Freelancer profile translated to English.

Description

I am a generalist with a strong technical background — educated in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, I started by building software and designing systems. Over time, I shifted to product ownership, business strategy, and innovation — always driven by a curiosity for how emerging technologies can meet end-customer needs.

My career has taken me from developing next-gen automotive navigation systems to leading product and architecture teams, and then setting up my own consultancy. I've helped spin out companies, built mapping consortia, and worked internationally to scout innovations — from AI and computer vision to autonomous driving and robotics.

In late 2017, I took on a European corporate development leadership role, overseeing M&A and setting up new ventures. One of these grew into a startup where I co-founded the team applying deep learning and computer vision to warehouse automation. That experience reinforced something I now prioritize: market-driven demand over technology-driven supply.

Today, I lead an independent consultancy focused on strategic growth in AI, robotics, and sensors — helping companies translate technical potential into market growth.

I am at my best at the intersection of technology, business, and strategy — and I enjoy building bridges between people, teams, and ideas that normally don't interact.

Industry field of expertise

Languages

Dutch
Native or bilingual
German
Fluent
English
Fluent

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

Veldhoven (up to 50km)

Diractions Consulting
Owner
DIGITAL AND IT
January 2023 - Today (3 years and 5 months)
Veldhoven, Netherlands
Freelance consultancy, supporting innovation projects with direct practical application and a focus on sustainable value creation, through:
Discovering opportunities and validating with customers
Setting up and managing innovation pilots & implementation readiness
Technical assessment & partner mapping
Ecosystem & Portfolio design
Digitale Strategie Corporate Development Technologie Adoptie Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI in Motion
Co-Founder
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN
February 2019 - January 2023 (3 years and 11 months)
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Co-founder of a deep-tech startup focused on AI-powered localization and perception for mobile robotics and AGV/AMR platforms
Defined and validated product-market fit by engaging directly with customers to translate operational pain points into usable product features
Developed a phased business roadmap aligning technology development with commercial milestones and funding rounds
Guided early go-to-market strategy, including qualifying pilot customers and prioritizing high-potential verticals
Responsible for the technical definition and validation of enabling technologies (perception, mapping, navigation, sensor fusion)
Built the initial engineering and product team; hired, onboarded, and coached team members and a lead engineer
Served as the primary liaison with the main investor (Navinfo Europe), enabling alignment on IP strategy, talent exchange, and the AI and computer vision roadmap
Combined entrepreneurial mindset with an advisory approach to both investors and external partners — balancing vision with execution
Computer Vision Lean Startup Innovation Management Roadmapping Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy
NavInfo Europe
Director Corporate Development Europe
AUTOMOBILE
January 2018 - December 2021 (3 years and 11 months)
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Led the corporate development function, building the processes, portfolio, and governance model to support strategic innovation in AI, robotics, computer vision, and sensor technologies
Managed a cross-functional team of six FTEs, comprising corporate development managers, a strategy manager, and two managers within the AI in Motion spin-off (responsible for business development and product management).
Defined and executed the innovation portfolio, focusing on domains such as AI perception, lidar, sensor fusion, simulation, anonymization, and next-gen automotive chipsets
Initiated and co-led strategic investment projects — including the co-founding of AI in Motion as a venture capital-backed deep tech startup
Conducted technical and commercial due diligence for partnerships, spin-offs, and acquisition targets, producing fact-based evaluations and business model assessments
Acted as a bridge between Chinese investment stakeholders and European innovation hubs, facilitating joint roadmap alignment and IP transfer strategies
Applied corporate startup methodologies (e.g., 7 whys, value proposition canvas) to guide investment decisions and manage risks in new venture creation
Drove high-quality decision-making by clarifying strategic outcomes, highlighting technical risks, and aligning business, technology, and product teams
Corporate Development Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Sensor Fusion Computer Vision