Review of 2011 and outlook for 2012

WeI’d like to wish you a prosperous 2012.

A short review of 1CT in 2011 and outlook for 2012 can be found here .

Pressens Fællesindkøb (a central procurement organisation for the Danish Press) has named Caramba Imaging Partner of the Month

When it comes to impact in the Danish market, it doesn't come much better than a recommendation from Pressens Fællesindkøb. Making Partner of the Month is even better. With endorsements from Søndagsavisen and Ekstra Bladet, Caramba's services are highlighted as bringing high quality and consistency at a low price to print and online publishers.

Read the article at ddpff here or, when no longer available there, here .

With four portfolio companies sharing our offices, we have outgrown Sankt Annae Plads and are moving to Parken.

3 years have passed and we have enjoyed our offices under the roof at Sankt Annæ Plads immensely. Without exception, visitors were impressed with the view of the spires of Copenhagen. We have, however, now outgrown the space and we knew that it would take a special effort to beat those offices.

Our new and fully renovated offices in Parken, the national football stadium gives us double the space (over 800 Sq. m.) and, being on the 5th floor, a fantastic view of the football pitch. Luckily, matches and concerts take place primarily at the weekend or in the evening. We are pretty sure though that a lot of our staff and business partners will find a reason to pay us a visit around major games.

1CT, Realfiction, Caramba Imaging, HentTilbud and Sitexploration - a total of about 40 people - will be in place on Monday. All contact information remains unchanged.

Our new address is:

1CT Management ApS
Øster Alle 42, 5th Floor
2100 København Ø



Reception on October 27th at 3:00pm. Please check this link for more information

To celebrate our new premises and the 100 year birthday of two 1CT Partners (50 years each), we are inviting business partners and friends of the house to a reception on October 27th from 15:00 to 18:00. We hope to see you there.

Mindstorm technology was used by the judges to select the acts for the bootcamp section of the series

For the second time, Mindstorm delivered the technology that helped the UK’s X Factor judges to choose candidates in the X Factor bootcamp show. The show was broadcast on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 on ITV1.

Two years ago, Mindstorm’s Aurora interactive table was used by the judges to make the final selection of candidates during boot camp. This year, we upped the ante with a 2.2m multi-user, multi-touch, vertical Mindstorm surface, the Mindstorm iWall. Filming for this year’s session took place in August at Altitude 360 London at the top of Milbank Tower with breathtaking views over the Thames, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Judges could not only view photos of the contestants, they could also review 250 crystal clear, high definition audition videos. The selection process involved simply dragging each contestant's video to a category until they had narrowed down the those who would make it to the next stage of boot camp - very effective, intuitive and exciting.

A video is available from the producers on YouTube. Look for the Mindstorm iWall about 6:21 into the show.

Interestingly, the buzz on Twitter after the show likened the iWall to the movie "Minority Report" where Tom Cruise manipulates data on a transparent wall. We like the association.

Realfiction announces the winner of its €5,000 content competition

Realfiction’s Content Competition 2011 turned out to be a huge success and we can proudly present the three winners, who respectively won €5000, €2500 and €1000.

Also in this issue: the launch of Dreamoc.com, a web site dedicated to showcasing content for the dreamoc units.

To read the newsletter, click here.

Rapidus, a Swedish online magazine focused on growth companies in the "Oresund" region, writes about 1CT and 1CT's latest investment, Sitexploration.

To read the article (in Swedish), click here.

Leovation. a division of one of the world's largest paper groups, is exhibiting at Retail Expo Asia in Hong Kong on June 14th - 16th.

On the stand, Leovation will be showing Holographic displays from Realfiction and Interactive surface technology from Mindstorm. For more information on the exhibition, click here.

More information on Leovation can be found here.

Søren Jonas Bruun warns entrepreneurs against inventing a "slightly better mousetrap" in an article in today's Børsen

There's still room for new social media services states an article in today's Børsen. At the same time, they need to address significant gaps in the current line-up of services to make an impact. "1CT keeps an eye on these services" says Søren but we have not yet seen a service that shows sufficient differentiation to make our shortlist. You can see the article (in Danish) here

After 4 weeks of good sales in a prestigious department store, a Dreamoc^TM was installed. The following week, sales more than doubled.

In March 2011 RealFiction’s Dreamoc^TM helped the Danish company Lakrids by Johan Bülow increase sales on all its 5 licorice products. In collaboration with one of the largest and most prestigious Department Stores in Denmark – Magasin du Nord, Lakrids by Johan Bülow used the Dreamoc^TM. This case is the first Dreamoc^TM project, where the sales data has been measured and documented. The “Stop-and-Wonder” effect has been shown in multiple videos and pictures, however, now the even more powerful effect of the DreamocTM - the increased sales effect, has been clearly documented.



The Magasin du Nord group has several shopping centers in Denmark, it employs approximately 1000 people and had a turnover of close to 1.9 billion DKK in 2009/10 (corresponding to € 255 million). By providing RealFiction with the sales numbers of the products, both before and after the implementation of the DreamocTM, Magasin du Nord and Johan Bülow made the effect of the DreamocTM measurable.

Lakrids by Johan Bülow started its operations in 2008 and has multiplied its turnover dramatically every year since. The company currently employs 20 people and has two licorice factories in Denmark – one in Copenhagen and one in the most eastern part of Denmark – Bornholm – were the company was originally founded.

In collaboration with our German content partner – Puppeteers – a 3D animation was made and implemented in three Dreamocs^TM placed in two of Magasin du Nord’s shopping centers. All three DreamocsTM were placed in highly visual positions – next to the shopping center’s main escalator and right next to the counters.

