Mentor Matching
On your journey as an entrepreneur in the life sciences industry, the guidance and support of experienced mentors can be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Mentor Matching is for all Venture Challenge alumni that feel they could use a mentor. Since everyone has a different understanding of what a mentor does exactly, we choose to facilitate only the initial contact. After the first meet-up we will leave it up to you whether you have gathered all the information you need or if you would like to meet more often. Our mentors partake in this program without financial compensation.
How it Works
When submitting your application: Tell us a bit about yourself, your startup, and the specific areas where you're seeking guidance. We prefer to get a specific question from you, so we can make the best match. You can reach out to the LS@W team via hermans@health-holland.com to get started.
Our Mentors
Inez de Greef
CEO Treeway & Managing Partner 3D-PharmXchange
As a life science entrepreneur, Inez de Greef has co-founded several innovative companies, including 3D-PharmXchange, Treeway, DegenRx, and Onicor. Her ventures span a range of...
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Stefan Braam
Founder and CTO Ncardia and Cellistic
Stefan is a seasoned entrepreneur in the life sciences industry and winner of one of the earliest Venture Challenges in 2009. He founded Ncardia and...
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Carmen van Vilsteren
Chair of TopTeam - Topsector Life Sciences and Health
Carmen van Vilsteren has many years of experience in the Medtech domain with a focus on imaging (as former senior director of the molecular imaging...
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Rob de Ree
CEO NorthSea Therapeutics B.V.
Rob de Ree has extensive experience in biotech and medtech, particularly in the cardiovascular and metabolic fields. He successfully led startups BMEYE, a hemodynamic monitor...
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Eliane Schutte
CEO Xeltis B.V.
Eliane Schutte is CEO at Xeltis, a clinical-stage medical device company pioneering polymer-based technology for heart valve and blood vessel restoration. Since joining the company...
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Niall Hodgins
CEO SeraNovo
Niall Hodgins is an experienced entrepreneur and founder of SeraNovo, specializing in pharmaceutical product development - particularly in oral formulations. His expertise lies in product...
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Cristianne Rijcken
Founder & CSO Cristal Therapeutics
Cristianne Rijcken is a dynamic leader in LifeSciences, specializing in translational drug product development primarily focused on nanomedicines in (immune-)oncologyoncology and nowadays also in other...
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Wietse Mulder
Founder GenDx
Wietse Mulder, a distinguished entrepreneur and winner of the 2013 Venture Challenge, is known for his contributions to the life sciences sector. He is the...
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Bram Schermers
CEO/CTO Sirius Medical
Bram Schermers - a 2015 Venture Challenge alumnus – is founder and CEO/CTO of Sirius Medical. With a background in Life Sciences, Bram's expertise spans...
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Eline van Beest
CEO at Hybridize Therapeutics
Eline van Beest is a seasoned MedTech entrepreneur and second-time CEO, currently leading Hybridize Therapeutics. With a strong focus on MedTech, her expertise lies in...
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Hans Schikan
TopTeam member - Topsector Life Sciences and Health
Hans Schikan brings a wealth of experience when it comes to drug development and the pharmaceutical industry in the Netherlands, and internationally. He is a...
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Geert-Jan Mulder
Managing Partner at Forbion Capital Partners
Geert-Jan Mulder, MD, is a Managing Partner at Forbion Capital Partners. He has been instrumental in the success of numerous life sciences companies through his...
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Carine van den Brink
Partner at Axon Lawyers
Carine van den Brink has been a friend and well respected jury member of the Venture Challenge since the early beginnings in 2008. Carine is...
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Daniel de Boer
Founding CEO ProQR
Daniel A. de Boer is a seasoned entrepreneur and Founding CEO, currently leading ProQR, a company focused on developing RNA therapies for rare diseases. With...
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Marianne van der Steen
CEO ReGEN BIOMEDICAL BV
Marianne van der Steen is CEO of ReGEN Biomedical, which focuses on growing robust and reproducible micro-tissues for toxicity and pharmaceutical screening. Marianne is Professor...
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Peter Sijmons
Director Szienz
Peter Sijmons is a respected member of the Venture Challenge community, offering valuable insights as part of the test jury for many years. With extensive...
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Tess Korthout
R&D Innovation Scout at Janssen (J&J)
Tess Korthout is an accomplished expert in oncology and data science, with a diverse background in academic research, business development, and external innovation. During her...
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Sijme Zeilemaker
CBO at Sapreme Technologies
Sijme Zeilemaker is experienced in drug development within the life sciences industry. His expertise lies in strategy, fundraising, business development, and business intelligence. Driven by...
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Nettie Buitelaar
CEO Biotech Booster
Nettie Buitelaar is the CEO of Biotech Booster, driving the translation of scientific research into biotech businesses. With over 18 years of experience through Buitelaar...
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Paul Vulto
CEO MIMETAS
Paul Vulto is a life science executive, entrepreneur, and scientist specializing in Organ-on-a-Chip technology. As the driving force behind MIMETAS. Under Paul's leadership, MIMETAS plays...
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Brigitte Drees
CEO at Pivot Park and Pivot Park Screening Centre
Brigitte Drees, an executive with over 25 years of experience in Life Sciences and Health Care, is a key mentor for life sciences entrepreneurs in...
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Hans Preusting
CEO at Synerkine Pharma
Hans Preusting is a seasoned expert in the life sciences field, focusing on drug development for chronic inflammatory diseases such as chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced...
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Allard Kaptein
Chief Strategy Officer IMMIOS B.V.
Allard Kaptein is a seasoned Cell Biologist with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in Oncology, Autoimmune Diseases, and Cardiovascular Diseases...
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Willem Mees van der Bijl
CEO of Spatium Medical and Director at Dune Innovation
Willem Mees van der Bijl is a seasoned MedTech innovator with over 20 years of experience, currently Director at Dune Innovation and CEO of Erasmus...
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Your preferred mentor
Let us know who to contact
Do you have a specific mentor in mind that isn't on this list? Let us know and we will try to make the initial connection...
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