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.
Marketing Manager – Kim Boetekees
Do you see unlock_, our community and our partners online and in the city? Good, that’s the type of thing Kim is working on. The website, social media, press releases and the visibility of our organization and the unlock_ community. She is up to date with all upcoming trends and working hard our strategy fits right in.
Why does she work at unlock_?
“If you are not involved in it on a daily basis, you don’t actually realize how much groundbreaking research and activities are being done at Leiden Bio Science Park. The fact that our startups are part of that is very inspiring. That’s what makes communicating about it so cool to do.”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey, and it is normal to make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes and keep growing.
Communication Officer – Merel Vooijs
For all news and events, Merel 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_?
“Immense growth is happening in the Leiden Bio Science Park and our startups are an important part of its development. To be able to communicate this progress and share moments of impact in Life Science and Health is something I love being involved in.”
Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to start, everyone has to start somewhere!