The effect of the Dreamoc’s^TM integration was astonishing just after a couple of days and only after two weeks sales has more than doubled on the product, without special prize campaign or additional advertizing. Furthermore, after one month of implementation, sales of Johan Bülow licorices had increased approximately 180%. The experienced increase in sales is visualized in the diagram.

Read the full story on Realfictions site here

Three feature articles in leading Danish financial daily

Under the headline "The man who downloaded the internet", Børsen tells the story of how Claus Valgren Christensen's vision of building better search than Google ended up as a product that help companies better their ranging in search engines.

In the second article, "X-Ray of Google is attractive for investors", Børsen goes deeper into the market for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how Sitexploration is a key analysis tool for experts in that field.

The last article, "Links and red lamps" explains some of the mechanisms used by search sites to rank search results, filter out attempts to "play the system" and how this field is a constant game of Cat and Mouse as search companies keep changing the rules to make organic search relevant to users.

The articles are available in Børsen, 17th of May, 2011 or here (The man who downloaded the Internet) and here (X-Ray of Google is attractive for investors).

Sitexploration is a tool for SEO experts that provide the intelligence to get high page ranking in search engines.

Sitexploration is a tool for SEO experts that provide the intelligence to get high page ranking in search engines.Many organisations live and die by how they rank in search yet the practitioners of the dark art of Search Engine Optimization have, until now, had very few tools to help them understand why they - and their competitors - rank as they do. Sitexploration is a very powerful tool for SEO experts and corporate marketing departments that build and maintain their own sites.

Sitexploration analyse links to and from nominated web sites and builds a link profile for each site. The analysis is based on data continually collected using Sitexploration's proprietary semantic search engine. By using semantic search, the context of links and keywords are better understood and provides a better and more accurate link profile.

1CT is very proud to announce its investment in Sitexploration and look forward to help this exciting company provide its service to an even wider audience

Bolius and Søndagsavisen choose HentTilbud to offer a better service to their customers

In April, HenTilbud and Bolius announced a partnership that sees Bolius writing seasonal features incorporating the HentTilbud RFQ service. For Bolius, this a great way of encouraging their customers to start new projects and at the same time, make sure they get the best price and quality.

Earlier, in March, HentTilbud and Søndagsavisen announced a partnership that will see the regular section "Hus og Have" feature HentTilbud stories and promotions.

Mindstorm is a major feature in new Amsterdam nightclub

The Lido Club, a fashionable nightclub within Holland Casino’s flagship venue in central Amsterdam, is as cool as they come. At the flick of a button, lights, ceiling, videos and aroma instantly change the “mood” of the nightclub.

In addition to the bar and dance floor, three majestic “gamepods” dominate the room. The gamepods are available for hire and accommodate up to eight people. The regulation size gaming table is a Mindstorm Interactive table complete with party games to entertain the guests. The table can also be converted to conventional poker and blackjack tables and included in the hire cost is a private croupier.

Initially two games were designed to entertain the guests. A multi-player quiz game with dozens of categories and thousands of questions is sure to bring the competitive spirit out at the party and the multi-player the DJ application will get the creative juices flowing. In a future version, the guests in each pod will be able to compete against each other as well as compete against the resident DJ.

Mindstorm is very proud of its achievement with Holland Casino and see this industry as strategic going forward

Clas Dyrholm and Peter Simonsen were interview for this story which is part of a serious about innovative Danish companies.

What do mannequins do at night? This question, the journalist writes, kicked off the cooperation between Clas and Peter which became Realfiction. To read the story (in Danish), please click Here

900 Radio ads promotes HentTilbud's RFQ service

We are proud to announce a partnership between the large Danish radio channel Pop FM and our portfolio company HentTilbud.

Pop FM has a market share of 40% of 30-50 year old radio listeners on sealand and therefore the perfect partner with HentTilbud in recruiting service jobs from private housing. Any house renovation, cleaning, gardening-job can be listed on HentTilbud, who match it with three relevant suppliers, who will compeet for the job.

With the 900 radio spots we are certain to make HentTilbud a more house hold name and service in Denmark and look forward to exploit this for more business opportunities with special media and brand partners in the future.

Examples of the ads can be found here:

HentTilbud PopFM
HentTilbud på vinduespudsning
HentTilbud på træfældning

1CT Equity II attracts 45 investors to a day of inspiration and networking.

The response to our invitation on February 8th was overwhelming and we had to close for new registrations. The event did not disappoint with Torben Ballegaard Sørensen, ex. CEO of Bang & Olufsen and Chairman of Realfiction, telling the exiting story of Pandora’s journey from a small jewellery shop on Nørrebro to the world-wide success it is today.

Christian Peytz, Chairman of FDIM (Association of Danish Interactive Media) and Chairman of HentTilbud, gave a very interesting account of the impact of social media in the corporate world.

Søren Jonas Bruun presented the opportunities in 1CT Equity II’s current business.

A video extract of the event (In Danish) is available below

Our yearly review of the year and outlook for the coming year is now available.

As is our tradition, we have emailed our very extensive network of entrepreneurs and business experts our best wishes for a prosperous 2011. We have also included links to our review of 2010 and outlook for 2011. To read the brief report, please click Here

1CT and HentTilbud are proud to announce that Christian Peytz is joining HentTilbud as Chairman of the Board

Chairman of FDIM (Association of Danish Interactive Media) and owner of Peytz & Co., Christian Peytz is joining the company as Chairman of the Board. Christian has strong experience in the media market and can help the company in many ways but mainly in the dialogue with the big media players, who are beginning to see the need for new ways of attracting payers to the declining market of advertisement.

Christian Peytz has been working with digital communication and business development since the beginning of the 90ties. As few, he understands the pros and cons of media channels – no matter whether communication or business opportunities are in focus. He has been responsible for establishing first Børsen Online, then tv2.dk.

