Copenhagen Optimization

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Copenhagen Optimization

Copenhagen Optimization Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

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Overview

Copenhagen Optimization Overview

Copenhagen Optimization (copenhagenoptimization.com), founded in 2014, is a world-leading company specializing in airport optimization. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, the company's mission is to make airport operations simple and efficient, thereby improving the passenger experience for millions of travelers worldwide. They achieve this through data-driven insights, state-of-the-art software, and hands-on implementation, targeting airports globally to help them mitigate capacity constraints and enhance operational efficiency.

Their core product is Better Airport®, a cloud-based Connected Operations software platform built by airport operators for airport operators. This platform integrates crucial airport operations, including check-in, baggage, security, stand & gate, and immigration, which traditionally operated in silos. Key modules of Better Airport include Better Forecast, which provides accurate predictions of passenger and baggage flow, and Better Security, which strengthens security operations. This interconnected approach allows data to flow seamlessly, making it the world's leading connected operations platform for airport operators.

In addition to their software solutions, Copenhagen Optimization offers airport consulting services. These services leverage their deep-rooted expertise in operational strategy, advanced analytics, planning, and optimization. They prioritize strong partnerships and collaboration, ensuring analyses are rooted in the client's reality and needs. Notable collaborations include transforming baggage operations at Denver International Airport, enhancing gate allocation for new airlines, and improving check-in and security efficiency at Copenhagen Airport.

The company has also expanded its reach, partnering with airports such as Brisbane International Airport to transform security operations and John F. Kennedy International Airport to enhance its Airport Operations System. In a significant development, Copenhagen Optimization entered into a purchase agreement in which InfraVia, a leading independent private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in the company, aiming to accelerate commercial development.

Competitors

Copenhagen Optimization Competitors

Copenhagen Optimization (copenhagenoptimization.com) faces competition from various companies offering airport optimization and related software solutions. One key competitor is Pattern Labs, which is listed among the top alternatives to Copenhagen Optimization [cbinsights.com/company/copenhagen-optimization/alternatives-competitors]. While specific details on Pattern Labs' offerings and market share relative to Copenhagen Optimization are not provided, its inclusion as a top competitor suggests it likely targets a similar market with analytics or operational improvement solutions.

Another significant competitor identified is IBS Software [cbinsights.com/company/copenhagen-optimization/alternatives-competitors].

IBS Software operates in various travel and logistics sectors, and its presence as a competitor implies it offers solutions that address airport operational challenges, potentially overlapping with Copenhagen Optimization's Better Airport® platform for connected operations, check-in, baggage, security, and gate management. The breadth of IBS Software's offerings might position it as a more comprehensive enterprise solution, potentially differing from Copenhagen Optimization's specialized focus on airport capacity optimization.

Airspace Intelligence is also noted as an active competitor [tracxn.com/d/companies/copenhagenoptimization/__nNWS2kSdDZqrkSEjIiQcX1Sve39yJq2QJugrsnShaYM]. Given its name, Airspace Intelligence likely specializes in optimizing air traffic flow and airspace management, which is a critical aspect of overall airport operations. This could position it as a direct competitor in areas related to airside efficiency and capacity, complementing or rivaling Copenhagen Optimization's focus on terminal and ground operations.

Indirect competitors or companies with overlapping capabilities include Ange (ange.dk), which focuses on data-driven decisions in the shipping industry, and Flowty (flowty.ai), which offers multi-commodity flow optimization algorithms for acquisition. While these companies are not explicitly airport-focused, their expertise in optimization, data analytics, and business intelligence could be applied to airport scenarios, representing potential alternative approaches to the problems Copenhagen Optimization solves with its specialized airport software and consulting services.

Alternatives

Copenhagen Optimization Alternatives

Product & Pricing

Copenhagen Optimization Product and Pricing Intelligence

Copenhagen Optimization (copenhagenoptimization.com) offers Better Airport®, a cloud-based software platform designed to optimize various airport operations. The platform features core modules such as Better Forecast, which provides accurate predictions of passenger and baggage arrivals to aid staffing and operational decisions [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport/better-forecast]. Other key modules include a Resource Management System (RMS) that connects check-in, stands & gates, and baggage reclaim [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport/resource-management-system], Better Stand & Gate for automatic allocation and optimization of stands and gates [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport/better-stand-gate], Better Check-In for seamless passenger processing [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport/better-check-in], and Better Virtual Queuing to manage demand and reduce queues at various touchpoints [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport/better-virtual-queuing].

Copenhagen Optimization emphasizes a flexible approach to pricing, stating that there are no fixed pricing plans due to the unique needs of different airports [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/pricing]. Instead, the company encourages potential clients to engage in a conversation and potentially a demo to discuss specific requirements and tailor solutions accordingly [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/pricing]. This personalized approach ensures that the pricing is as adaptable as their software, catering to airports of all sizes and complexities.

