Willem frederik walter (Frederik walter) Knaap
Partner
Experience
Apr 2023 - Sep 2024
1 year 6 monthsPartner
Startupbootcamp & Innoleaps
- Drove corporate innovation initiatives and fostered startup-corporate collaborations.
- Developed and maintained relationships with investors, ensuring effective investor relations.
- Identified and pursued new business development opportunities to drive growth.
- Led the development of programs to support startups and facilitate their growth.
- Managed and oversaw program activities, ensuring successful execution and desired outcomes.
Jun 2022 - Dec 2022
7 monthsContractor 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 cross-functional team of six members to deliver scalable IT solutions within strict timelines.
- Engaged with IT and business stakeholders to align solutions with operational and compliance requirements.
- Drove solution design and validation efforts for optimal functionality and value within set timelines and governance structure.
Oct 2020 - Dec 2021
1 year 3 monthsContractor cum Director Corporate Venturing
Unknown Group B.V.
- Increased project revenue by over 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.
- Led and acquired projects with industry leaders such as EIT Food, Mondelez, Unilever, ENI, and Shell.
- Built and led cross-functional teams, including the Corporate Venturing team, utilizing project management and consultative selling.
- Established the Food & Agri team, driving thought leadership and business development.
- Contributed over €1.5 million to group sales initiatives.
Sep 2020 - Present
4 years 10 monthsOwner
Venture Planner B.V.
- Delivered IT and data-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency for fintech and sustainability.
- Led transformation programs, integrating governance and compliance requirements into solutions.
- Fostered partnerships to scale IT-driven initiatives in highly regulated environments.
- Drove commercial, innovation, and business development initiatives to propel organizational growth.
- Utilized dealmaking skills to negotiate and secure advantageous partnerships and agreements.
- Led multiple corporate innovation projects to foster a culture of innovation within the organization.
- Managed high-paced projects, ensuring efficient execution in dynamic environments.
- Demonstrated effective management skills in leading teams and overseeing day-to-day operations.
- Translated strategic objectives into actionable plans and executed them with precision.
May 2015 - Aug 2020
5 years 4 monthsVenture Builder and 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 team of 30 members.
- Team lead of newly built open innovation team of seven full-time employees.
- Delivered over 50 scouting and analysis assignments in domains like Food, Agri, and Energy.
- Mentored startups across multiple ecosystems including ACE and Startupbootcamp.
- Conducted internal innovation sessions and delivered presentations to country and corporate delegations and panels in public speaking engagements.
Sep 2011 - Apr 2015
3 years 8 monthsPrivate Wealth Manager
Rabobank
- Specializing in acquisition, responsible for managing an independent client portfolio.
- Member of the Rabo Schretlen Wealth Management team serving 12 branches across Amsterdam and North Holland.
- Coached and supported teams during the transition to the RSVM concept.
- Implemented out-of-the-box commercial strategies to drive business results.
- Supported private bankers in acquisition strategies at multiple Rabobank branches.
- Focused on serving ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, including entrepreneurs.
- Managed a portfolio consisting of over 150 customers.
- Provided financial planning and advice covering areas like investments, mortgages, loans, pensions, and insurance products.
Oct 2010 - Aug 2011
11 monthsFinancial Planner
Van Lanschot Chabot
- Established an intermediary desk for mortgage services and provided financial planning expertise.
- Advised clients, primarily entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, on mortgages, pension, investments, and income.
- Acquired new clients through proactive business development activities.
Sep 2010 - Aug 2013
3 yearsPart-time Teacher
Hogeschool van Amsterdam
- Served as a part-time instructor for third- and fourth-grade BBA students specializing in Financial Services Management.
- Provided guidance and supervision to students in developing theses, ensuring alignment with academic standards.
Jan 2007 - Sep 2010
3 years 9 monthsFinancial Coach
De Hypotheker
- Coached mortgage advisors, emphasizing strategies for income advice to enhance cross-selling.
- Provided expert financial advice on mortgages, pensions, investments, and income.
- Served clients across multiple branches to ensure consistent and high-quality advisory services.
Jan 2005 - Dec 2006
1 yearFinancial Advisor
Aegon Nederland
- Specialized in cold acquisition, selling financial products and providing advice.
- Optimized client acquisition through proactive sales methodologies.
- Delivered comprehensive financial advisory services across various products.
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.
Languages
Dutch
Native
English
Advanced
German
Elementary
Education
Oct 2009 - Jun 2012
University of Amsterdam
Master of Science · Insurance Studies · Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oct 2007 - Jun 2009
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
BBA · Financial Services Management · Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oct 2002 - Jun 2005
University of Groningen
Law · Groningen, Netherlands
Certifications & licenses
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
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