Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium
I help founders, boards and institutions navigate AI, scale in Europe, and build what endures. Over the past 25+ years, I have built and scaled digital businesses, led companies, chaired boards, and worked alongside policymakers on innovation and growth — from Belgium to Silicon Valley. Today, my focus sits at the intersection of AI, sovereignty and scale. Genisys — Founder of a venture studio building AI-native companies and supporting leaders through moments of strategic and technological transition. We build, accelerate and experiment — with European ambition. European Innovation Council (EIC) — Board Member (2022–2028). The EIC manages €10.1B to support breakthrough deep tech across Europe. I bring a builder’s perspective to policy — ensuring capital, regulation and ambition align to help companies scale globally. Board & advisory roles — Active across healthcare, media, AI and technology. I usually work with organisations where AI, governance and growth converge. Previously: CEO of Belgacom Skynet (Proximus), Executive Chairman of EURACTIV (acquired by Mediahuis), Chairman of iMinds (now imec), Co-founder of BeCentral. Early involvement in companies such as Showpad, Storify and Mobile Vikings. I work with leaders who understand that in the age of AI, scale is strategy — and Europe must build with intention. Based in Brussels. Active across Europe.
Founder of Genisys, a European venture studio and advisory platform focused on building technology-driven companies and supporting leaders navigating periods of strategic and technological transformation. Genisys operates across three complementary tracks: STUDIO Building and scaling technology companies, both directly and alongside founders, with a strong focus on data, platforms, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies. ACCELERATOR Supporting founders, CEOs and boards at critical moments of transition involving technology, innovation and growth — including strategy, governance and scaling challenges. LAB Applied research and experimentation at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, policy and digital sovereignty. Current initiatives include AI Polis, a multi-city approach exploring technology as an enabler of better governance, healthier cities and entrepreneurship. Built on 25+ years of company building, board leadership and ecosystem development across internet, media and technology — with European roots and global ambition. Selected experience and exits include: Belgacom Skynet (now Proximus, IPO), EURACTIV (acquired by Mediahuis), Showpad (acquired by Vector Capital), InThePocket (MBO), Storify (acquired by Adobe), Mobile Vikings (acquired byDPG/Proximus), SBS / ProSiebenSat.1 (KKR / Permira), among others.
Board Member of the European Innovation Council (third term, 2022-2028), EIC is Europe's flagship innovation programme with €10.1 billion to support breakthrough technologies from research to scale-up. Focus on industrial policy and regulatory frameworks that enable European deeptech and AI companies to build and scale globally while ensuring responsible innovation. The EIC supports high-risk, high-impact innovations through: - Grants (EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition) for early-stage research - Equity investment and blended finance (EIC Fund) for growth capital Key areas (deeptech): Quantum, Biotech, Medtech, Energy transition, Spacetech, AI, ...
BeCentral is the digital skills campus located in the Brussels central station. The goal is to create a campus where anyone can learn technologies or build a startup with focus on societal impact. The mission is to enable anyone to become an actor in the digital society, and to be a central tech hub connecting entrepreneurs, researchers and investor to enable impact.
[1] Executive Chairman (2016-2023), leading through growth and acquisition by Mediahuis Group. [2] Advisory Board member (2023-2026), supporting strategic direction post-acquisition. EURACTIV is a leading European media network for EU policy journalism and events.