Start to scale. Startup and Scale-up Founder Stories.

Immediately after graduating from TU Delft, Sander and Auke developed an innovative product called HeatCycle - which recovers all heat from household wastewater. That led them to win the ASN World Prize in 2020. Later they added the sleek and smart AO heatpump, that won the iF Design Award 2024 out of almost 11,000 entries from 72 countries. Today, DeWarmte is well underway to install their 3000th heat pump by the end of 2024. In this episode, we'll talk about: Links mentioned: People: Sander WapperomAuke de VriesWillem KestelooBob HendrikxJan Pieter VersluijsCompanies: DeWarmteRubio Impact VenturesFotoniqLoop BiotechSolar MonkeyMedia: Crowdfunding CampaignSing my Dream Around - Silver PozzoliUpstream Festival

Let me introduce Inventor, Biodesigner and Entrepreneur: Bob Hendrikx. With a background in Architectural Engineering Bob strives for a world in which we work in symbiosis with nature. In 2020 he founded Loop Biotech, on a mission to revolutionize the funeral industry - through coffins that turn people into plant food. Bob's journey received widespread attention, making headlines in Wired, CNN, The Guardian, and the BBC. VICE Media even awarded him the title of Human of the Year. His backers include Dragons' Den investors Pieter Schoen and Shawn Harris and we have a scoop: as he just closed a 2M crowdfunding round last to propel the business into its next phase of expansion. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Bob HendrikxLonneke WesthoffPieter SchoenShawn HarrisTony RobbinsDuke UrbanikCompanies: Loop BiotechDragon’s DenYES!DelftMedia: Lighthouse Family - High

With a masters degree in Complex Systems, Josefien Groot went from national boxing champion to Scale-up CEO, advocating for a sustainable future. Before reaching the age of 21, she had already established and sold her first business specializing in circular products. In 2017, she co-founded QLayers alongside Ruben Geutjens. Her significant contributions have been widely recognized through numerous accolades, including the prestigious European Rising Innovator and EY Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year awards. Despite her industrial pursuits, Josefien has a love for nature and lives off grid in a self-built tiny house with her partner and their daughter. In this episode, we'll talk about: Links mentioned: People: Josefien GrootRuben GeutjensCompanies: QLayers, UNIIQNPEXECFG Venture capitalRotterdamse HavendrakenWelnaMedia: VoedselboscastEuropean Rising InnovatorEY Emerging Entrepreneur of the YearUp!Rotterdam FinderAlexia Chellun - the power is here now

After he completed his master in strategic product design from Delft University, Dorus began to do graphic studio work together with his fellow student Delft Tom. From a deep love for music and the determination to stand up against the industry with products that produce massive electronic waste - they started Gerrard Street, in 2015, which was later renamed Repeat Audio. Today, Repeat offers a range of modular high fidelity headphones. Notable users include the Metropole Orchestra, and one of the most important Dutch rappers, Sticks. Dorus also finds time to play the piano and gives back as a volunteer by helping refugees. In this episode, we'll talk about: Links mentioned: People: Dorus GalamaTom LeendersSticksWillem de Bruin (from The Opposites)Companies: Repeat AudioSennheiserSonyFrame.Work LaptopMedia: Yes - Rhythm of LoveDorus as a guest in Upstream Talks

With Master’s degrees in Strategy and Marketing, she excelled in mobility. From cutting carbon footprint at General Motors to boosting fleet growth at Greenwheels. In 2021, Bibi co-founded umob with Raymon Pouwels. They secured 8M in funding within two years. And today, umob stands as the first MaaS operator in the Netherlands to integrate all three e-moped operators (Check, GO Sharing & felyx) into one platform. In this episode, we'll talk about: Links mentioned: People: Bibi JorissenRaymon PouwelsSouren ArakelianCompanies: UmobGreenWheelsGoSharingCIC RotterdamGeneral MotorsBAQMEEqualtureOther:Shoe Dog - Phil KnightMedia: You’ll Never Walk Alone - Lee TowersJay Shetty Podcast

In the last episode of this year, Up!Rotterdam's Lars & Lisette reflect on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Rotterdam and its development over the past 4 years. We'll talk about: Links mentioned: People: Lars CramaLisette BraakenburgHans SchefferFriso SchmidtHan KleppeFonger YpmaKoen BurgersMattijs SleeNaldenEllen SanoJamal OulelGeorge BirchMarie José van den BoomgaardEkim SincerOhad GiladCompanies: Up!RotterdamOther: Startup Partners: transparency in the world of startup service providersHackYourCareer: work for a Rotterdam/Delft based scale-upMedia: Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (2004 Remastered)

During his PhD research, Wang explored robots' societal impact on the elderly, especially with dementia. In 2015, he left that and founded Tinybots, to make a tangible difference for those with cognitive challenges. Today, their care robot Tessa is a proven solution for patient self-reliance, used by care providers all over the Netherlands on a daily basis. In this episode, we'll talk about: Links mentioned: People:Wang Long LiUmar NizamaniJan PonsMenno KamphuisCompanies: TinybotsNiceDayMoov’dOther: Van Nelle FabriekMedia: Billy Joel - Vienna

