thoughtful leader and exactly the kind of profile we need in these volatile times.
www.amazon.com/Triangle-Pow...
I believe Alexander Stubb is an impressive and very thoughtful leader and exactly the kind of profile we need in these volatile times.
www.amazon.com/Triangle-Pow...
The Triangle of Power: Rebalancing the New World Order
The Triangle of Power: Rebalancing the New World Order [Stubb, Alexander] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Triangle of Power: Rebalancing the New World Order
www.amazon.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Looking so much forward to reading this one.
I believe Alexander Stubb is an impressive and very thoughtful leader and exactly the kind of profile we need in these volatile times.
www.amazon.com/Triangle-Pow...
I believe Alexander Stubb is an impressive and very thoughtful leader and exactly the kind of profile we need in these volatile times.
www.amazon.com/Triangle-Pow...
This is a challenge we talk way too little about, but which could have huge, unintended consequences.
Systems are only as good as the questions you ask of them, AND the interpretation of the results, they present.
The human factor remains a huge risk.
hbr.org/2026/01/when...
Systems are only as good as the questions you ask of them, AND the interpretation of the results, they present.
The human factor remains a huge risk.
hbr.org/2026/01/when...
When AI Amplifies the Biases of Its Users
Bias in AI isn’t just baked into the training data; it’s shaped by us and embedded in the broader ecosystem of human-AI interaction. This cognitive bias emerges from the dynamic interplay between huma...
hbr.org
January 25, 2026 at 10:14 AM
This is a challenge we talk way too little about, but which could have huge, unintended consequences.
Systems are only as good as the questions you ask of them, AND the interpretation of the results, they present.
The human factor remains a huge risk.
hbr.org/2026/01/when...
Systems are only as good as the questions you ask of them, AND the interpretation of the results, they present.
The human factor remains a huge risk.
hbr.org/2026/01/when...
Agree 100%. The value of the individual solution is in an inverse relation with the number of solutions out there.
Building and making unsubstantiated claims of value have become too easy. There will be a shakedown, and investors will be taken to the cleaners.
davidcummings.org/2026/01/24/t...
Building and making unsubstantiated claims of value have become too easy. There will be a shakedown, and investors will be taken to the cleaners.
davidcummings.org/2026/01/24/t...
The Real Threat to SaaS Valuations Isn’t AI—It’s a Million New Startups
Software-as-a-service valuations have been in the doldrums for several years. After the peak hype of 2020–2021 and the COVID-fueled pull-forward of demand followed by the end of the zero-interest-r…
davidcummings.org
January 25, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Agree 100%. The value of the individual solution is in an inverse relation with the number of solutions out there.
Building and making unsubstantiated claims of value have become too easy. There will be a shakedown, and investors will be taken to the cleaners.
davidcummings.org/2026/01/24/t...
Building and making unsubstantiated claims of value have become too easy. There will be a shakedown, and investors will be taken to the cleaners.
davidcummings.org/2026/01/24/t...
The Danish government is not missing much by not being in Davos right now...
January 21, 2026 at 2:53 PM
The Danish government is not missing much by not being in Davos right now...
The present geo-political situation seems to be a great time for media to reconsider their use of 'columnists'.
Why?
The opinions of these don't seem to age very well.
They are terrible fortune tellers.
And we're pretty stocked up on rage. We don't need more.
Thank you.
1/
Why?
The opinions of these don't seem to age very well.
They are terrible fortune tellers.
And we're pretty stocked up on rage. We don't need more.
Thank you.
1/
January 21, 2026 at 11:17 AM
The present geo-political situation seems to be a great time for media to reconsider their use of 'columnists'.
Why?
The opinions of these don't seem to age very well.
They are terrible fortune tellers.
And we're pretty stocked up on rage. We don't need more.
Thank you.
1/
Why?
The opinions of these don't seem to age very well.
They are terrible fortune tellers.
And we're pretty stocked up on rage. We don't need more.
