Marcel van der Heijden

Always do something you love.

Netherlands

About

As the Founder of Plant FWD since June 2022, I focus on uniting change-makers across start-ups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and future talents to collaboratively shape a plant-forward future. With over three years in this role, I have worked to create impactful platforms, such as our events, to drive progress and innovation in this space. With multiple years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, I bring expertise in commerce, finance, and business growth. My work with companies like ThuysVers and Karma Kebab and agencies like GoodKarma emphasizes scaling businesses and creating impactful solutions. My mission is to empower brands and ventures that drive meaningful change at the intersection of sustainability, digital, branding and innovation.

Experience

  • Entrepreneur at New adventures
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    • Currently exploring new entrepreneurial ventures after exiting from GoodKarma Agency and Plant FWD • Engaged in strategic planning and market analysis to identify potential business opportunities. • Leveraged experience from previous startups to navigate challenges and drive innovation in new projects.

  • Karma Kebab (Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands)
    • Shareholder & Advisor
      Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Founder
      Oct 2019 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      • Co-founded Karma Kebab, a pioneering plant-based kebab brand, established its brand identity and assets and spearheaded PR initiatives • Successfully raised €3.5 million in funding through angel investors and family offices. • Developed customer relationships in foodservice and retail while expanding into the festival market. • Setting up the financial backbone and responsible for monthly reporting to stakeholders • Karma Kebab is a proud B-Corp member since 2023.

  • Investor | Advisory Board at ThuysVers
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    ThuysVers offers ready-to-heat meals straight to your door throughout the Netherlands. It offers a great price/value and is primarily aimed at a 45+ target audience. As a an early stage investor & advisor we are helping the founder to scale his business.

  • Investor | Advisory Board at Unless.com
    Oct 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 9 mos

    Unless is an AI platform for regulated enterprises in Europe that turns customer success into an AI-native growth function across acquisition, retention, sales expansion, and support. It is built for banks, insurers, pension providers, healthcare organizations, and other compliance-heavy businesses that want safer, smarter digital service at every stage of the customer lifecycle.

  • Founder [Exit] at Plant FWD
    Jun 2022 - May 2026 · 4 yrs

    • Co-founded Plant FWD, driving the vision for a Plant Forward future by connecting change-makers from corporates, retailers, foodservice companies, start-ups, investors, academics and policy makers. • Developed Europe's largest 2-day event for alternative proteins, attracting over 1,000 delegates and featuring 50+ partners. • Focused on strategic branding, website and app development, financial management and securing sponsorships to enhance event success. • In December 2025 Plant FWD was acquired by NextVenue