Cases
Icelandic cybersecurity company expands to Denmark
Jun 12, 2026 When Icelandic cybersecurity company Defend Iceland set out to scale globally, Denmark became its first port of call. The company is now turning Copenhagen into the launchpad for its European expansion and a natural next step in bringing collaborative cybersecurity to a bigger stage.Growth doesn’t wait in cybersecurity - and neither does Defend Iceland. Expanding beyond its home market was a logical move, and Denmark was naturally and quickly selected as the company’s first international destination.
Denmark’s market matches Defend Iceland’s technological edge and pace. With a stable economy, high digital maturity, and a regulatory environment aligned with other advanced markets, the company found the ideal place to land - and scale.
“We’ve seen how powerful it can be when the ethical hacker community and companies work together. Now we want to bring that vision to Denmark and create a platform that meets the needs of the Danish market,”
- Theódór Ragnar Gíslason, founder and CEO of Defend Iceland, in a company statement.
Defend Iceland's management team and investors.
Strengthening Denmark’s cyber ecosystem
The company's Danish entity, “Defend Denmark”, adds muscle to an already strong cybersecurity landscape. By creating opportunities for ethical hackers and professionals, the company helps develop local talent and raise industry standards.
Defend Iceland worked with Copenhagen Capacity and Invest in Denmark’s advisors during the company’s expansion process.
"Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, and with one of the most digital societies in the world, Denmark is far from immune. We are therefore very proud to have assisted Defend Iceland expansion into Denmark. Their transparent and collaborative approach to cybersecurity is a strong match for the Danish market and an important contribution to strengthening our digital resilience,"
- Asbjørn Overgaard, CEO at Copenhagen Capacity.
At a time when cyber threats are growing in both frequency and sophistication, this investment reinforces Denmark’s digital resilience, which is benefiting businesses and public institutions alike.
Why Denmark? A perfect match for cyber excellence
Defend Iceland’s decision to expand to Denmark was based on strong fundamentals:
1. Market potential with regulatory familiarity
Denmark offers a digitally advanced economy with a growing demand for cybersecurity solutions. Its regulatory and legal frameworks are well aligned with those of other mature markets, enabling seamless scaling.
2. Cultural compatibility and economic stability
A strong cultural fit, a high-trust society, and a predictable business environment made Denmark an easy place to localise operations and build partnerships.
3. Access to top cyber talent
Copenhagen’s pool of IT and cybersecurity professionals gives companies like Defend Denmark the expertise needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.
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
The company’s “Defend Denmark” is set up 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, turning cybersecurity from reactive to proactive. Vulnerabilities are identified 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 collaboration the backbone of stronger cybersecurity.
Are you also considering expanding to Greater Copenhagen?
At Copenhagen Capacity, we assist startups and established companies expanding to and in Greater Copenhagen. Whether it's setting up a Sales Office, R&D centre, or Regional headquarters - we provide guidance throughout the entire process.
Our services are free for foreign-owned companies and tailored to your business needs, with full confidentiality. We look forward to hearing from you.