Thank you.
1/
Hosting a workshop on team building using the Team Map later today.
Always fun and interesting to meet teams and discuss things that is not directly related to technology or business but still underpins everything.
1/
Always fun and interesting to meet teams and discuss things that is not directly related to technology or business but still underpins everything.
1/
January 20, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Hosting a workshop on team building using the Team Map later today.
Always fun and interesting to meet teams and discuss things that is not directly related to technology or business but still underpins everything.
1/
Always fun and interesting to meet teams and discuss things that is not directly related to technology or business but still underpins everything.
1/
It is amazing to see the investments flowing towards supporting early stage deeptech startups stemming from European research.
But let us not forget the crucial role of those who help planting the seeds and supporting those taking research out of the labs to form new teams.
1/
But let us not forget the crucial role of those who help planting the seeds and supporting those taking research out of the labs to form new teams.
1/
January 15, 2026 at 10:19 AM
It is amazing to see the investments flowing towards supporting early stage deeptech startups stemming from European research.
But let us not forget the crucial role of those who help planting the seeds and supporting those taking research out of the labs to form new teams.
1/
But let us not forget the crucial role of those who help planting the seeds and supporting those taking research out of the labs to form new teams.
1/
I am deeply passionate about people and teams trying to come together to build the next great thing. But what would I do, if I was to go about it myself?
The first installment of a 2 post series on questions to ask yourself in your co-founder search is out now.
madsjvk.com/the-deeptech...
1/
The first installment of a 2 post series on questions to ask yourself in your co-founder search is out now.
madsjvk.com/the-deeptech...
1/
The deeptech co-founder search, part I
Practice makes perfect when you try to bring your professional significant other to the table and find that perfect personal fit. So start…
madsjvk.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:05 AM
I am deeply passionate about people and teams trying to come together to build the next great thing. But what would I do, if I was to go about it myself?
The first installment of a 2 post series on questions to ask yourself in your co-founder search is out now.
madsjvk.com/the-deeptech...
1/
The first installment of a 2 post series on questions to ask yourself in your co-founder search is out now.
madsjvk.com/the-deeptech...
1/
Agree 100%. If we were really that weak, no one would care.
"In many ways, the EU project has succeeded beyond its founders’ most optimistic expectations."
I love the optimistic tone @alemanno.bsky.social strikes here, and I fully agree: .. (1/3)
I love the optimistic tone @alemanno.bsky.social strikes here, and I fully agree: .. (1/3)
Tired of hearing how weak Europe is?
Make no mistake: if Europe is under attack today not only by Russia, but also China and the US, it’s because it offers a credible, and threatening, alternative to their models of power
Read @projectsyndicate.bsky.social www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/e...
Make no mistake: if Europe is under attack today not only by Russia, but also China and the US, it’s because it offers a credible, and threatening, alternative to their models of power
Read @projectsyndicate.bsky.social www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/e...
January 14, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Agree 100%. If we were really that weak, no one would care.
If, as a leader, you first need to build this out now, you're (a) IMHO not super qualified for your role to begin with and (b) probably too late to make much difference.
Such a core part of leadership to hold the line and keep the ship steady in rough seas.
hbr.org/2026/01/lead...
Such a core part of leadership to hold the line and keep the ship steady in rough seas.
hbr.org/2026/01/lead...
Leaders, It’s Time to Build Your Tolerance for Uncertainty
In today’s volatile business environment, leaders must develop uncertainty tolerance as a core skill. Here are three ways to do so: Anchor yourself in clear values and enduring priorities to give your...
hbr.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:40 AM
If, as a leader, you first need to build this out now, you're (a) IMHO not super qualified for your role to begin with and (b) probably too late to make much difference.
Such a core part of leadership to hold the line and keep the ship steady in rough seas.
hbr.org/2026/01/lead...
Such a core part of leadership to hold the line and keep the ship steady in rough seas.
hbr.org/2026/01/lead...