"We didn't lose a farm. We built a prototype, and we learned what it takes." That's how Lasse Carlsen, Founding Director of Copenhagen-based Bygaard, announced the sale of the company's first full-scale urban mushroom farm on Refshaleøen. The move marked a pivotal transition from proof of concept to preparing for something bigger, leaner, and more resilient.
© Lasse Carlson on LinkedIn
From fruiting room to full-scale pilot
Launched in 2018, Bygaard rapidly expanded from a single fruiting room into a bustling urban farm that supplied Michelin-star restaurants, supermarkets, and meal box providers. Over time, the team cultivated 18 mushroom species—" among the broadest in Europe"—and reached €67,000 per month in sales.
But the farm's scale exposed deeper industry realities. "Our bottlenecks were substrate supply and labor intensity—common across the industry," he noted. "Denmark has untapped potential as a hub for mushroom substrates, with FSC-certified byproducts from its wood and furniture sectors."
© Lasse Carlson on LinkedIn
A necessary pivot
The decision to sell the Refshaleøen site wasn't easy, but it was strategic. "It was a tough but necessary decision. It gave us insight and clarity to rebuild on stronger ground," Carlsen said. "I went from managing 16 people to standing alone–with scars on my back, deep insight, and enough validation to know: this works."
For Carlsen, the sale validated the idea, not the infrastructure. Bygaard is now focused on developing a modular, decentralized farming system that reduces manual workload and integrates Best Available Technology (BAT) from global leaders. "We're building the next generation—step by step. With the right team. The right tools. And real-world viability as our compass."
© Lasse Carlson on LinkedIn
A founder with a systems vision
Carlsen describes himself as a "system thinker" and urban farmer, drawing lessons not only from operations but from conversations across the foodtech space. "I've spoken with minds like Adam DeMartino and Andrew Carter (co-founders of Smallhold), who dared to think modular and believe mushrooms are part of the solution," he wrote.
This reflective, open-source approach to startup growth stands in contrast to some of the vertical farming industry's recent challenges. "We've seen huge investments into tech that didn't deliver," he said. "That doesn't mean the idea is dead. We need to rethink—and build smarter."
"I've made mistakes. I've grown fast as a leader, navigating HR, logistics, production, and finance while holding a startup together. Without my team, this would've broken."
© Lasse Carlson on LinkedIn
The next chapter
Carlsen is building Bygaard 2.0 and actively seeking collaborators, co-founders, and partners aligned with Bygaard's modular mission. "I don't have all the answers," he admitted. "But I know the right questions—and what didn't work."
"This isn't hype," Carlsen concluded. "It's the next chapter."
For more information:
Lasse Carlson, Founding Director
Bygaard
© Bygaard
www.linkedin.com/in/lasse-antoni-carlsen
www.bygaard.dk