He is founder and Managing Director of Peytz & Co. – a web agency that has become one of the major players within email marketing. Furthermore he is chairman of FDIM – the Association of Danish Internet Media. Christian holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Economics and Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School.

RFQ internet service provider HentTilbud is 1CT's newest investment

1CT Management is proud to announce our investment in the company /internetservice, HentTilbud, which translated to English means “Get an offer”. The company is in the fast growing business of RfQ ( Request for Quotation) and focuses on private peoples need for help on house renovations, gardening, cleaning etc.. HentTilbud has 5 years of experience in the market and is already a top 3 player in the industry. The Danish RfQ industry has great potential and it is the goal of HentTilbud to help the Danes understand the obvious benefits of RfQ and to establish themselves as the main and most trustworthy player.

The newly appointed CEO, Michael Pedersen said: “ I come from the traditional Yellow Page industry, and see major market opportunities in this new RfQ-platform for "connecting buyers and sellers". From the users perspective the buying process is more convenient compared to the traditional way of searching for handymen, and from the suppliers perspective it fits to the business model they like - performance based cost.”

1CT has high expectations for HentTilbud’s growth potential. Largely because of its ability to establish partnerships with primary media and membership organizations at a shared revenue based business model. Today HentTilbud has cooperation with IdéNyt and Pricerunner and many others are on the way. The pipeline includes some of the largest players in the media industry as well as buyer organizations and real estate.

RealFiction's partner in Asia, Leovation, will showcase the Dreamoc display at InfoComm Asia 2010.

InfoComm is one of the largest shows in asia and has brought together Asian buyers and global suppliers of information presentation and display technology since 1998. Read the show announcement Here

1CT and Frost & Sullivan cooperates in F&S's Global Growth, Innovation and Leadership program.

1CT was recently named an "Industry Visionary Track Partner" in Frost & Sullivan's Global Growth, Innovation and Leadership (GIL) program. http://gil-global.com

The community of Growth, Innovation and Leadership is focused on engaging, sharing, and inspiring a continuous flow of new ideas and fresh perspectives which leverage innovation as a resource to help shape a better future for the growth of our companies and our careers. If you and your company are serious about growth, and you’re interested in further developing your career, our GIL Global events are where you need to begin.

1CT, along with Intel and 3M will add value to GIL events by sharing their experience innovation in start-up companies as well as international growth and exit of interesting technology companies.

For more information, please contact Soren Jonas Bruun:

Realfiction's Dreamoc used in major Philips shaver launch

On September 27th, Philips showcased its new innovative Sensotouch 3d shaver in Realfiction’s Dreamoc. Iker Casillas was presenting the new product in Madrid, Spain.

The Spectator becomes the first high-profile UK publication to implement Caramba Imaging's technology in the UK

Caramba Imaging has started selling Image enhancing technology in the UK market and has already signed up its first high profile publication.

“The UK market is a perfect place for us to start our international expansion” says CEO of Caramba Imaging, Henrik Paltoft. “There’s a thriving publishing market with fierce competition. This puts publishers under pressure to increase efficiency and cut cost – something outr technology provides in abundance” adds Paltoft.

The first customer in the UK is The Spectator, an independent political magazine founded in 1828. Here is what Tim Gow, Production Manager at The Spectator says about their usage of Caramba Imaging;

“For the last 2 months The Spectator magazine (ABC 70,300 copies per week) has been using Caramba Imaging software to process its images. The system was introduced to provide maximum efficiency in editorial production, allowing our subs and production editors to colour correct images directly from InDesign.

The plug-in has enabled staff with no specialist pre-press knowledge to handle image correction, a job previously handled by a separate production unit. This represents a very significant time saving, and when compared to outsourcing to a repro house it provides an excellent solution at a fraction of the costs. We use four image queues straight out of the box, and are achieving very good results on press without any problems. Highly recommended for anyone looking to save time and cut costs.”

For more information, please contact Henrik Paltoft: or +45 4013 8410

RealFiction’s Dreamoc XL is used to illustrate the history of flight at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Elsinore, Denmark.

“Luft under vingerne”, "Air under the wings" is a new permanent exhibition at the Danish National Museum of Science and Technology in Elsinore. Welcoming the guests is a Dreamoc XL from RealFiction showing highlights from the history of Danish aviation.

DR, the Danish broadcasting corporation, featured the display in a recent article about the exhibition. The feature includes a video which can be seen here: http://www.dr.dk/harddisken/blog/2010/06/29/fremtidens-3d-museum-i-en-montre/

For more information, please contact Clas Dyrholm at RealFiction at:

Meet Peter Simonsen and Clas Dyrholm at booth N426 where they will be showcasing the Dreamoc and Dreamoc XL

The invitation they've sent to their customers and distributors can be found Here

1CT opens its second fund and expands its investment capability

1CT proudly announces the formation of its second fund, 1CT Equity II. The creation of 1CT Equity II will allow us to further leverage our unique platform and reproduce the strong returns we have created in our historical portfolio.

Backed by an invited group of high net worth individuals – all of whom have built businesses themselves - 1CT Equity II becomes another major asset to the clients of 1CT. Investors will be have the option of co-investing with 1CT Equity II and of getting involved directly in portfolio companies as experts where their background can make a difference to the company.

Going forward, 1CT will increasingly focus its business upon companies that match the investment criteria described in the investment section of our web-site.

For further information, please contact Søren Jonas Bruun at +45 3322 0700

Gartner Group names Mindstorm "Cool Vendor" in its latest report on Surface Computing.