The initial step for prospective clients involves a 15-minute introductory call to understand their operational challenges and goals, followed by a free 30-minute consultation and a personal tour of the Better Airport software [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/demo][https://copenhagenoptimization.com/your-journey-with-us]. This free demo allows Copenhagen Optimization to identify how their solutions can specifically help optimize airport processes, reduce delays, and enhance passenger satisfaction without any upfront cost [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/demo].

In addition to its software offerings, Copenhagen Optimization also provides data-driven airport consulting services. These services leverage the team's expertise in operational strategy, advanced analytics, planning, and optimization, ensuring that analyses are rooted in the client's reality and needs [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/]. The combination of software and consultancy allows the company to offer comprehensive solutions for mitigating capacity congestion and improving overall airport operations.

While Copenhagen Optimization does not publish specific pricing tiers or free vs. paid feature breakdowns, its model clearly indicates that the core software platform and its modules are paid features, customized per airport. The initial consultations and product demonstrations serve as free engagement opportunities to explore solutions before committing to a tailored plan [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/demo].

Hiring & Layoffs

Copenhagen Optimization Hiring and Layoffs

Copenhagen Optimization (copenhagenoptimization.com) is actively expanding its team, signaling a strategic focus on enhancing airport operations globally. The company welcomed seven new employees in the past year, bringing their total workforce to 53 dedicated professionals representing 20 nationalities, highlighting an international and diverse recruitment strategy [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/blog/copenhagen-optimization-2024-wrapped]. This consistent growth demonstrates their commitment to their mission of improving the passenger experience for millions of travelers worldwide through data-driven insights and advanced optimization.

The company frequently seeks individuals motivated by challenges, particularly those with expertise in sophisticated data analysis and optimization, to help improve experiences at some of the world's busiest airports [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/company/careers]. This aligns with their core offerings, which include Better Airport® software for connected operations and specialized airport consultancy services [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/]. Notable team members include CEO & Founder Anders Dohn, Vice President of Strategy Chad Leqve, and Director, Consultancy Emanuele Di Matteo, indicating a strong leadership and technical focus [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/company/team].

Recent hiring trends suggest a continuous need for roles such as Senior Consultants, Software Engineers, and Student Assistants, supporting both their headquarters in Copenhagen and their US office [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/company/team]. The addition of experienced professionals like Esben Kolind as Lead Consultant in late 2022 further reinforces their investment in expert-driven solutions [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/page/3]. There is no information to suggest any layoffs at Copenhagen Optimization; instead, the company's hiring patterns consistently point towards steady growth and expansion in their specialist fields.

Leadership

Copenhagen Optimization Management and Leadership Team

Copenhagen Optimization is led by Co-CEOs and Co-Founders Anders Dohn and Kasper Hounsgaard. Both Dohn and Hounsgaard have a background in management positions at Copenhagen Airport, where they were instrumental in transforming the approach to operational analysis through the establishment of the Opera foundation [copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/case-studies/copenhagen-airport-improving-operations].

Supporting the leadership team, key executives include Chad Leqve, who serves as Vice President of Strategy, and Emanuele Di Matteo, the Director of Consultancy [copenhagenoptimization.com/company/team]. Tor Fog Justesen is also a significant leader within the company, holding the position of Chief Product Officer [copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars].

Recent leadership changes and notable hires include Esben Kolind, who joined Copenhagen Optimization as a new Lead Consultant in November 2022. In this capacity, Kolind is responsible for leading client projects and contributing to business and product development [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/esben-kolind-named-new-lead-consultant/].

In a strategic move to accelerate commercial development and broaden the scope of its software, Copenhagen Optimization agreed to sell a majority stake to InfraVia Capital Partners. The company will continue to operate under the leadership of Co-CEOs Anders Dohn and Kasper Hounsgaard, maintaining its vision and core values during this period of growth [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/copenhagen-optimization-agrees-sale-of-majority-stake-to-infravia-capital-partners/].

Financials

Copenhagen Optimization Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

In a significant development, Copenhagen Optimization entered into a purchase agreement for a majority stake acquisition by InfraVia, a prominent independent private equity firm. This strategic move aims to accelerate the company's commercial development and expand the scope of its software solutions at an increased pace [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/copenhagen-optimization-agrees-sale-of-majority-stake-to-infravia-capital-partners/]. InfraVia Capital is known for its investments in resilient businesses across real assets and technology [https://infraviacapital.com/].

