Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium
I help EU tech founders and investors grow and unlock company value, by combining hands-on operating experience with strategic advisory and corporate finance. Over 20+ years, I've built, scaled, and sold companies. I've advised Global 500 firms, scale-ups, and investors on growth strategy, M&A, and AI-driven innovation. I focus on data-driven value creation and disciplined P&L management, with deep respect for team dynamics and company culture. Today, I work across three roles: → Managing Director, Quidante: independent strategy and venture building firm advising on growth capital, innovation, and digital transformation across Europe. → Co-founder, Commonsense Robotics: building a knowledge-driven Task Execution System (TES) to automate touch labor in advanced manufacturing, backed by imec. → Associate, JBR Corporate Finance: advising on M&A transactions in digital and technology. My academic work grounds this in research. I'm pursuing an Executive PhD at Antwerp Management School (2024–2028), studying how AI platform ecosystems shape strategic decision-making in European companies; with a focus on governance, transparency, and power dynamics. Track record: co-founded Little Miss Robot and Wonderland (both acquired by LeapForward/Cronos Group), launched Hack the Future into Belgium's largest hackathon, built ecosystem hubs including Hangar K, and lectured at Vlerick Business School. Recognised internationally, including a nomination as Young Entrepreneur of the Year (JCI, 2016). Author of "New Entrepreneurship." Let's talk if you're a founder, investor, or executive navigating technology strategy, M&A, or AI-driven growth in Europe.
With a track record of establishing, advising, and scaling ventures in various industries, I bring a design-driven approach to turn visions into reality. My mission is to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by navigating crucial business stages: fundraising, business and organizational development, product and brand building, investment in innovation and technology, growth strategy and roadmap creation, governance improvement, as well as mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. I specialize in the intersection of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Notable collaborations: Trendtracker (AI/Big Data), Ontoforce (AI/Big Data), Pryme (CleanTech), Bar.on (BioTech), Watcherr (HealthTech), NGdata (AI/Big Data), PieSync (iPaaS), Noah (CleanTech), The Hazard Factory (VR), …
Notable collaborations: Cronos Group (Open innovation), Tommy Hilfiger (Emerging Technologies), KBC (Corporate venturing), PwC (Experience center), DAE (VR/AR technology lab), Bouwinvest (Corporate Venturing), Cleantechinvest.eu (Early-stage funding), …
AI-powered software that automates manual work. Backed by Imec.istart
One of the 25 REACH advisory firms for cross-border transactions. Reachma.com
Active advisory board mandates at Flemish scale-ups and SME's.