In a Surface Computing report published recently, Gartner Group names Minstorm a "Cool Vendor", one of only four companies in the world to receive this accolade. While still in its infancy, Gartner Group recognize the potential and growth in Surface Computing and recommend that consumer facing organisations consider using Multi-Touch surfaces to strengthen their brands. The full report (G00175225) is available from gartner Group.

RealFiction, Caramba Imaging, Minstorm and MindMetic will demonstrate to brand owners how their product deliver game-changing impact. The June 16th event is presented in partnership with the Danish Association of Advertisers.

Brand Owners are continuously looking for impact, differentiation and efficiency. 1CT's portfolio of companies will demostrate how their products turn heads, make audiences pay attention and increase the impact in retail as well as in corporate environments. The event is held on June 16th in the gorgeous "Kuppelsal" and Danske Bank's Headquarters in Copenhagen.

We have produced a short invitation Video which you can see Here

At an awards ceremony in Copenhagen, Søren Jonas Bruun was recognized for his enormous contribution to growth in the venture industry in Denmark.

Article (In Danish) here

A well known business man is worth his weight in gold writes Danish Business Magazine Børsen. They are referring to RealFictions appointment of Torben Ballegaard, former Bang & Olufsen CEO, as their new Chairman.

Read the article (in Danish) Here

Former CEO of Bang & Olufsen, Torben Ballegaard Sørensen, has joined RealFiction as Chairman of the Board.

”I have great expectations for RealFiction. The product hits the market at the right time - there's a great need to differentiate the in-shop experience where customers make their final purchase decision. RealFictions brings the shop display alive in 3D which creates more attetion than I've ever seen before. I believe the potential is substantial" adds Torben Ballegaard. Read the press release (in Danish) Here

1CT has published its review of 2009 and outlook for 2010.

As is our tradition, we have emailed our very extensive network of entrepreneurs and business experts our best wishes for a prosperous 2010. We have also included links to our review of 2009 and outlook for 2010.

To read the brief report, please click Here

As Retailers Reprioritise their IT Requirements, Fujitsu Announces a Range of New Partnerships

See fujitsu's announcement Here

The following article was printed in SCAN Magazine in November. Read the article Here

There is probably no one who has not heard of the X factor and even though some of us may not admit to it, most are likely to have seen at least an episode or two of the popular talent show. But what all of us did not know is that the show has also brought fortune to two Danes whose invention has been just as exposed to fame’s searchlight as the aspiring stars.

The two Danes Kenneth Siber and Thomas Jensen are the founders of UK based Mindstorm, a company that specialises in bringing everyday surfaces and spaces to life with a range of innovative interactive solutions. The company was started just three years ago, but with its inventive development and reliable solutions it has quickly attracted the attention of both investors and clients.


Spotting the Talent

One of the business developers who first spotted the potential in the innovative touchscreens was another Dane, the founder and CEO of 1CT (Corporate Technologies), Søren Jonas Bruun. 1CT specialises in taking emerging technology companies to their full potential and in the beginning of 2009 1CT got involved with Mindstorm. “I founded 1CT on the idea that I would like to repeat some of the successes that I had seen in the past where technology companies were brought forward quite quickly and brought into larger companies. I find that process very inspiring,” says Bruun adding: “To grow and groom is the key for what we do.”


The cool factor

Mindstorm is the first UK-based company that 1CT has invested in, but Bruun did not hesitate when he first heard about the company’s ideas and plans. “The companies we work with are not necessarily new companies, but they do need to have a new technology that is crisp and cool enough for the big players to find it interesting. Mindstorm certainly has that cool factor,” stresses Bruun.

On 27 September, more than 12 million people in the UK watched X Factor judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh use the Mindstorm Aurora Table to select the 24 acts that will compete for this year’s X Factor prize. But Mindstorm is not just about coolness and X factor, but also about solid production and reliability says Bruun. “Mindstorm very quickly developed the solutions in demand and a steady deliverance which enabled them to produce, for instance, the touch screen which greatly pleased Simon Cowell and consequently got them on national TV in the UK.”

The multi-touch technology of Mindstorm is installed across the globe with prestigious companies such as Nokia, Google and BMW and prestigious clubs around the world.


Crossing the finishing line

Since 1CT started up five years ago, Bruun has been joined by three partners and has around 100 experts which 1CT calls in for help in the different sectors. “We do it the old fashioned way, we try to build the company up in a healthy way and in partnership with the clients,” says Bruun.

Since its beginning 1CT has helped 14 companies “successfully cross the finishing line” as Bruun puts it. “We are very exit focused, we try to understand what it takes to become attractive to the leading international players. Basically, we set a goal and figure out how to get there. It sounds very simple, but it is a lot of hard work,” he stresses and adds. “A lot of companies get excited and overly confident about the new technology and then just go along. But if that is your tactic you often end up as the 4am girl, who was not picked on the dance floor; you have to be where the music plays and you have to be there at the right time, wear the right clothes and be ready to move in if approached.”

Many of the exits created by 1CT have been to large American “gorillas” such as Cisco, Adobe and VMware.

Tag Heuer to use RealFiction display to promote €70,000 limited edition watch - The Monaco V4

RealFiction’s innovative display solutions, integrating physical objects with holographic animation will be used to promote the über-cool watch – the Tag Heuer Monaco V4.

The watch has been in development since 2004 and use driving belts and ball-bearings instead of the conventional wheels and pinions. It is truly unique, very expensive and warrants the very best in promotion displays, a customized RealFiction Dreamoc.

In cooperation with their Swiss dealer, Space3D Solutions, RealFiction has produced 15 displays in a beautiful bronze with white leather interior. Space3D has produced the animation describing the patented clock-work in 3D. The 15 displays are to be placed at the best Tag Heuer dealers in the world to stimulate sales and enhance corporate branding.

