Carl Frederik Tietgen

Carl Frederik Tietgen was a Danish financier and industrialist who played an important role in the industrialisation of Denmark as the founder of numerous prominent Danish companies, many of which are still in operation today. He had no formal education, but learned from his father's management skills and his own experience. He founded a wholesale business in Copenhagen in 1855, and in 1857 he joined the management of Privatbanken, which became Denmark's first investment bank under his leadership. He created and consolidated a large number of companies in various sectors, such as transportation, telecommunication, sugar, beer, and banking. He also supported various causes in science, culture, and sports. He funded the reconstruction of Frederiksborg Castle, which had been destroyed by fire in 1859. He also donated his art collection to the Carlsberg Foundation, which he was a member of. He received the Order of the Elephant, the highest Danish order of chivalry, in 1892. He retired from his active role in the company in 1896, but remained an influential figure until his death in 1901. He was married to Laura Charlotte Tietgen, who shared his philanthropic interests. They had no children, but adopted several orphans and supported many young people. He died of old age in Copenhagen, and was buried in Lyngby Old Cemetery. He was regarded as one of the most influential and visionary figures in Danish history.