Willem (Frederik walter) Knaap

Partner

Willem Knaap
Muiden, Netherlands

Experience

Apr 2023 - Sep 2024
1 year 6 months
Netherlands

Partner

Startupbootcamp & Innoleaps

  • 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 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
Jun 2022 - Dec 2022
7 months
Netherlands

Contractor cum Venture Builder

ING Bank N.V.

Oct 2020 - Dec 2021
1 year 3 months
Muiden, Netherlands

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 (& acquired) projects with industry leaders (eg. EIT Food, Mondelez, Unilever, ENI, Shell)
  • Build & 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
  • 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
Sep 2020 - Present
4 years 8 months
Netherlands

Owner

Venture Planner B.V.

  • Delivered IT and data-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency for fintech and sustainability ventures
  • 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
  • Translated strategic objectives into actionable plans and executed them with precision
May 2015 - Aug 2020
5 years 4 months
Netherlands

Venture Builder & Senior Innovation Manager

Rabobank

  • Delivered multiple Proofs of Concept for IT-enabled Food & Agri data innovations
  • Implemented & 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 including internal innovation sessions, presentations to country & corporate delegations, panels
Sep 2011 - Apr 2015
3 years 8 months
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Private Wealth Manager

Rabobank

  • Acquisition specialist responsible for own client portfolio. Part of the Rabo Schretlen Wealth management team in Amsterdam/Noord-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
  • Role: Acquirer and relationship manager. Portfolio of HNWI & entrepreneurs
  • Acquisition & account management: portfolio of 150+ customers
  • Financial planning & Advice: investments, mortgages, loans, pensions, insurances
Oct 2010 - Aug 2011
11 months
Netherlands

Financial Planner

Van Lanschot Chabot

  • Establish Intermediary Desk for mortgages, taking charge of financial planning services
  • Provide expert advice on mortgages, pension, investments, and income to a clientele consisting mainly of entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI)
  • Proactively acquire new clients to expand the customer base
Sep 2010 - Aug 2013
3 years
Amsterdam, Netherlands

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
Jan 2007 - Sep 2010
3 years 9 months
Netherlands

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 a client base primarily composed of entrepreneurs and business professionals
  • Serve clients across multiple branches, ensuring consistent and high-quality advisory services
Jan 2005 - Dec 2006
1 year
Netherlands

Financial Advisor

Aegon Nederland

  • Worked as a Financial Advisor at Aegon Nederland, 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
Jan 1998 - Dec 2005
7 years
Netherlands

Part-time Credit Advisor

DSB Bank

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

Propedeuse · Law · Groningen, Netherlands

Certifications & licenses

CSRD / ESG Consultant Program

Alex van Groningen

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)