Entrepreneurship needs to be learned at an early age. It doesn’t matter what your future plans are; developing your entrepreneurial skills will help you to go further in your studies and professional career.

Thrilled with the idea of learning by doing, Jens Dinesen, an entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience and father of triplets, has challenged his sons to take part in an exciting journey. In July 2019, the 15-year-old Dinesen triplets—Anton, Johannes, and Carl—joined the European Innovation Academy in Portugal.

Born in Denmark and living in Monaco, the youngest participants of EIA 2019 had the experience of their lives. From nervousness to changing their views on future possibilities, a lot has happened in three weeks for the triplets, and we want to know all about this experience. 

We at EIA spoke with Anton Dinesen on behalf of the triplets, who shared his learnings and opinions about EIA Summer Program.

1. Hi Anton! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Anton Jens Nyhuus Dinesen and I’m the son of Jens Dinesen and Charlotte Dinesen. I’m 15—like my two other triplet brothers—and we all come from Denmark, though we have lived here nearly all our lives in Monaco and the Cote D’Azure in France.

2. What are you passionate about?

I’m very passionate about skiing, it’s definitely my hobby. It has always been a nice escape for me since I can also do it every weekend here in the winter. Additionally, I am very passionate about improving myself to be able to see how far I can go and how I can have a positive impact in the world…while also having fun along the way! 

Surf Experience in Portugal

3. What were the expectations for EIA and what did you get from the program?

I have to admit that when I came to Portugal I was focused on the possibility of surfing and enjoying the three weeks with my brothers, however, the pace of the program quickly grew on me. I rapidly realized how important it is to focus and work hard in order to succeed as a business. 

Anton Dinesen meet his team
Anton meets one of his teammates Viktor Sundholm

4. What was your biggest challenge?

The first couple of days were the hardest ones. It wasn’t easy to get into the new fast-paced learning process. As I’m 15 and I was working with older and more experienced people, it was a big challenge to keep up with the pace in the first moments.

5. What was your best #EIAmoment?

My best EIA moment was definitely the morning keynotes. It was also great to see an idea turning into reality and improve it during the program.

6. How did it feel being the youngest participants at EIA?

As I said, the first days weren’t the easiest, however, it didn’t take long to fit in and enjoy each day of the program.

7. Any piece of advice for the next participants?

This is my advice for any young entrepreneurs joining EIA: do not be scared! Put forth your own perspective on the ideas and ways of the company/product you’ll be working on. Don’t be afraid to come up with ideas even if they end up not working.

8. What are the next steps for such a young entrepreneur?

I’ll be finishing high school soon. When this happens, I’ll explore the main hotspots for startup companies along with my father, Silicon Valley and London. This will be a great opportunity to follow some startups and find out what I’m most interested in before going to university. My father told me, “Even if one of the startup companies we will follow doesn’t work, it is important for you to experience the downfall, too.”

9. Can you share a quote that inspires you?

Instead of a quote, I’ll share this speech by Arnold Schwarzenegger that really inspires me.

Ready to take the first step of your entrepreneurial journey? Find out more about EIA Summer Programs.