I started my career as a strategy consultant for BCG, training my analytical thinking and PowerPoint skills. I’ve done internships with Google in Dublin and P&G in Newcastle. My bachelors is from Amsterdam University College, specialising in cognitive neuroscience, and I have a research master's ‘Business in Society’ from the VU and UvA. During my studies, I also completed an ‘arts and research' program at the Rietveld Art Academy. Next to doing my little part in creating the future by finding the right entrepreneurs, I do stand-up comedy and the startup world is great inspiration. I also always say I like reading but actually do it way too little, and I box because it’s a great way to legally hit someone.
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Samen Slimmer is an alliance between venture studio Slimmer.AI, and two venture capital funds DFF and Keen. We’re all based in Amsterdam, and Slimmer also has an office in Groningen. We invest in and build companies all over the globe, but Europe is our hometurf.
Anyone with a great idea that involves AI can apply. No technical or AI experience is required, Samen Slimmer is designed to give all founders, - both seasoned and first-timers - the tools, network, funding and expertise to turn your idea into reality. We do favour founders that have some kind of edge that sets them apart, whether that is deep industry experience, a relevant network or background, or any other strategic advantage that can help propel your business.
There are many ways to build a successful company, and taking on early investment might not always be the right path for your business. However, we encourage all founders to apply that value the following:
> Speed-to-market of your first product matters a lot
> You need to build complex software, and it is important to get the initial features right
> You are chasing a massive opportunity that solves a real need, no 'vitamin' solutions that go after a small market
> Data and AI will likely be an important differentiator in your product and key value driver of your business, not just a fad
> You are willing to go all-in and care more about winning than being right
> You do not only dream big but also do big
Samen Slimmer is designed for founders in the most nascent stages of their entrepreneurial journey. We get involved in the pre-seed phase, which means pre-revenue and pre-MVP. We love to shape the product vision and roadmap with you and support you on building and launching your very first operational product.
Yes, as long as you are willing to be in Amsterdam and Groningen every-now-and-then for white-board sessions, meeting your engineering team and strategy. We encourage founders from all over EU to apply, we can always find a way to make it work.
We are partners for the long haul. After you have - hopefully - achieved product-market-fit, we'll make sure that nothing stands in your way to scale with lightning speed. Tap into our global network of other VCs, Angels and strategic partners, leverage our deep understanding of AI, SaaS and marketplace business models and expect a dedicated sparring partner to support you on raising, hiring, branding and positioning. We do not take board seats.
Unlike other venture studios, Samen Slimmer is unique in its kind because we offer funding and a dedicated engineering team that will build your product with you. We have over 20 years of experience in building operational AI products and are happy to start working with you. Apply to Samen Slimmer and expect:
> a Product Delivery System - an outcome driven, product-led software delivery approach developed through years of building both MVPs and very large software products. This allows you to avoid well-understood pitfalls, and iteratively build an awesome product that your launching customers will love
> Team - you’ll have a dedicated, experienced multidisciplinary team building your product. Not time wasted in recruiting or forming a team. Access to experts that as a start-up you normally won’t have
> Solution Stack - you get and build your product on Slimmer AI’s proven stack, saving you time, avoiding mistakes, ensuring you’re future proof, and giving you tons of standard SaaS features out-of-the-box.
Samen Slimmer is specifically designed for founders that are building products that leverage AI. If there is no AI component to your business, this program is not for you. We don’t do (pure) hardware investments. If you have modest ambitions in terms of reach & revenue, we’re not the right partners for you. If you don’t have any experience in the industry or market you want to build, we’re not a fit. If you already have a product and only looking for cash investment, then Samen Slimmer is not for you.
There are no direct costs involved in the Samen Slimmer partnership.