”We are happy to have Tag Heuer as one of our exclusive brand customers. We already have good success selling our displays in Europe and Asia, and we believe this will further boost our international sales”, says Clas Dyrholm, CEO and co-founder of RealFiction.

To learn more about RealFiction and their unique products, please visit their Homepage

Launch of their InDesign plug-in has had tremendous impact and has landed Caramba with a prestigious nomination for “Entrepreneur of the Year” in Denmark. The launch is progressing really well with a free trial (first 100 images processed for free) having great response.

Caramba Imaging, the Danish SaaS provider of automated image enhancement services to customers such as Aller Press, JSL Publications, TopToy (BR) and Friis & Co. is nominated as “Entrepreneur of the year” in the prestigious competition judged by Ernst & Young.

The success comes on the back of Caramba Imaging’s successful launch of an innovative InDesign plug-in that allows Graphics Designers to do layout work in InDesign while having images processed in the background with Caramba’s technology.

The plug-in has made a real stir in the industry and has new customers queuing at the door.

Automatic image enhancement frees designers to focus on the creative layout and design process.

“Our technology uses our proprietary image analyses technology to enhance images across numerous categories such as colour, grading, balance, contrast, light, shadow, sharpness and colour space using unique algorithms. The results for users are fast, consistent quality images in a fraction of the time normally used in manual processing” states Caramba’s CEO Henrik Paltoft.

Caramba Imaging’s technology is an internet based service, requires no start-up investment and brings immediate benefits. An on-premise version is available to customers with large amounts of images to process.

Try the InDesign plug-in (the first 100 images are free) here

Strengthening its Nordic leadership within Utility related services, 1CT acted as exclusive advisor to EG in their acquisition of Energyfront.

Mindstorm, a major player in interactive, multi-touch surface computing hits the road running with 1CT investment.

We are pleased to finally announce our investment in Mindstorm Ltd, a UK based company leading the world of multi-touch surface computing. We've been working with Mindstorm since the beginning of the year where the 1CT investment allowed the already very successful company to refine their strategy, develop new products and launch campaigns to major corporations across the globe.

This week, Mindstorm is launching these products and with a major PR coup in the UK, the UK version of The X Factor used a Mindstorm Aurora Table to select the 24 acts that will compete in this years competition. More than 12 million viewers saw X Factor judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh deliberate, drag images of the contestands around and drop them in the "Yes", "No" or "Maybe" boxes. More on that story can be found here

Mindstorm is, however, much more than X Factor. Their multi-touch technology is installed across the globe with prestigious companies such as Google, Audi, Nokia, BMW, Chanel, Mexicana as well as prestigious clubs across the world.

With 20 people, multi-million pound turnover and impressive year-on-year growth, Mindstorm is poised to dominate interactive, multi-touch surface computing. Where others have solutions with very restrictive form-factors, Mindstorm's solutions can be built into furniture such as a bar or a table or be projected onto walls, floors, tables, etc.

Kenneth Siber, one of the two Danish Mindstorm founders (the other is Thomas Jensen), has published a paper on how we're at the dawn of a new paradigm in human-computer interaction.

Read Kenneth's view here

Click for the latest version of the 1CT Newsletter

Pick up your copy here The newsletter also contains a link to subscribe to future newsletters.

The next round of GazelleGrowth and Accelerace programs start on October 1st 2009 with deadline for applications on September 1st.

Both programs are highly valuable and are game-changing experiences for those lucky enough to be selected.

Read the full details here

Information events are held in Copenhagen and in Aarhus on August 17th and 13th. Full details here

The April newsletter from 1CT is now available.

Pick up your copy here

The newsletter also contains a link to subscribe to future newsletters.

Caramba imaging has developed unique software for automatic image enhancement that greatly reduces the image manipulation costs at publishers, newspapers and other companies working professionally with images.

Olaf Grønvaldt (former CEO and co-founder of Speakanet) has joined the company as new CEO and Jonas Pilgaard, partner in 1CT, will join the board as Chairman. Caramba Imaging is relocating to 1CT’s offices in Copenhagen to fully leverage the synergy with 1CT and its vast network.

The market for automatic image enhancement is expected to grow dramatically. Currently app. 90% of all images are manipulated by hand - graphic designers using Photoshop and other image manipulation programs. Caramba enhances the images according to customized standards using unique patent pending algorithms. Caramba automatically corrects and improve images on a wide range of parameters, including selective color, selective sharpening and gamma. This saves at least 80% of the cost compared to manual editing. Key target markets are large publishers as well as in-house marketing departments in large organizations.

The benefit for customers is automated, consistent image correction and significant cost reduction. The Danish publisher Aller Press A/S documented ROI of less than 1 month on their investment in Caramba software. Other Caramba customers are experiencing similarly impressive return on investment.

Competitive solutions do exist, but none of them can match Caramba’s level of efficiency and accuracy. Comparative evaluations show that customers consistently reach 85% success rate with Caramba processed images compared to 40% for other solutions.

Caramba’s founder, Henrik Paltoft has a strong background in the industry, and brings 15 years expertise to Caramba. Together with his partner, Kaspar Larsen, he is confident that their partnership with 1CT will ensure Caramba’s future success.

“After the first meeting in Copenhagen I was hoping we could make a deal. We were in great need of immediate sales assistance and our business model needed some adjustments from experienced people. We feel sure that 1CT can help us succeed internationally as well as secure us a great exit”, commented Paltoft.

To learn more about Caramba Imaging please visit this website: http://www.carambaimaging.com

For more information, please contact: Jonas Pilgaard, Partner at 1CT, jp (at) 1corptech (dot) com or +45 21401070

Click here for a PDF version of this news release

The latest newsletter from 1CT is now available.

