I was born in Hamburg, Germany, in March 1970. Although both my parents are Dutch, we moved to Brussels when I was just six years old. That is where I completed my entire school education in French.

At the age of 18, I moved to London for a two-year management training program at C&A Fashion Retail. Then, I studied European Business Administration in both the UK and Germany. Much later, I complemented my education in this field with an MBA from the Solvay Business School in Brussels. Although I initially wanted to learn Italian, Spanish eventually became my fifth language.

With a diverse and varied career in different sectors, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. I initially honed my skills in international fashion at C&A, where I gained valuable insights into the global retail landscape. Various roles and training within the family business prepared me for my current multi-faceted pursuits. Over a total of 12 years, my work here instilled in me an appreciation for the culture and ethos of family businesses, not to mention a sense of responsibility for both tangible and intangible assets. After my time at C&A, I took a leap and left the family business.

Eager to make my own way, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey and founded an online store and catalog specializing in travel accessories. I then joined PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a management consultant for innovation and risk management. Later, I joined Hinicio, a renewable energy consultancy, as Managing Partner, focusing mainly on hydrogen and fuel cells. Our work centered on shaping business ideas and European policy for a sustainable future.

As my career developed, I found a new passion for supporting start-ups. I became an investor, board member, chairman, and advisor at several emerging companies. This transition allowed me to hone my expertise in entrepreneurship, governance, and growth strategies. For many years, I was simultaneously active as a deal facilitator and trainer for BAN Flanders, one of the leading Business Angels networks in Europe. With a sharpened focus, I eventually narrowed my investment scope to B2B SAAS (Software as a Service) companies.

Today, my ambition is to continue building on my wide-ranging experience and expertise to contribute to the success and growth of start-ups through strategic guidance and investment. My career continues to be characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the business world.