Thorbjörn Bache

A Story of Adaptability, Leadership, and Innovation

Early Life and Education

Born in 1982 in a small town south of Køge, Denmark, Thorbjörn Bache grew up navigating change from an early age. He attended three different elementary schools, as his first school only went up to 7th grade, forcing him to leave the familiar surroundings already by 8th grade — an experience that taught him early flexibility and adaptability. Later, he earned a college degree at Køge Handelsskole.

Early Career and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Thorbjörn’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At the age of 13, he started delivering newspapers six days a week, earning €67 per month before taxes. By the age of 17, he had launched his first company. However, in Denmark, starting a business as a minor required parental legal and financial support — meaning his parents had to assume full responsibility if he failed. This taught him early lessons about accountability, courage, and trust in both business and personal relationships.

Military Training and Leadership Foundations

Pursuing leadership and discipline, Thorbjörn joined the military to become an Officer. He first attended Sergeant School in Sønderborg for his initial leadership training, then continued his education at the Army Combat School (Hærens Kampskole) in Oksbøl, where he completed both the theoretical and practical components of the officer program. The military experience instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, structure, and the ability to lead under pressure.

Continuing Education and Career Development

After completing his military training, Thorbjörn pursued further education to strengthen his leadership capabilities in the corporate world. From 2009 to 2013, he worked full-time — including building a career at Microsoft — while simultaneously studying for a Graduate Diploma in Organization and Leadership HD(O) at Copenhagen Business School. Balancing a full-time job, evening studies, and the early stages of building Godafsked demanded resilience, time management, and unwavering focus. In 2013, he completed his HD(O), adding a formal business leadership education to his military leadership background — a combination that would prove invaluable throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

Facing Adversity During the Financial Crisis

At the age of 26, during the global financial crisis in 2008, Thorbjörn faced one of his most challenging moments, coming dangerously close to personal bankruptcy. As a young entrepreneur, he was seen as a high-risk client by banks. The experience was a powerful reminder that stability is never guaranteed and cemented his resilience, adaptability, and commitment to building strong, sustainable businesses.

Building Godafsked – From Idea to Industry Leader

The idea for Godafsked was born in 2010, driven by Thorbjörn’s vision to modernize and humanize the funeral industry, which he found outdated and inaccessible. With no external investors or corporate backing, he personally developed the full business strategy, financial model, and go-to-market plan from scratch. On December 12th, 2011 (12-12-11) — a symbolic “day of luck” — he officially founded Godafsked ApS.
In its first year, Godafsked handled just 50 cases, but steady growth quickly followed.

Today, it stands as one of the largest companies in the Danish funeral sector, consistently generating annual revenues exceeding 30 million DKK over the past three years. Thorbjörn’s focus on transparency, digital innovation, and customer care has been a driving force behind the company’s remarkable success and ongoing growth.

Personal Life and Family

On a freezing, snow-covered night in late 2010, Thorbjörn met the love of his life. Since that night, they have never been apart. Together, they have built a warm, lively family with three children — while still debating the everyday details that make their relationship real and dynamic. His family remains a core source of strength, balance, and perspective in his life.

Nordic Roots and Global Vision

Today, Thorbjörn lives in Denmark, deeply rooted in Nordic values of resilience, equality, and community. He maintains strong personal and cultural ties to both the Faroe Islands and Iceland — regions whose spirit of adventure, self-reliance, and natural beauty continue to inspire his mind and worldview. Looking ahead, Thorbjörn remains committed to innovating, leading with empathy, and building businesses that combine strong values with meaningful societal impact.