Copenhagen Optimization has also secured funding through grants, notably completing the prestigious Horizon 2020 research and innovation program by the European Commission. This two-year program, which concluded in September 2021, recognized the company's Better Airport® software solution for its potential to drive optimization in airports globally [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/awarded-the-european-commission-horizon-2020-grant/], [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/airport-optimization-solution-awarded-eu-grant/]. This grant underscored the innovative nature of their AI-driven airport optimization solutions.

The company has demonstrated a consistent drive for growth, having previously sought DKK 8 million (approximately 1.07 million EUR) in new capital to support its expansion efforts [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/airport-operational-planning-software-in-high-demand/]. This earlier fundraising initiative highlights Copenhagen Optimization's sustained focus on scaling its operations and market presence. Its entrepreneurial success was further recognized with a nomination for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in 2017 [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/ey-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2017/].

Partnerships

Copenhagen Optimization Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Copenhagen Optimization specializes in enhancing airport operations through its Better Airport® software platform and expert consulting services, working with a diverse range of clients globally. The company prides itself on collaborative solutions, transforming airport operations and driving business development alongside its clients [copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/case-studies].

Copenhagen Optimization has established significant partnerships and client relationships with major airports worldwide. Notable clients include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, with whom Copenhagen Optimization secured a signature contract to transform airport operations management [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/dallas-fort-worth-international-airport-operations]. They also announced a collaboration with Sydney Airport to improve operations and enhance customer experience using the Better Airport® solution [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/sydney-airport-and-copenhagen-optimization-announce-collaboration-to-improve-airport-operations-and-enhance-the-customer-experience/].

In the UK, MAG (Manchester Airports Group) and Copenhagen Optimization have committed to expanding their partnership, making Better Airport® the Connected Operations Platform across all operational areas for MAG airports [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/mag-and-copenhagen-optimization-commit-to-expanding-partnership-agreement/]. Furthermore, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has enhanced its Airport Operations System by expanding its partnership with Copenhagen Optimization and Azinq [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/john-f-kennedy-international-airport-enhances-airport-operations-system-expanding-partnership-with-copenhagen-optimization/].

Copenhagen Optimization also focuses on security operations, partnering with ISS Pacific to advance airport security across leading Australian airports [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/copenhagen-optimization-partners-with-iss-pacific-to-advance-airport-security-operations-across-leading-australian-airports/] and with Brisbane International Airport to transform its security operations using Better Forecast and Better Security modules [copenhagenoptimization.com/news/transforming-airport-security-operations-at-brisbane-airport]. The company's Better Airport® platform ensures seamless integration with existing airport data and systems through a comprehensive and expanding range of external APIs, enhancing efficiency and agility [copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport/integrations]. This integration capability allows airports like Hannover Airport to integrate third-party staffing plans with operational data to better manage passenger flows through security [copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/case-studies/hannover-airport-better-security-and-forecasting].

Events

Copenhagen Optimization Event Participations

Copenhagen Optimization hosts the annual Better Airport Summit, a significant event for clients and partners in the airport operations industry. This summit, held in Copenhagen, brings together experts from airports across Europe and North America to collaborate and share innovative ideas. Topics discussed at these summits have included stand and gate management, baggage handling, security, staffing, and forecasting, addressing critical challenges faced by airports as air traffic and fluctuations continue to grow [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/better-airport-summit][https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/better-airport-summit-2025-key-highlights/][https://copenhagenoptimization.com/blog/copenhagen-optimization-2024-wrapped]. The first Better Airport user summit was hosted in 2019, marking a milestone for the company [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/news/better-airport-summit2019/].

In addition to the summit, Copenhagen Optimization actively participates in the industry through a variety of webinars. These on-demand sessions feature industry experts and real-world airport experiences, offering practical insights into evolving airport operations [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars]. These webinars cover a range of crucial subjects, including how forecasting and planning lead the way in airport operations, especially in volatile conditions [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars/how-forecasting-and-planning-will-lead-the-way].

Further webinar topics include optimizing stand and gate management to combat congestion and meet future demands [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars/optimize-your-stand-and-gate-management].

Copenhagen Optimization also hosts "Optimization Talks," such as a session on virtual queuing for airports, exploring its potential for commercial business cases, increased operational efficiency, and improved passenger experience [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars/optimization-talks-2-virtual-queuing-for-airports].

The company also provides webinars guiding airports on operational planning system consolidation, addressing the challenges posed by traffic volatility and the need for automated and streamlined operations [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars/guide-on-operational-planning-system-consolidation]. Their extensive webinar library and the Better Airport Summit underscore Copenhagen Optimization's commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration within the airport industry [https://copenhagenoptimization.com/resources/webinars][https://copenhagenoptimization.com/timetable/category/summit-category-inspiration/].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strategic implication of InfraVia acquiring a majority stake in Copenhagen Optimization?