Pick up your copy here

The newsletter also contains a link to subscribe to future newsletters.

Article (in Danish) describing the GazelleGrowth program to which 1CT is a major contributor.

Global finanskrise eller ej – drømmen om Amerika lever i bedste velgående. Men vejen ind på det kolossale marked i USA kan være svær for en virksomhed. Derfor skal vækstprogrammet »Gazelle Growth« under Videnskabsministeriet nu yde starthjælp til små og mellemstore danske, innovative videnvirksomheder med en drøm om at krydse Atlanten.

Read the article here

1CT's first investment is Copenhagen-based RealFiction. Torben Ballegaard Sørensen (former CEO of B&O) joins the board.

In spite of the tough financial environment, Copenhagen based RealFiction hits bulls eye and receives funding for an international rollout of their disruptive 3D display technology for exclusive retail brands.

Torben Ballegaard Sørensen (former CEO of B&O) joins the company’s board and partners with 1CT’s Jonas Pilgaard to kick off the international sales process. RealFiction has relocated to the 1CT’s offices in Copenhagen to get the full synergy from 1CT’s resources.

RealFiction is all about product differentiation. Exclusive brands facing an increasingly competitive market need strong differentiation. Creating real “wow” effects in shops is normally very expensive. RealFiction’s solution is, however, a real head-turner priced close to the cost of a flat screen TV or a high end fashion display.

Customers benefit from the attention created by the display and by bringing USP’s to life in full 3D, holographic live images. The solution enhances brand awareness, increases sales and creates positive customer feedback.

Dreamoc, the first product from RealFiction is a 3D display for exclusive retailers. It is approximately four times cheaper than equivalent solutions. As the only solution in the industry, the Dreamoc integrates a physical product and 3D animation.

The founders are Clas Dyrholm (CEO) and Peter Simonsen (R&D). They have strong backgrounds from the industry, and have both worked for the Danish competitor Vizoo, a company Peter co-founded.

Clas Dyrholm says about the investment from 1CT: “When Peter and I went searching for a partner, we were hoping for more than just money. We are well aware that we have a truly unique product for the market, but we also know that we need experienced people to help us realize the true potential of our company. We believe that 1CT with their experience and large international network of hands-on people is the right investor for us to succeed”.

For a demo of Dreamoc please click here.

For more information, please contact: Jonas Pilgaard, Partner at 1CT, jp (at) 1corptech (dot) com or +45 21401070

The Kauffman Foundation, the world's largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship, recently Interviewed Søren Jonas Bruun, 1CT and Hanson Gifford, The Foundry on how to bring early-stage innovation to market.

Succeeding as an entrepreneur requires both a novel idea and the business acumen to bring it to market. Taking an innovative product from concept to market is a daunting task, especially for people whose first passion is science, not business. Simply knowing where to find venture capital can be a mystery.

An emerging model, called "accelerators," is helping early-stage entrepreneurs reach investors and prepare to launch new products into wide distribution. But not all accelerators are alike. Depending on the business sector in which companies seek to grow, the path from early-stage entrepreneurship to maturity may follow various routes. Soren Jonas Bruun and Hanson Gifford run business accelerators that use very different models to help promising companies navigate the challenging path to market.

Bruun's 1st Corporate Technologies, or 1CT, based in London, works primarily with European growth firms, facilitating exits with international partners. Gifford's California-based The Foundry, focuses on developing innovations in medical devices. Here they share their insights about their individual models, how business accelerators work best, and what early-stage entrepreneurs should know about the process of getting to market.

Read the full interview or download this excerpt from their 2009 Thoughtbook

Dear Friends and Business Partners

As we all know, 2008 turned out a lot different than expected. Yet to 1CT Equity it was a good year. We expected to make our first investments from the get-go, but the market situation went from muddy to sour to frozen, which meant that as a new investor it made sense to hold the horses.

Read the full article here (PDF file)

Soren Jonas Bruun talks to startupdenmark.dk's Alex farcet about his career and 1CT operating in the current economic climate

I sat down with Søren Jonas Bruun at the 1st Corporate Technologies offices in downtown Copenhagen. Søren is straightforward and uses creative analogies to get his point across. A candid interview. (September 2008)

Read the full interview

Drop klynkeriet, lyder budskabet fra Connect Danmarks formand, Søren Jonas Bruun, til landets iværksættere. Lavkonjunkturen kan blive din bedste ven

»Der er brug for, at nogen hejser flaget og siger, at nu må det klynkeri holde op. Det ender med en massepsykose, hvor alle går i hi og bruger krisen som undskyldning for ikke at komme i gang«

Read the full article (PDF)

Det kan betale sig at iværksætte sin gode idé i krisetider.

Article (in Danish) published on Denmark's Radios Web-site on November 21st, 2008 (link below)

Det kan betale sig at iværksætte sin gode idé i krisetider. Historien viser, at nogle af de største og mest robuste virksomheder er opstået under økonomiske nedture.

18 ud af de USA's 30 største nuværende industrielle virksomheder er således opstået under krisetider, skriver erhvervsmagasinet BusinessWeek. Det gælder blandt andet McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Caterpillar og Microsoft.

Mere albuerum
Ifølge BusineesWeek er der klare fordele ved at starte op, når økonomien er i bund.

Der er mindre konkurrence, der er færre omkostninger og det er lettere at rekruttere medarbejdere.

Det er til gengæld sværere at rejse kapital, men de fleste virksomheder starter alligevel op med personlige opsparinger eller lån af venner og familie. Sådan er det i hvert fald i USA, viser en undersøgelse.

