“’Hi! I’m Willem Knaap, a seasoned professional with a 25-year tenure in the financial sector, currently steering the fintech division at Startupbootcamp. My career has been a vibrant tapestry of venture building, fostering corporate-startup collaborations, and pioneering a corporate spin-out ahead of the PSD2 implementation. My journey has been about more than just navigating the complex interplay of “egos and agendas”; it’s been about forging paths that create tangible, positive impacts in the world.
At the heart of my work is a deep-seated mission to accelerate 100,000 startups in the next decade with Startupbootcamp, focusing on tackling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This mission reflects my commitment to supporting extraordinary founders in realizing their visions and being a part of their remarkable journeys toward creating sustainable value.
Beyond my role at Startupbootcamp, I am a dedicated new-business builder. My expertise spans launching and growing ventures for startups, scaleups, and corporates alike, always with an eye towards generating positive impact and value. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, I have a solid track record of spearheading and executing successful projects and programs across various domains and geographies.
My core competencies lie in new business development, venture development, innovation management, and sustainable business strategy.
As a public speaker, moderator, and network connector, I thrive on sharing insights, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for serendipitous encounters within the professional community. My approach is characterized by creativity, straightforwardness, and a dynamic energy that drives forward-thinking and impactful initiatives.
Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to build a more innovative and sustainable future.”