In 1941, entrepreneur and inventor Villum Kann Rasmussen came up with an idea that would transform dark attics into liveable spaces full of daylight and fresh air.

His first roof window was patented in 1942. He came up with a distinctive name that brought out the key benefits of his solution: ‘VE’ short for ventilation and ‘LUX’ latin for light. VELUX.

Within a few decades, Villum Kann Rasmussen and his team opened the roofs of homes and workplaces all over Europe and America, making the VELUX brand a household name synonymous with functional, high-quality design.

‘KR’, as he was popularly known among his team, was a true visionary. His pioneering spirit extended beyond product design. A first-mover in responsible business conduct, he set down the Model Company Objective, which still defines the way we do business today.

A true humanitarian, he made sure his company gave back to society, setting up two foundations to support research as well as scientific, cultural and social purposes.​

Explore our history timeline: