Why we are NEXT
6 years ago we where part of a small group of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands that was working on something new. We introduced the Lean Startup methodology in the Netherlands and together we shared our knowledge and passion to make it work. Over 5 years we coached startups on a voluntary basis. With our own expertise and business knowledge; Timan in tech and strategy and Esther in UX and strategy, as well as the new Lean Startup methods which we helped evolv over time. Five years and over a 100 startups later we have decided to combine all of our knowledge, experience and passion and start investing in (Dutch) startups.
Why?
For several years now, we have been saying that a sturdy ecosystem is something that raises the chances of succes for a startup. That guidance and coaching diminishes the risk of failing. That the investing climate in the Netherlands should change. That we need more risk investments and less solely ROI driven indicators.
How?
As opposed to for instance accelerators, we coach our startups on an individual basis. That doesn’t mean that we take over the wheel, but rather that we offer our expertise and will assist with experiments on a weekly basis. In this way the startup is getting what they need at the right moment. We have developed a custom framework for validated learning and innovation accounting that will allow us, but also the startup, to see the progress that has been made while searching for a working business model.
Apart from our knowledge (and passion) we also invest our own money in the startups we guide. Our own money and not the money of VC’s. This way we can prove that the way we offer our expertise works and we believe in the startups we work with.
Innovation for companies
Our extensive knowledge on startups and the lean startup methodology is also interesting for innovation projects at larger companies. We can help you make visible steps towards real innovation. We can help you implement customer development, validated learning and innovation accounting into your company and introduce you to startups that are interesting in your specific branche. We are happy to tell you more about it in our brand new offices at the Hoogte Kadijk in Amsterdam.
The money that we earn doing this is what we invest back into the startups we work with. In this way, your company contributes to a richer startup ecosystem in the Netherlands.
We wish you all an innovative 2016!
Originally published at next.amsterdam on January 5, 2016.