With a Master in Hydraulic Engineering from Delft Technical University and an Executive MBA from INSEAD, he spent 15 years with Shell, where his latest roles included Investment Director for Shell ventures as well as Commercial Head for Shell Hydrogen. In 2021, he was asked by Koolen Industries as the first employee of Battolyser Systems, a cleantech company with patented technology. Fast forward three years, and Mattijs is the CEO of a company of almost 100 employees. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Mattijs SleeFokko MulderGeert LaaglandCompanies: Battolyser SystemsKoolen IndustriesShell VenturesShell HydrogenVattenfallOther: Hydraulic Engineering at the TU DelftBook: the strategic approach to building a boardingGuns ‘n Roses - November RainMedia:Battolyser Systems on YouTube

Joris Biskop is the former CTO of Luxexcel, 3d printing lens specialist, which was recently acquired by Meta for €400 million. Based on his insights there, he founded Addoptics, of which he is now the CEO. Addoptics is a smart manufacturer of optics, serving an impressive list of customers worldwide from their office in Rotterdam. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Joris BiskopBoukje VastbinderBenjamin de WitMaarten SchweersCompanies: AddOpticsLuxexcelOther: Meta Rayban SmartglassesRotterdam Sustainable Floating Homes Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT_Ox_4nKSg&t=139sForbes - Looking forward to the future of AR and VRGlobe Newswire - Augmented Reality Market Size to Surpass $1109.71 Bilion

With a background in biology and a passion for environmental conservation, George embarked on a unique journey that led him from asset management to the world of oyster reef restoration. After completing this MBA from Rotterdam School of Management, he founded Oyster Heaven - on a mission to make marine regeneration financially sustainable. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: George Birch, Shawn Harris, Guus Meijer, Elissa Glorie, Philip Roos,Companies: Oyster Heaven, Rotterdam School of Management, BlueCity, Orange Wings, Generous MindsMedia: Oyster Heaven: the most scalable way to regrow lost oyster reefs, Book: Rachel Carson - Silent Spring, Alice Coltrane - Turiya and Ramakrishna

In this episode I speak with Auke Bleij, Founder of Respyre - the fascinating startup that helps cities turn green through a special concrete that holds moss. Respyre is a spin-off from Delft Technical University, on a mission to create greener cities through the application of mosses. You hold a Master in Construction Management from that same University. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Auke BleijMark de KruijffMatthijs JaspersAdil AaroussEveline van der PluijmTimo VonkJorn DouwstraLola van HunnikCompanies: RespyrePhilips Innovation AwardTU DelftThe Happy ActivistPONNSOther: Sigma SquaredBuilding “The Valley” on the Amsterdam ZuidasSting - Englishman in New YorkRegister for PHIAMedia: Article Quote: Auke Bleij Innovatiefste Student van Nederland

Marsha started Breeze - the worlds first offline dating app, together with 6 co-founders from the Technical University in Delft. That was 2019 and today, they are the fastest growing dating app in the Netherlands, with prominent investors supporting them. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: PeopleMarsha Goei Stefan van den BergThijs VerheulRogier FischerCompaniesBreezeHyvesLexaUnited Wardrobe (now: Vinted)Match.comLitebitOtherPhilips Innovation Award

Souren's career spans across esteemed institutions such as Merrill Lynch and Rabobank, where he excelled in investment banking and M&A. Today, Souren leads the charge at BAQME, the first company globally to offer a free floating shared cargo bike service. At a young age, he moved to the Netherlands from Armenia. He currently lives in Amsterdam, but soon will return to Rotterdam. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People:Souren ArakelianNiki SieSven VelthuisTristan van DoornCompanies: BAQMEKetel1Merrill LynchOnePlanetCrowdJuuveMyWheelsFuture Mobility ParkOther: SchiedamDutch Distillers DistrictMedia: Miles Davis - Blue in Green

Pim and his co-founder Lorenzo van Galen, are challenging the fast fashion industry. With their company Wear, they are creating the largest platform for pre-loved sneakers. Their collaborations with established players like Bristol and Bijenkorf have gained recognition, including the social impact newcomer of the year and the upcoming talent marketing award from our Mayor, Aboutaleb. Prior to Wear, Pim made waves as a freelancer, leading communication efforts for organizations like VoorGoed Impact agency, the Dutch Impact Days, and Verre Bergen Foundation. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Pim RoggeveenLorenzo van GalenJoost KamermansCarolien van WerschDoesje FransenCompanies: WearBristolBijenkorfVoorgoed Impact AgencyDutch Impact DaysVerre Bergen FoundationR’damse NieuweCityLab010Pieter Pot Jack BeanVintedAmerica TodayMaaskantineClub HaugKralingse PlasSeenonsOndernemershuis Op ZuidWear Too Good To GoChillhopMedia: Podcast R'damse Nieuwe - Lars Crama, Can’t Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers

