So I met Torben even before the Brainbasket Ukraine was even established. I know many people followed this up, and I am sure this gave a great boost to Ukraine IT community. Torben asked me to help, with my network and my conviction that Ukraine will be the next India when it comes to the future of outsourcing. Brainbasket was his dream, to educate Ukrainians to become high level IT people. He was passionate, convincing, pushing. So no reason to say no. And I know after me came a lot of more talented people, but I was happy to be at the start. And unfortunately at his end of the journey, but confident it would continue!

Eric

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

Greetings from Costa Rica. Yes, a bit far away from Torben’s turf.

The year was 2016, I connected with Torben via LinkedIn, it was unusual to run into someone so friendly and professional over this platform. We spoke a little bit about the industry challenges and I explained to Torben how I was helping companies achieve their business development goals. He liked my style and I liked his.

Torben believed in me and gave me a chance! My company and I started working with Ciklum and had a successful 3-year run. Then sadly we lost this great man. His help and legacy have carried me to work with companies like Nominum, Akamai, and EPAM.

I owe Torben where I am today. Forever grateful with you comrade!

Leo

Leo Tinoco

Truly extraordinary people are very rare! They don´t come around often, and only few people have the privilege to come close!

Torben was truly extraordinary.  Books could be written, and movies made about his life.  He asked a lot, but always gave much more. Generous to the bone, and behind his self-confident rebel appearance a soft-hearted caring person.

Talking about highlights in my life, and what has taken me where I am, Torben is inevitable. A friend, a mentor, sometimes a true pain with his stubbornness and determination – but he taught people to dream big, and showed that nothing was impossible!

Torben left much too soon. A loss difficult to explain in few words, but a loss reflecting in our lives often, and with countless memories, laughs and smiles. A friend, who I miss. A friend who made a lasting impact in my life! Forever grateful! Thank you Torben!

Frank