What is your biggest takeaway from past career experiences?
My biggest takeaway has been the important role of relationship-building. Whether it was collaborating with team members on deals in New York or working with founders and co-investors in the VC world, I’ve seen how strong relationships can make or break opportunities. It’s not just about networking; it’s about creating genuine connections, understanding others’ perspectives, and building trust over time. Without strong relationships and having invested in those relations, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
You’ll often find me outdoors in my free time – running, biking, hiking, or playing tennis. When there is an opportunity, I love to go scuba diving and explore the underwater world. At the same time, I also like to simply unwind with a good book or by going to the movies, one of the only ways I find my self truly able to disconnect for a couple of hours. My time in the US also gave me a renewed appreciation for some of the culinary traditions we have at home, which inspired me to take sommelier classes for Belgian beer. Going for a meal with close friends or family is also one of my favorite things to do.
What’s your favorite part about working with startups?
Two things really. First, it’s the people. Founders who take on the challenge of building a successful company are often exceptionally passionate and visionary. Being around this type of people is energizing. Second, having a front row seat and contributing to working on solutions that could change the world for the better. In trying to revolutionize how we produce food, these startups are taking on huge challenges. Being part of that journey, even in a small way, is incredibly exciting.
What’s the next big trend in FoodTech?
I’m excited about the applicability of AI in the food industry. Already there is a surge of ventures in this space. For instance, AI could optimize bioprocesses for alternative ingredients both upstream and downstream, which can help achieve price parity sooner and thus accelerating time to market of new healthy and sustainable food options. That’s just one example, there are many more applications where AI can play a role, e.g. enhance crop breeding for more resilient and nutritious plants, or streamline supply chains to reduce food waste, etc.