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

Mentor matching

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Meike Bomhof

Vice President Market Access Europe at Avania

Meike Bomhof, Vice President Market Access Europe at Avania has over 30 years of global medical technology experience, as well as a Masters Degree in...

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...