Copenhagen, here she comes!

In November of 2023, AvantGarde Search, led by Ann Hege Frøseth, opened our offices in the heart of Copenhagen at Matrikel1 Mesh Community. Having previously recruited management and technical talent to Danish companies from our Oslo office, it is fair to say that we are beyond excited to now be physically present in place in Denmark.

As a Co-Founder, I was so pleased to hear that Ann Hege wanted to take on the challenge for of opening our Danish office and here is what she had to say about it when I sat down with her last week. In the end she also shared her top 5 tips for technology companies securing the right talent.

“To attract the best talent, it's your responsibility to not only evaluate the candidates but also to make your company stand out as an exciting and fulfilling place to work.”

- Ann Hege

What is your personal fascination for technology, impact solutions, AI and more?

My personal fascination with technology has grown significantly since I started working at AvantGarde Search in 2020. Working closely with all these innovative tech companies on a daily basis and witnessing how they actually are driving our society forward is hands down extremely exciting. Technology isn't just a tool; it's the driving force behind innovation and disruption across all industries. It's very fascinating to see how it reshapes the way we live and work. Like many others, I´m especially intrigued by AI and its endless possibilities. What a time to be alive, or what?!

What is impact technology for you?

Impact tech, to me, goes beyond “just” saving the climate. It's about leveraging technology to address real-world challenges, from healthcare and education to sustainability and beyond. It's about using technology to make a meaningful difference in various aspects of people's lives. Recruiting for impact tech companies is especially intriguing, connecting passionate and innovative individuals who truly wants to contribute to positive global changes.

The founder Erik Falk Hansen together with Ann Hege, who proudly hold up the proof that AvantGarde Search Denmark has been established.

What experiences gained from AvantGarde Search in Oslo do you aim to bring with you to Copenhagen?

Drawing from our experiences since our start in 2019, I aim to bring a mindset of continuous learning and adjustments, hard work, humbleness, and lots of fun. Technology is a dynamic field, and we've learned that being adaptable and open to new approaches is also essential for success in recruitment.

You are moving physically yourself in January 2024, but what is the plan until you physically settle down?

I'll continue to research and map the Danish tech landscape, as well as networking and connecting. My colleague Erik and I will be spending some days in Copenhagen at the end of November, where we aim to make the most of our time meeting up with various people and companies. Forming new connections is very valuable both for business and personal reasons. I love to learn from others that who have lots of knowledge on areas I don´t! And of course, we´ll take some time to properly set up and decorate our new office at Matrikel1.

In brief works, what are you most looking forward to and what do you fear the most?

😃 Deep dive into the Danish Technology Industry – Finding the best talent for these companies – the energy the Danish tech industry shows – the personal challenge of starting something from scratch.

☹️ Uncertainty with venturing into a new location and new area – adapting to a business culture somewhat different to Norway – navigating unfamiliar dynamics.

Top 5 tips for technology companies recruiting!

1. Assess current skills: Evaluate the existing skill sets within your organization. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your current team. This will help you pinpoint the gaps that need to be filled.

2. Know your needs: Before starting the recruitment process, take the time to clearly define your company's needs and future strategy. What is required for your company´s projects and growth plans to succeed.

3. Sell your company: Recognize that not every candidate automatically sees your company as the best place to work. To attract the best talent, it's your responsibility to not only evaluate the candidates but also to make your company stand out as an exciting and fulfilling place to work.

4. Streamline the recruitment process: In the fast-paced world of tech, a long hiring process can lead to the loss of top candidates. Plan for a thorough but adjustable recruitment process. If you are too set on a timeline for each interview round, your top candidate might accept another offer in the meanwhile. Continuous communication and feedback are also crucial.

5. Emphasize “soft” skills: In addition to the must-have technical skills, pay attention to candidates' “soft” skills such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving abilities. These qualities are often crucial for success in fast-paced and dynamic tech environments.

If you would like to set up an introduction meeting with Ann Hege you can reach her on at ann.hege@avantgardesearch.no or on +45 28 26 80 35.