A Dane with a Ukrainian Heart
I would like to share my personal story about Torben — a true Dane with a Ukrainian heart.
I met Torben in 2005 when he invited me to join Ciklum as an IT Manager. At that time, the company had just 55 developers. Over the years, we grew together. By 2012, Ciklum had expanded to 2,500 employees, and I had grown as well over the years into the role of CIO. Torben believed in me. He gave me a chance to grow alongside him, and I will forever be grateful for that.
He was a force of nature — a man who never gave up. His energy, his vision, and his passion were contagious. Every time he spoke to us about his dreams, strategies, and ideas, he lit a fire in the hearts of our entire management team. Thanks to him, I evolved not only as a professional in the Ukrainian IT industry but as a person. His coaching was often tough, but it gave me the drive to wake up each morning with determination and purpose.
I also remember the time in 2014 after I left Ciklum when Torben invited me to manage his newly founded NGO — the BrainBasket Foundation. I never imagined myself working in the NGO sector, let alone finding it so deeply fulfilling. Together with Torben and our amazing team, including Marina and Illya, we elevated BrainBasket to global heights. We forged partnerships with Harvard University, the Soros Foundation, GIZ, MIT, and many other world-renowned organizations, all united by one goal: to support Ukraine.
Few people know that as early as 2007, Torben had already envisioned something remarkably similar to what would later become Uber. His mind was always racing ahead, filled with ideas — some of which never came to life, but all of which were ahead of their time.
It is heartbreaking that Torben left us so early, before he could fulfill all his dreams and complete the projects he was so passionate about. He wasn’t always an easy person, but he was always honest, direct, and full of unstoppable energy.
He was my mentor, my supporter, and my friend. He helped shape my career and the person I am today.
Thank you, my friend. Rest in peace. I will always remember you.
Vladimir Liulka