Richard Van der Wilk

Founder | Venture Builder | Investor | Building Tech, Brands, IP & Companies Across Culture, Sport & Technology

Netherlands

About

I am a strategic and commercial bridge-builder focused on growth and connecting people and disciplines. With my unique combination of hands-on experience, strategic insight, and knowledge of media, sports, and entertainment, I turn data, communication, and technology into brand and revenue growth. With over 20 years of experience in corporate environments, startups, and entrepreneurship, I connect (AI) technology, data, and communication to strategic solutions and business results. My background in media, digital, AI and technology is reinforced by my expertise in marketing, business, and sports management. This enables me to transform complex challenges into targeted strategies and commercial outcomes. I have led teams and helped companies grow from 20 to 150 employees, guided an (AI/tech) startup from zero to one million euros in revenue, and integrated organizations with 50 million euros in revenue through digital transformation. With a keen eye for “connecting the dots” and spotting opportunities, I quickly grasp the essence of challenges. I translate these into concrete objectives by connecting people and brands to achieve (commercial) success. - Strategic Vision & Revenue Generation My strength lies in architecting growth strategies with a talent for connecting people and brands and establishing partnerships aimed at brand and revenue growth. My experience with transformative integrations—such as merging media, creative, and digital services into an organization of 450 employees—gives me a holistic view of business operations. With a commercial focus, I productize services and concepts, emphasizing commercial opportunities and revenue generation, including diversification. - Hands-on Innovator & Convergence My experience as a C-level executive, co-founder, advisor, and entrepreneur has equipped me with both strategic leadership skills and practical expertise to turn ideas into actionable plans. Through my entrepreneurship in e-commerce, including both success stories and instructive 'failures,' I understand supply chains and apply my knowledge in media, entertainment, and sports. My focus is on developing new business models and leveraging commercial opportunities by productizing and using communication, data, and technology to strengthen strategic and commercial decisions. - Impactful Results & Recognition I have worked with clients such as Samsung, RedBull, Heineken, P&G, and Nintendo, won over 20 awards (including Cannes Lions, Webby, Effie, Spin, AMMA, and Eurobest), and contributed as a juror both nationally and internationally.

Experience

  • Founder at COLLECTIV. VENTURES
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    COLLECTIV. Ventures is a culture-first venture studio. We develop and scale ventures at the intersection of media, culture, and technology. No campaigns, no temporary projects, but sustainable structures and companies built on IP as their foundation. We combine creative and strategic capabilities with a flexible investment structure. Our focus lies on: Culture-first formats with relevance for specific audiences and markets Format-driven propositions that are repeatable, expandable, and transferable Venture-minded collaborations in which we are co-owners of what we build System-smart structures that enable scalability and efficiency Culture-First. Format-Driven. Venture-Minded. System-Smart. https://collectiv.ventures

  • Founding Partner at AINomi
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    AI met gevoel. De digitale rechterhand van organisaties. AINomi bouwt AI die werkt zoals mensen werken. Wij helpen organisaties slimmer werken met AI zonder complexe tools, dashboards of hype. Bij AINomi draait alles om Nomi: jouw digitale AI-collega. Nomi begrijpt jouw organisatie, werkt met je kennis en data, en ondersteunt mensen in hun dagelijkse werk. Je stelt vragen alsof je met een collega praat; Nomi geeft antwoorden die passen bij jouw context. Van inzicht en besluitvorming tot ondersteuning en automatisering. Altijd menselijk. Altijd praktisch. AINomi werkt voor: – MKB & groeiende bedrijven – Mid-corp organisaties – Onderwijs- en kennisorganisaties – Sportorganisaties Met toepassingen in o.a. marketing, klantcontact, operatie, talent & ontwikkeling. Je werkt niet met AI. Je werkt met Nomi. De AI-collega die organisaties helpt slimmer werken.

  • Advisor at Amplify
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Amplify is an end-to-end event intelligence company pioneering next-generation products for the event industry. We empower experiential events by integrating product and technology expertise into every stage of the fan journey. Through continuous optimization, we connect diverse industry stakeholders to create a seamless attendee experience. By centralizing data, we transform fragmented insights into actionable intelligence that boosts key revenue streams—from ticket sales and in-event spending to post-event engagement.

  • Woov ()
    • Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer
      Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 7 mos

      Woov is the ultimate festival-focused app platform, designed by industry specialists who are passionate about enhancing live events. Trusted by 1,000+ festival brands across 40+ countries, we bring cutting-edge features that elevate audience experiences and empower event teams with data-driven digital solutions. From seamless navigation to real-time engagement, Woov transforms the way festivals connect with their fans.

    • Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer
      Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 7 mos

      Woov is the ultimate festival-focused app platform, designed by industry specialists who are passionate about enhancing live events. Trusted by 1,000+ festival brands across 40+ countries, we bring cutting-edge features that elevate audience experiences and empower event teams with data-driven digital solutions. From seamless navigation to real-time engagement, Woov transforms the way festivals connect with their fans.

  • Partner at Nova Brix
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Unlocking the Power of IP in Media, Sports & Entertainment. Strategy and (AI) Technology for eXperience Management (XM), dedicated to maximizing the value of intellectual property in sports, media, and entertainment. Empowering brands, rightsholders, and organizations driving growth, engagement, and business outcomes through innovative strategies, productizing concepts and partnerships to deliver measurable (business and commercial) outcomes.