Gælder også i Danmark
Den private rådgivningsorganisation, Connect Denmark, som yder gratis rådgivning til iværksættere, slutter op om analysen og mener, at tiden er moden til nye danske iværksættereventyr.

- I krisetider er der bedre plads i markedet, der er færre konkurrenter, flere medarbejdere at vælge imellem og mindre pres for at nå frem til målet om hurtigt at blive en stor virksomhed, siger bestyrelsesformand i Connect Danmark, Søren Jonas Bruun.

Lego blev grundlagt i 1932 under en dyb økononisk krise.

- Det var netop fordi, det var svære tider i byggeriet, at tømmeren Ole Kirk Christiansen slog sig på legetøj. Det handlede for ham om at finde et produkt, som var specialt, og som folk ville efterspørge selv i krisetider, siger Charlotte Simonsen, pressechef i Lego til DR Nyheder.

See article on dr.dk

"Den aktive investor" (The active investor) - Presentation at the "IT Branchen" conference in Copenhagen November 26th

Title: RealFiction & 1st Corporate Technologies

Theme: Den aktive investor

1CT er et investeringsselskab stiftet og fundet af entreprenører. 1CT fokuserer på at tilføre erfarne eksperter til de virksomheder, der investeres i, og tager således en særdeles aktiv rolle i skabelsen af en international succes.

PowerPoint presentation (PDF)

Bruno Giversen, Partner in 1CT will be speaking at the Wainhouse Research CSP Summit in Boston on October 27th.

The presentation will focus on what companies in the Conferencing Provider industry need to do now to make sure the maximize their potential for the longer term. Here is an outline of the presentation.

"Few will argue with the fact that the CSP industry is undergoing rapid change.

Innovation in underlying technologies are transforming our perception of what's possible and at the same time market demand, both competitive and "going green", is driving large-scale implementation of new technology.

Small companies can now do what only large companies could do in the past and the business models that have served the telecom industry are being torn apart.

Speed of innovation is and will be a primary competitive driver and many providers will buy rather than build components to compete and meet market demand.

If you have to build your company with an exit in mind, this presentation will highlight some do's and don'ts for maximizing the value of your hard work."

We asked some of our clients and partners about how they see us. Watch their answers on video.

Questions:

#1 - How would you describe your collaboration with 1CT? Watch Video

#2 - Has 1CT fulfilled your expectations? Watch Video

#3 - Would you recommend 1CT to other companies? Watch Video

Unique Strategic Partnership Provides Value-Added Services To High-Growth Companies Throughout The Company Lifecycle



BOSTON, LONDON, SAN FRANCISCO, COPENHAGEN - June 13, 2008.

Building upon recent joint success, McNamee Lawrence & Co. LLC (MLC), a leading international investment banking firm, and 1st Corporate Technologies (1CT), a leading international business development advisory firm to growth companies, announced today that they have formed a strategic partnership to provide their clients with cross-border, end-to-end, value-added business development and financial services. By leveraging each others complementary advisory strengths and extensive international experience, MLC and 1CT will enable their clients to plan, prepare and affect each step of the company life-cycle in order to maximize exit value upon a sale, merger or public offering.

Highly successful exits and stakeholder value creation very rarely happen by chance. While few entrepreneurs think beyond creating a great product, smart entrepreneurs understand the need to leverage external growth, internationalization and financial experience to maximize the value of their companies and position them for greatness.

The combined services of MLC and 1CT can lead a company from humble beginnings through high growth, internationalization and significant partnerships to a successful value creating exit.

For more than 15 years, the key people of 1CT have been providing European-based technology and media companies with invaluable business development services, including identifying, developing and negotiating the international commercial partnerships that lie at the core of a successful growth strategy. 1CT has leveraged its international experience and network of experts to enable both European- and U.S.-based organizations to develop international networks of OEMs, resellers and channel partners that subsequently lead to the most logical merger or acquisition.

MLC has spent the past 6 years developing a high-value, cross-border M&A and fundraising advisory practice that capitalizes on the notion that good technology, businesses and transactions know no boundaries. MLC has extensive experience working with a vast network of the leading investors and businesses in the technology, media and clean energy sectors.

1CT and MLC will act as complementary exclusive advisors to smart growth companies looking to grow their businesses in the short-term, proactively plan for a successful exit in the long-term and then affect a high-value merger or sale process. 1CT and MLC will leverage each others vast network of contacts at the business development and corporate development levels of some of the largest and most influential players in the technology, media and clean energy areas. Their joint expertise lies in the combination of MLC’s knowledge of what these major players have on their short and long term partnership and acquisition agendas and 1CT’s ability to develop innovative growth companies to correspond to these agendas.

“1CT has the proven ability to set a growth company on a path that attains both operating success and positions them for a high value exit,” said Giles McNamee, managing director, MLC, “Today’s announcement merely formalizes an established and successful working relationship with 1CT in which we have jointly achieved great outcomes for our clients through the M&A markets.”

“Through our partnership with MLC, we know that we can create a viable growth strategy with a client that, when it grows to scale, will have a world-class investment banking firm to help that client realize its full value upon a sale or merger,” said Søren Jonas Bruun, Founding Partner, 1CT.

In January 2008, MCL and 1CT completed the sale of Thinstall, a San Francisco based desktop application virtualization company to VMware, the global leader in virtualization solutions from the desktop to the datacenter.

