Willem Frederik Walter (Frederik Walter) Knaap
Partner
Experience
Partner
Startupbootcamp & Innoleaps
- Drive corporate innovation initiatives and foster startup-corporate collaborations
- Develop and maintain relationships with investors, ensuring effective investor relations
- Identify and pursue new business development opportunities to drive growth
- Lead the development of programs to support startups and facilitate their growth
- Manage and oversee program activities, ensuring successful execution and desired outcomes
Contractor cum Venture Builder
ING Bank N.V.
- Led the development and implementation of the MINT SaaS testing tool, reducing error rates by 30% and cutting development costs by 4%
- Directed a six-member cross-functional team of 6 to deliver scalable IT solutions within strict timelines
- Engaged with IT and business stakeholders to align solutions with operational and compliance requirements
- Drive solution design and validation efforts for optimal functionality and value within set timelines and governance structure
Contractor cum Director Corporate Venturing
Unknown Group B.V.
- Increased project revenue by >15% through IT-enabled innovation strategies for multinational clients, including Unilever and Mondelez
- Managed IT innovation initiatives, ensuring alignment with governance standards and business objectives
- Lead (and acquired) projects with industry leaders (e.g. EIT Food, Mondelez, Unilever, ENI, Shell)
- Build and led cross functional teams incl. Corporate Venturing team, utilizing project management and consultative selling
- Established Food & Agri team, driving thought leadership and business development
- Contributed >EUR 1,5mio to group sales initiatives
Owner
City Muiden Venture Planner B.V.
- Delivered IT and data-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency for fintech and sustainability
- Lead transformation programs, integrating governance and compliance requirements into solutions
- Fostered partnerships to scale IT-driven initiatives in highly regulated environments
- Drive commercial, innovation, and business development initiatives to propel organizational growth
- Utilize dealmaking skills to negotiate and secure advantageous partnerships and agreements
- Lead multiple corporate innovation projects to foster a culture of innovation within the organization
- Successfully manage high-paced projects, ensuring efficient execution in dynamic environments
- Demonstrate effective management skills in leading teams and overseeing day-to-day operations
Venture Builder & Senior Innovation Manager
Rabobank
- Delivered multiple Proofs of Concept for IT-enabled Food & Agri data innovations
- Implemented and developed Rabobank’s first IT portfolio management framework, streamlining startup evaluations and governance processes
- Co-founded and scaled Peaks.com to €7M Series A funding, leading a 30-member team
- Team lead of newly build (open innovation) team (7fte)
- Delivered 50+ scouting and analysis assignments (e.g. Food, Agri, Energy)
- Startup Mentor / coach in multiple ecosystems (e.g. ACE, StartUp Bootcamp)
- Presentations and public speaking: Internal innovation sessions; presentations to country & corporate delegations; panels
Private Wealth Manager
Rabobank
- Acquisition specialist responsible for own client portfolio as part of the Schretlen Wealth management team in Amsterdam / North Holland (12 branches)
- Coached and supported Schretlen & local branches Rabobank in transition to RSVM concept
- Commercial supercharger with out-of-the-box actions
- Coaching in acquisition of private bankers working at multiple Rabobank branches
- Serving UNHWI/HNWI clients working in a specialist team
- Acquirer and relationship manager for portfolio of HNWI & entrepreneurs
- Acquisition and account management for a portfolio of 150+ customers
- Financial planning and advice on investments, mortgages, loans, pensions, insurances
Financial Planner
Van Lanschot Chabot
- Establish intermediary desk for mortgages, taking charge of financial planning services
- Provide expert advice on mortgages, pensions, investments, and income to entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals
- Proactively acquire new clients to expand the customer base
Part-time Teacher
Hogeschool van Amsterdam
- Part-time instructor for 3rd and 4th-grade BBA students specializing in Financial Services Management
- Provide guidance and supervision for student theses, ensuring quality and adherence to academic standards
Financial Coach
De Hypotheker
- Provide coaching and guidance to mortgage advisors, focusing on income advice to drive increased cross-selling opportunities
- Offer expert advice on mortgages, pensions, investments, and income to entrepreneurs and business professionals
- Serve clients across multiple branches, ensuring consistent and high-quality advisory services
Financial Advisor
Aegon Nederland
- Worked as a financial advisor specializing in cold acquisition, selling, and providing financial advice
- Developed expertise in acquiring new clients through proactive outreach and sales techniques
- Delivered comprehensive financial advice to clients, offering guidance on various financial products and services
Industries Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.
Experienced in Banking and Finance (19 years), Agriculture (6.5 years), Energy (5.5 years), Information Technology (5.5 years), Education (3 years), and Professional Services (1.5 years).
Business Areas Experience
The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.
Experienced in Finance (9.5 years), Sales (9.5 years), Strategy (8 years), Research and Development (8 years), Investments and M&A (6 years), and Project Management (5.5 years).
Summary
Dynamic business leader with over 15 years of experience in (IT & tech) project management, business architecture, and digital transformation within financial institutions. Proven expertise in implementing regulatory-compliant IT & tech solutions and optimizing end-to-end processes from front to back office. Skilled in Agile & Scrum methodologies to drive efficiency and deliver value-driven outcomes. Recognized for implementing innovative solutions in dynamic, complex environments and achieving impactful, sustainable results.
Skills
- Program/project Management
- Digital Environment Expertise
- Complex Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Decision-making
- Goal-setting & Operationalization
- Networking & Relationship Building
- Deal-making & Negotiation
- Results-oriented Mindset
- Communication & Collaboration
- Partnership Development
Languages
Education
University of Amsterdam
Master of Science, Insurance Studies · Insurance Studies · Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Business Administration, Financial Services Management · Financial Services Management · Amsterdam, Netherlands
University of Groningen
Propedeuse Law · Law · Groningen, Netherlands
Certifications & licenses
CSRD / ESG Consultant Program
Alex van Groningen
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Profile
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