Foundation
About Velux Stiftung.
Villum Kann Rasmussen was a Danish engineer and a successful entrepreneur. Today, the foundation perpetuates his values by supporting innovative research that tackles the complex challenges we face as a society with an interdisciplinary approach. We believe that combining different perspectives opens new horizons of possibilities.
Our Mission
We focus on projects which transfer their discoveries in order to initiate change and create impact.
Our History
1909
Villum Kann Rasmussen (1909 – 1993) was born on the Danish island of Mandø and later became an engineer and entrepreneur. He developed a novel window construction that could be installed in sloping roofs, turning attics into liveable spaces. He called his invention “Velux” – “Ve” for ventilation, and “Lux” for light.
1941
In 1941, he started V. KANN RASMUSSEN & CO. His innovative window design opened up many new architectural possibilities while delivering daylight and fresh air. The dark attics of post-war buildings transformed into bright and comfortable rooms. The technically advanced product hit the market at just the right time, and the company soon became successful.
1960
Mr Kann Rasmussen co-founded a foundation supporting the development on the small island of Mandø, his place of birth. During the 1960s, he began to ponder how he could prepare his company to be handed over to the next generation in such a way that it would continue its success while giving back to society.
1980
In the decades that followed, six foundations were established: VILLUM FONDEN, Denmark (1971), VELUX STIFTUNG, Switzerland (1980), VELUX FONDEN, Denmark (1981), the V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation, USA (1991) and the KR foundation (2014), Denmark. All are non-profit foundations supporting varying fields of research. A sixth foundation, the Employee Foundation, Denmark was created in 1991.
