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At nineteen I started, with my brother at the kitchen table, on what would become Soly: a company that grew to nine countries, with capital from Shell and pension fund ABP, and nearly a million solar panels installed. On 25 November 2025 that same company, after 12.5 years of building, went bankrupt.
I share that story not for sympathy, but because it holds the lessons most success stories skip. About successful growth and entrepreneurial adventures. About how the wrong incentives can break a strong company from within. About leadership under pressure, and what happens when your own limits gave out long before your company did.
This is not a polished success story with a neat ending. It is an honest, incisive reconstruction of building, breaking, and starting over. With concrete lessons for anyone who carries responsibility for growth, capital, or people.
Who it is for
Entrepreneurs, directors, and investors dealing with growth, scale, capital, or leadership under pressure. Suited to corporate events, investor gatherings, industry associations, and leadership programmes.
What you get
A personal story, backed by concrete lessons. No abstract theory, but what really happens inside an international scale-up. Tailored to your audience and the setting of your event.
Booking
I work exclusively with Athenas. Use the button below to get in touch about availability and fee.
What others say
Inspiring and confronting story from this young entrepreneur.
A uniquely personal entrepreneurial story.
Not only the successes were shared, but above all the pitfalls and getting back up. An impressive entrepreneurial story of dreams and perseverance into international success.
Milan and Patrick van der Meulen gave a great presentation about the necessity of entrepreneurship. Nice young men who connected well with our audience of entrepreneurs and students!
SPEAKER AT
Previously spoke at
From international stages to local initiatives. A selection of the organisations where I got to share my story.
Awards and milestones
- Best For The World™ 2022: Environment
- FD Gazelle (mid-sized)
- Technology Fast 50 2021
- Best For The World™ 2021: Environment
- Duurzame Jonge 100
- Sprout Top 3 'Best young entrepreneurs of 2016'
Work with me
Get inspired through my newsletter or a personal talk. Or take the next step in growing your business with exclusive coaching.
Newsletter
An honest lesson from real experience every month, straight to your inbox. Personal experiences on leadership, funding, stress, identity and growth.
Talk
An honest, incisive story tailored to your event.
- A personal story with concrete lessons
- Honest about the wins and the pitfalls
- Tailored to your audience and setting
1:1 Coaching
Intensive one-on-one guidance for a small number of founders.
- Sparring on the decisions that truly matter
- Unlimited contact between sessions
- Cancellable monthly, no lengthy programme