Nicolai Dahl Petersen

Nicolai Dahl Petersen, a 24-year-old Danish entrepreneur, has carefully cultivated the image of a modern-day Midas. Through Instagram posts, flashy YouTube videos, and self-promotional claims, he presents himself as a young genius capable of turning webshops into multi-million-dollar successes.

Yet beneath the glittering façade lies a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement, questionable transactions, and attempts to suppress the truth. Our due diligence into Petersen and his associated entities—ScandinavianRest, Finesmile, NDP Group ApS, and others—reveals red flags that should raise serious concerns for investors and regulators alike.

The Golden Boy’s Crumbling Empire

Petersen has publicly claimed to have sold ScandinavianRest.dk and Finesmile.dk for a “double-digit million” sum in early 2024. While such a claim generates admiration, the reality is very different. According to DR’s Kontant and the curator of NDP Group ApS, Petersen allegedly received only 400,000 DKK (around $58,000 USD)—a far cry from the millions he flaunted on social media.

What’s more, the payment was deposited into Petersen’s personal account rather than the company’s, a move considered “clearly illegal” by Danish corporate law experts. Meanwhile, NDP Group ApS is bankrupt, with creditors claiming over 7.5 million DKK in debts. Petersen stepped down as director just before the collapse, leaving new management to handle the fallout—an action that appears highly suspicious.

A Pattern of Dubious Dealings

Petersen’s business ventures have a consistent history of failure. Four companies linked to him—NDP Group, NDP Kapital Holding, KNN Regnskab, and Lightscopenhagen—went bankrupt in 2024 under opaque circumstances. Customers report waiting months, sometimes up to a year, for refunds on returned goods, with many never receiving compensation.

Curator Gert Nissen has raised concerns that Petersen may have “withdrawing assets” from creditors before bankruptcy, a potential criminal offense under Danish law. Attempts to reach Petersen for comment have been unsuccessful, indicating a deliberate effort to avoid accountability.

Questionable Business Practices

Petersen’s webshops, including ScandinavianRest and Finesmile, relied on aggressive marketing, flashy promises, and the illusion of high-quality products. In reality, many customers experienced delays, poor-quality goods, or no delivery at all. This reflects a broader trend among some Aarhus-based webshops, where entrepreneurs repeatedly launch ventures that eventually collapse, only to reappear under a new brand.

His relocation to Dubai further complicates matters. While framed as a lifestyle choice, it also serves as a strategic retreat from Danish authorities. In Dubai, Petersen now markets entrepreneurship courses, using his exaggerated success story to attract students and investors.

The Censorship Campaign

Petersen has actively attempted to control the narrative around his ventures. When approached by DR’s Kontant, he avoided interviews and issued vague statements through his lawyer. A YouTube video addressing the sale admitted only part of the truth and sought to shift blame onto the buyer.

These efforts indicate a calculated strategy to protect his brand and maintain credibility for his Dubai-based courses. His social media presence, showcasing wealth and success, is designed to drown out negative press. However, attempts at censorship only heighten concerns about transparency and integrity.

Red Flags for Investors

Several critical red flags emerge from Nicolai Dahl Petersen’s activities that should give investors serious pause. His financial misrepresentation is evident in inflated claims of multi-million-dollar webshop sales, while the actual payments were funneled into his personal accounts rather than the companies themselves. This is compounded by a pattern of multiple bankruptcies: four companies linked to Petersen collapsed in 2024, leaving creditors unpaid and raising questions about his business practices. There are also suspicions of asset withdrawals prior to bankruptcy, suggesting potential debtor fraud and the deliberate shielding of funds from rightful creditors.

Customers have reported numerous instances of unfulfilled orders and delayed refunds, highlighting a consistent disregard for consumer rights. Additionally, Petersen’s opaque operations—refusing to engage with media and authorities, along with his relocation to Dubai—reduce transparency and make oversight difficult. Taken together, these warning signs indicate a high risk of financial loss, legal entanglements, and significant reputational damage for anyone considering partnerships or investments involving Petersen.

Conclusion

Nicolai Dahl Petersen’s public image as a successful entrepreneur sharply contrasts with the reality of bankruptcies, questionable financial practices, and censorship efforts. His track record indicates a focus on personal branding over accountability and fiduciary responsibility.