The acquisition of a majority stake by InfraVia, a private equity firm, signals Copenhagen Optimization's intent to significantly accelerate its commercial development and broaden the scope of its software solutions. This strategic move is expected to inject capital and expertise, allowing the company to expand its market presence and enhance its product offerings at an increased pace.

Copenhagen Optimization welcomed seven new employees last year, bringing their total to 53. What does this indicate about the company's growth trajectory?

This hiring trend indicates a consistent and steady growth trajectory for Copenhagen Optimization, rather than rapid expansion or contraction. The addition of seven employees to a team of 46 suggests a deliberate, sustained effort to expand capabilities and support its mission of improving global airport operations, without any indication of layoffs.

Copenhagen Optimization recently hired Esben Kolind as a Lead Consultant. What does this suggest about the company's strategic focus?

The hiring of Esben Kolind as a Lead Consultant suggests Copenhagen Optimization is reinforcing its commitment to expert-driven solutions and client project leadership. This role also involves contributing to business and product development, indicating a focus on both implementation and strategic growth within their specialized fields.

Copenhagen Optimization emphasizes the 'Connected Operations' aspect of its Better Airport® platform. What competitive advantage does this approach offer?

The 'Connected Operations' approach of Better Airport® provides a competitive advantage by integrating traditionally siloed airport operations like check-in, baggage, and security. This allows for seamless data flow, mitigating capacity constraints and enhancing overall operational efficiency, differentiating it from solutions that address individual operational areas in isolation.

What does Copenhagen Optimization's approach to partnerships, particularly with clients like Dallas Fort Worth and Sydney Airport, reveal about its growth strategy?

Copenhagen Optimization's approach to partnerships with major airports like Dallas Fort Worth and Sydney Airport reveals a growth strategy focused on collaborative solutions and deep client engagement. By securing signature contracts and expanding existing relationships, the company aims to embed its Better Airport® platform as a core operational system, driving both business development and long-term client retention.

Copenhagen Optimization hosts the annual Better Airport Summit and numerous webinars. What is the strategic intent behind these events?

The strategic intent behind the annual Better Airport Summit and extensive webinars is to foster knowledge sharing, industry collaboration, and thought leadership within airport operations. These events bring together clients and partners to discuss critical challenges and innovative solutions, positioning Copenhagen Optimization as a key player in advancing industry practices and strengthening client relationships.

Copenhagen Optimization previously sought DKK 8 million in new capital, and later received a Horizon 2020 grant. How do these funding activities characterize its financial strategy?

These funding activities characterize Copenhagen Optimization's financial strategy as growth-oriented, combining both private capital raising and strategic grant acquisition. Seeking DKK 8 million for expansion and securing the Horizon 2020 grant underscore a consistent focus on scaling operations, market presence, and validating the innovative nature of its AI-driven solutions.

What does Copenhagen Optimization's product strategy imply, given its explicit positioning of Better Airport® as a replacement for Beontra?

Copenhagen Optimization's explicit positioning of Better Airport® as a replacement for Beontra indicates a product strategy focused on directly absorbing former clientele of discontinued solutions. This move aims to ensure continuity of service and offer enhanced capabilities in forecasting, planning, and operations optimization, directly targeting a proven market segment.

How does Copenhagen Optimization's flexible pricing model, which avoids fixed plans, influence its market approach?

Copenhagen Optimization's flexible pricing model, without fixed plans, enables a highly consultative and tailored market approach. By customizing solutions and pricing based on individual airport needs, the company can cater to a diverse range of airports, from small to large, and address unique operational challenges, potentially increasing market penetration and client satisfaction.

What does the background of Co-CEOs Anders Dohn and Kasper Hounsgaard, both formerly of Copenhagen Airport, suggest about the company's core competency?

The background of Co-CEOs Anders Dohn and Kasper Hounsgaard, both having management experience at Copenhagen Airport, strongly suggests that Copenhagen Optimization's core competency is rooted in deep, practical understanding of airport operations. Their previous work in transforming operational analysis at Copenhagen Airport indicates a foundation built on real-world airport challenges and data-driven solutions.

Copenhagen Optimization collaborates with ISS Pacific and Brisbane International Airport on security operations. What does this indicate about the company's focus beyond general airport optimization?

These collaborations indicate Copenhagen Optimization's strategic focus extends beyond general airport optimization to specialized areas, specifically advancing airport security operations. By partnering with ISS Pacific and implementing Better Forecast and Better Security modules at Brisbane International Airport, the company demonstrates a targeted effort to address critical security challenges and enhance operational efficiency within this specific domain.

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