In 2014, along with Maarten Logtenberg, Lucas set out on this journey from a garage, fueled by their dream of designing and building cutting-edge machines. Fast forward nine years, CEAD has become a global leader in large-scale 3D printing, operating from a 3,000-square-meter facility in Delft.= Lucas holds a Master's degree in Integrated Product Design from Delft, and when he's not leading CEAD, you can often find him pursuing his passion for surfing or kiting. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics Links mentioned: People: Lucas JanssenMaarten LogtenbergGiovanni PazienzaConstantijn van OranjeHans SchefferNoor RhijnsburgerMonique MartensDaisy VisserCompanies: CEADTU DelftSiemensHelloPrint3D HubsGartnerDelfts Studenten CorpsCity of DelftCity of RotterdamOther: Horizon Europe GrantScaleup vacancy platform HackYourCareerMedia: Tash Sultana - Pretty Lady

In 2017 she co-founded Peelpioneers, the largest producer of raw materials from citrus peels in Europe - together with Sytze van Stempvoort and Bas van Wieringen, where she now sits at the supervisory board. Next to that, she is co-founder and director at Tekkoo, an organization that helps startups and established organizations with sustainable innovation. She is also the initiator of Circular Factory, a start-to-scale-up program for circular startups in collaboration with BlueCity. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Lindy HensenSytze van StempvoortBas van WieringenSilvia ten HoutenRonald van RaaijDiederik van DommelenCompanies: PeelPioneersTekkooBlueCityJumboRenewiEuropean Circular BioEconomy Fund, Doen Foundation, BOM, Natures Principles, SUNT, De Clique, Circular FactoryInvestNLPolestar CapitalOther: Week van de circulaire economieMedia: Lindy at Upstream FestivalRabobank Duurzame InnovatieprijsXavier Rudd - Follow the Sun

As a chartered accountant Pavle Beslic started his career at Deloitte - after which he decided to go independent and stumbled into the world of recruitment. That inspired him to found Staffyou, now one of the fastest growing on-demand staffing platforms in Europe. He's been recognized as one of the Netherlands' top young entrepreneurs by Quote and has earned accolades from FD Gazellen and Deloitte Fast 50. And when he's not in the business world, you might find him on a boat or in the boxing ring. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Pavle BeslicMicky ChenAlbert van OmmenLiselore LugtBastian van de BeltSeda CinCompanies: StaffyouQuoteFD GazelleDeloitte Fast 50EYAhoyDe KuipGetirMinite WorksRebels.aiLoxMJR TomOther: Definition Register Accountant (RA) / Certified Public Accountant (CPA)De Meent RotterdamGladiatoren aan de MaasMedia: Trailer of Pavle's fight at Gladiatoren aan de MaasIce Cube - It Was A Good Day

Fonger is an experienced leader in the energy sector. He obtained his PhD in mathematics and physics at Oxford University, after which he worked as a strategy consultant and McKinsey and as head of a Eneco Smart Energy Lab. Since then, he was the CEO of Brainbay, and a cofounder of Blockheating - the scale-up that recycles data center energy. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People:Fonger YpmaBoyan SlatMenno van DijkDirk van den BergPeter MolenaarCompanies: Arctic ReflectionsEnecoBrainbayBlockheatingThe Ocean CleanupScaleup NationProtect Our WintersOther: www.hackyourcareer.comMedia: Cold as Ice - Foreigner

Niels Verwij is a successful e-commerce entrepreneur. He started dekbed-discounter, a disruptive online duvet webshop, in 2014 from scratch. It disrupted traditional retail and soon became one of the most successful e-commerce companies in the Netherlands. Today, as the CEO of Jamani, he oversees multiple businesses, including Dekbed-Discounter, Boxspring Lease, KoopJeDeal.nl, and WoonQ. At the age of 34, Niels has built an impressive portfolio, solidifying his position in the industry and securing him a place in the Young Quote 100. In this episode, we'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People: Niels VerwijJarno GoestenMaurice RustwatErwin PaaijFrank WaagmeesterDorus GalamaRonnie OvergoorBen MandemakersCompanies: Dekbed DiscounterJamaniBoxspring LeaseKoopJeDeal.nl 123vloerkleed.nlGroupon RepeatHelloPrintBillinkOther: Song: Lucas & Steve - I want it all

Joost is the founder and SeaEO of The Seaweed Company. A global pioneer in developing high-quality seaweed applications, with farms in the Netherlands, Ireland, Morocco, India and Greenland. After a corporate career at P&G and Pepsico, Joost worked with leadership teams allo over the world to help them create a better future, until he met Edwin Sneekes and Stefan Kraan, his co-founders in 2018. He is a frequently asked speaker and he published two books: “The 15-Minute Inbox” and “The Couple Company”. We'll cover the following topics: Links mentioned: People:Joost WoutersEdwin SneekesStefan KraanGunter PauliAnske PlanteRogier WilminkLenny van KlinkRebecca WieringJennifer BreatonCompanies: The Seaweed CompanyColruyt GroupPepsiCoP&GBlueCityONS SchiedamMunicipality of SchiedamVan Oord Ocean HealthSalacia SolutionsOther: Book “The 15-Minute Inbox”book “The Couple Company”Sustainable Food AwardMedia: Your Ancestor - Nynke Laverman