Honoree Profile: Justin Ihnken ’17

After earning a B.S. in mathematical finance at the Stillman School in 2017, Justin Ihnken began his career in institutional banking, focusing on fixed income trading and interest rate derivatives. His early experiences in Manhattan’s financial district laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of global finance. He chose to further expand his expertise in global economics by relocating to Copenhagen, Denmark, to work for global shipping conglomerate A.P. Møller-Mærsk. During his time at Mærsk, he served as a member of the group’s treasury department, responsible for interest rate risk and derivative trading across the company’s $10 billion debt portfolio.

After transitioning out of corporate finance, Ihnken went on to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, attracting significant investment from private equity groups, family offices and venture funds. During these ventures, he demonstrated his ability to understand and learn new industries, showcasing his versatility and capacity as a stand-out entrepreneur. His most notable tenure was during his time as CEO and co-founder of QNTM Labs, a pharmaceutical company specializing in small molecule laboratory testing. His work at QNTM Labs led to his recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2022 and a nomination for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2023.

Since his exit from QNTM Labs, Ihnken has gone on to start several other companies within both financial technologies and healthcare services. He continues to sit on the board of notable organizations such as the American Club of Denmark and Life Science Funen, among others, contributing to industry development and cross-cultural collaboration. In these roles, he assists with strategic decision making, enhancing the growth and global reach of these organizations.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Ihnken actively participates in public speaking engagements, guest lectures, and various advisory capacities, sharing what he has learned from his own entrepreneurial journey. Through these verticals, he shares valuable insights, inspiring the next generation of business leaders. He is most passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs, dedicating his time and resources to foster their development. He actively invests in startups, offering both financial investment and learned guidance to founders.

Ihnken, who grew up in Morristown, N.J., attributes his innovative approach to business and global entrepreneurship to his education at the Stillman School and his diverse professional journey.  Ihnken resides in Malmö, Sweden, with his fiancé Ellen and their Bernedoodle Brady. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling through Europe.