About MLC
McNamee Lawrence & Co. LLC (MLC) is a leading international investment banking firm with offices in Boston, San Francisco and London. Founded in 2002, MLC focuses on providing growth-oriented technology, media and clean energy companies with merger and acquisition, private placement, and strategic advisory services, employing a unique understanding of industry dynamics and key players, deep domain expertise, international presence and seamless execution to achieve optimal outcomes. MLC conducts its investment banking business through McNamee Lawrence & Co. Securities Inc., a member of the FINRA, SEC and SIPC, and through McNamee Lawrence & Co. Ltd., a member of the FSA. http://www.mlcllc.com

About 1CT

1CT is a partnership of international executives and entrepreneurs with operational, exit, M&A and consulting experience. Since 2005, we’ve been based in the UK with offices in the Nordic Region, US and Asia. We work closely with more than 100 international Project Partners (experts and coaches) to offer tailored resources and access to strategic players. 1CT engages with promising growth companies and through funding and hands-on support drives growth and strategic positioning leading to high stakeholder returns and successful exits. 12 exits have been secured in 3 years. http://www.1corptech.com

###

For further information, please contact:

Giles McNamee, MLC, or +1-617-638-2601
Søren Jonas Bruun, or +45-33-22-07-00

The 1CT Equity Launch Party on Friday June 13th at our Copenhagen offices was a great success.

We had a crowd of about 200 people, entrepreneurs, experts, investors representing the 1CT eco-system. We were particularly proud of this turn-out as we learned that several other companies in our “space” held events of various nature that particular day.

We thank you all for showing up and hope that you made valuable connections and took useful food-for-thoughts away from the very interesting presentation by Anil Hansje, the European chief of M&A at Google.

Click here here for a showing of the video footage that was captured during the event … or find yourself in one or more of the pictures below.

See you all again soon !

Jonas Pilgaard
Partner

1CT acted as advisor for DiviTech when acquired by Cisco.

Anders Hansen – owner of Divitech states:
“The transaction with Cisco would not have been possible without the help and support from the 1CT team.

They have diligently steered the negotiations and process on my behalf during a very hectic time, and I regret that we did not involve them in the process much earlier. For a company like Divitech it has been vital to have the experience and dedication 1CT brought to the table, and the network of industry experts they where able to activate during the process.

1CT never stopped taking care of our interests - even when the road got bumpy - and they made it possible for me and my management team to conduct our normal business during the process. I can highly recommend 1CT to other companies on an exit track”.

Read the full press release from Cisco here.

Søren Jonas Bruun, CEO 1st Corporate Technologies, spoke at a seminar on internationalisation of IT-companies in collaboration with The Danish Export Council and Danish Patent and Trademark Office.

Download presentation:
1CT Presentation

"We are proud to announce that 1CT, Project Partner Henrik Rosendahl and transaction partner MLC have successfully developed and sold San Francisco based Thinstall to market leader VMware in January 2008".

Read more about 1CT's engagement here
Read the official press release here

Dear friends and business partners,

As we turn the page to 2008, 1CT emerges as Investment Company through 1CT Equity. Since 2005, we have worked hard to earn the right to manage other people’s money. On the way, we have successfully developed, sold or purchased 11 out of 12 clients and built a truly international business with 11 dedicated partners/employees and more than 75 Project Partners across several international locations.

Read the full greetings here (PDF file)

1CT - which has had 11 exits and transactions to date - proudly announces the formation of its first investment company, 1CT Equity.

1CT proudly announces the formation of its first investment company, 1CT Equity. The creation of 1CT Equity will allow us to leverage our unique platform and reproduce the strong returns we have created in our historical portfolio.

Backed by an invited group of high net worth individuals – all of whom have built businesses themselves - 1CT Equity becomes another major asset to the clients of 1CT. Investors will be have the option of co-investing with 1CT Equity and of getting involved directly in portfolio companies as experts where their background can make a difference to the company.

Going forward, 1CT will increasingly focus its business upon companies that match the investment criteria described in the investment section of our web-site.

For further information, please contact Søren Jonas Bruun at +45 3322 0700.

For Danish Companies only

SYMBION EXIT PROGRAMME

We invite you to view the free exit programme (PDF File in Danish) that 1CT operates for Symbion. The program is designed for technology companies to prepare for and execute successful exits.

Leading Swiss storage software company SQL AG has been acquired by Austrian Infoniqa. 1CT acted as SQL AG’s exit advisor during the entire process. Read more here

1CT has been selected by Symbion to manage the Symbion Exit Programme.

The programme is designed to help owners of small technology companies to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of selling their companies rather than trying to expand them themselves. Central aspects of the programme include: defining and preparing the right exit strategy, identifying potential buyers, and valuing the company.

The programme is free for Danish companies, and so far seven companies have joined the programme.

Read more about the Symbion Exit Programme here (PDF File in Danish).

For further information in English please contact:
Jonas Pilgaard- or Tel: +45 33 22 07 00

1st Corporate Technologies (1CT) has signed a business development agreement with Easy Flex, Copenhagen. Easy Flex offers a new, innovative automatic staff scheduling system, which can hugely improve scheduling in larger organizations.

1CT is delighted at this opportunity to help Easy Flex leverage its market potential and has assigned Project Partner Erik Lorenz Petersen to provide hands-on assistance to EasyFlex.

1CT is proud to announce that a consortium led by 1CT and Symbion, the leading Danish Science Park, has won a 32m DKK contract to identify and support Denmark's best Gazelle companies internationally.

For more information, please contact 1CT Partner, Jonas Pilgaard on +4521401070 or visit www.gazellegrowth.com

1CT New Years Greeting 2007

Dear friends and business associates,

1st Corporate Technologies [1CT] is a young global company. 1CT clients benefit from our international coverage across 10 locations and 28 partners, all experienced, international executives and entrepreneurs that have "been there, done that".

In addition we have built a strong international network across technology sectors and continents. Read the full New Year Greetings here (PDF file)