Meet the unlock_ team!
The unlock_ team is a varied group, with different backgrounds, but they share a passion for entrepreneurship in the Life Science Health sector. Meet all the members of the unlock_team below!
Incubation Lead – Stéfan Ellenbroek
With a background in Bio-pharmaceuticals and entrepreneurship, Stéfan was a perfect fit when he joined unlock_ in 2020. He was the person who originally envisioned the incubator and is now the lead of Incubation.
Why does he work at unlock_?
“I can’t imagine doing anything more fun and fulfilling than helping the starting entrepreneurs in Biotech to make sure they don’t repeat mistakes so many others have made before them”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Find out how the market works in this sector; who is the end-user, who will pay for the product and who are your competitors. There is no other sector where these questions are as hard to answer as in the LSH sector. At unlock_ we can help you kickstart your first steps toward these answers.
Project Manager – Henriëtte van Dam
Hands on, precise and critical thinker, Henriëtte provides the unlock_ team with her sharp insights but also keeps the team on track when it comes to delivering what they promise to the entrepreneurs. As part of the Leiden Bio Science Park organisation, she provides direct access to the ecosystem.
Why does she work at unlock_?
“By outlining the opportunities at the Leiden Bio Science Park, we can help startups on their way to successful entrepreneurship.”
“I can’t imagine doing anything more fun and fulfilling than helping the starting entrepreneurs in Biotech to make sure they don’t repeat mistakes so many others have made before them”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice & support, we all need it sometimes!
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Program Manager – Christian Ramakers
With his background in life science & health, his knowledge of sales and willingness to help others grow, Christian is building upon his experience in his earlier years to create the exact circumstances to help young entrepreneurs grow!
Why does he work at unlock_?
“Setting up a life science startup comes with a set of additional challenges. But the impact they can make on the lives of people is big. With unlock_ we can create the support system needed so that more life science startups will succeed.”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Your technology is not the solution you sell. The first takes time to create, the second you need to validate from the start.
Talent Scout – Sven van der Vlies
Sven makes sure that the entrepreneurs in our Incubation Program get access to the knowledge and support they need to get their company ready for the next phase.
Why does he work at unlock_?
During the last year of his study, Sven joined our team and did research to measure and scale the growth of the startups from our Incubation Program. He liked unlock_ so much he (and we) decided we didn’t want to say goodbye.
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Talk to lots of people. When you have a disruptive idea, count on a lot of questions and pushback. Keep the potential of your idea in mind but make sure you stay open to feedback. Listen to what stakeholders and experts are telling you.
Community Manager – Martine van Harteveld
With her passion for community building, Martine ensures that new members feel welcome and find their place within the Unlock_ ecosystem. She connects startups to each other, to PLNT colleagues, and to the wider network of unlock_. Additionally, she organizes impactful events tailored to the needs of our members.
Why does she work at unlock_?
“With a background in Strategic Entrepreneurship she knows the hurdles of being an entrepreneur. Being around like-minded people works inspiring and makes her want to create the perfect environment to thrive, whether this is sharing success stories, strengthening networks, or promoting community initiatives.”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
One person cannot know it all. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and create a good support system around you.
Junior Marketeer – Sara van Bethlehem
For all news and events, Sara is your person. She is up to date with all upcoming programs, events and workshops happening in the Leiden Bio Science Park.
Why does she work at unlock_?
“At Leiden Bio Science Park people work on amazing innovations that change the future of life science and health. I think it is a really cool opportunity to be part of these inspiring innovations by communicating about them.”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Progress beats perfection. So learn from your mistakes and keep growing.