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<https://stad.gent/en/lod/news?page=9><http://www.w3.org/ns/hydra/core#member><https://stad.gent/id/news/827065> .
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<http://schema.org/description> "This succesful accelerator program has already guided more than 1500 start-ups over the past ten years." ;
<http://schema.org/identifier> 827065 ;
<http://schema.org/image><https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg> ;
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<http://schema.org/keywords> "success story" ;
<http://schema.org/url><https://stad.gent/en/invest-ghent/news-events/launch-your-global-journey-start-it-kbc> ;
<http://schema.org/dateModified> "2025-02-21T21:07:11+00:00"^^<xsd:dateTime> ;
<http://schema.org/datePublished> "2024-08-29T12:05:02+00:00"^^<xsd:dateTime> ;
<http://schema.org/headline> "Launch your global journey with Start it @KBC" ;
<http://schema.org/articleBody> " <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--table-of-contents paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n <nav class=\"table-of-contents\" aria-labelledby=\"table-of-contents-header\">\n <div class=\"content-container\">\n <h4 id=\"table-of-contents-header\">On this page</h4>\n\n <ul class=\"three-column\">\n <li><a href=\"/en/lod/news#what-sets-the-program-apart\">What sets the program apart</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/en/lod/news#the-benefits-of-local-collaborations\">The benefits of local collaborations</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/en/lod/news#about-the-selection\">About the selection</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/en/lod/news#companionenergy\">Companion.energy</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/en/lod/news#outkept\">Outkept</a></li>\n <li><a href=\"/en/lod/news#planet-b\">Planet B</a></li>\n </ul>\n\n </div>\n </nav>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n\n\n <p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">You can register for the next cohort until September 17, earning you a ticket to their \u2018Hall of Fame\u2019\u2014think of <strong>Aikido Security, OTIV, Companion.energy, Nona, Outkept</strong>, and <strong>Planet B</strong>. </span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Once selected, you will receive a year of coaching to scale and (further) market your product, the opportunity to connect with a global network, and cross-pollination at the busiest coffee machine in Ghent. </span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">But how do you prepare for this selection process? We asked <strong>Lode Uytterschaut</strong> (CEO) and <strong>Ludo Dhelft</strong> (Business Coach). Experienced experts <strong>Jonas Verstraeten</strong> (Companion.energy), <strong>Simon Bauwens</strong> (Outkept), and <strong>Tibbe Verschaffel</strong> (Planet B) are also happy to share some tips.</span></p>\n \n </div>\n\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1\">\n \n \n\n<ul class=\"grid-2\">\n <li> <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n <div class=\"image-gallery--wrapper single\">\n \n\n\n\n <div class=\"image-gallery js-lightbox\">\n <a\n href=\"https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=DeDVjoYs\"\n class=\"gallery-link\"\n aria-describedby=\"image-gallery__open-gallery\"\n >\n \n <figure>\n \n\n\n <picture>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=ZDQ2j-ai 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=SGmYYqQz 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=ZDQ2j-ai 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=SGmYYqQz 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=oAaa0Kep 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=Frh8N-uz 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"920\" height=\"614\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=KMPpWtzY 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=CKfx1f2a 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"727\" height=\"485\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=DMSkcb50 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=lOEmaSIP 2x\" media=\"all and (max-width: 575.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"575\" height=\"384\"/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1840\" height=\"1228\" src=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/_DSC0807.jpg?itok=Frh8N-uz\" alt=\"Start it@KBC\" />\n\n </picture>\n\n\n \n \n </figure>\n</a>\n\n \n </div>\n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n</li>\n <li>\n\n \n<div class=\"quote-wrapper\">\n <div class=\"quote\">\n <blockquote>\n <div class=\"content\">\n <p>\n As a starting baker, you can apply for a loan that gets approved before you start. But as a starting start-up, you simply don\u2019t get a loan.\n </p>\n </div>\n <footer>\n Lode Uytterschaut, CEO\n </footer>\n </blockquote>\n </div>\n</div>\n</li>\n </ul>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n\n\n <p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">In recent years, the number of start-ups in Ghent has steadily increased. And it\u2019s a good thing, too, because a decade ago, very little was happening around start-ups, even nationally. \u201CThat idea matured in my mind while working at KBC,\u201D says Lode. \"Iminds was here in Ghent, but that was it. Especially innovative entrepreneurs were left out in the cold and heard \u2018no\u2019 everywhere. We wanted to change that together with those entrepreneurs. We didn\u2019t know what kind of program, but we looked at what these entrepreneurs really needed. Fortunately, the \u2018De Boerentoren\u2019 building became available after the crisis, where everything started. We could use one floor there and guide six start-ups. We were on the 19th floor, and that was, literally, our only offer at that time: a room with a view\u2019.</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Our primary focus are those innovative entrepreneurs because experience disappointment, time and time again. As a starting baker, you can apply for a loan that gets approved before you start. But as a starting start-up, you simply don\u2019t get a loan. Mind you, that\u2019s justified, of course. You first have to prove that there is indeed a market for it. For a baker, the market is already there.\u201D</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\"></span></p><h2><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>What sets the program apart</strong></span><a class=\"ck-anchor\" id=\"what-sets-the-program-apart\"></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\"></span></h2><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">The program at </span><a href=\"https://startit-x.com/en/accelerate/start-it-kbc\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Start it @KBC</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\"> is where it is today, thanks to the input from the start-ups. \u201CWhat sets us apart from the rest?\u201D Lode repeats. \u201CFirst and foremost, we offer all this for free, which is quite unique. And as a start-up, you also remain 100% company owner.\u201D</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u201CIn addition, you get access to an extensive network,\u201D Ludo adds. \u201CThe coaches will always know someone who either knows your market inside out or has worked with a similar product. We also have many alumni around, as the program lasts a year, and we work with two selection rounds per year. So, there is always a six-month overlap. This interaction is unique: the \u2018newbies\u2019 learn from the \u2018veterans\u2019, and the alumni are immediately up to speed with the new ideas. And all of this happens at our coffee machine. The number of business plans this machine has overheard, you can\u2019t even imagine.\"</span></p>\n \n </div>\n\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1\">\n \n \n\n<ul class=\"grid-2\">\n <li>\n\n \n<div class=\"quote-wrapper\">\n <div class=\"quote\">\n <blockquote>\n <div class=\"content\">\n <p>\n All of this happens at our coffee machine. The number of business plans this machine has overheard, you can\u2019t even imagine.\n </p>\n </div>\n <footer>\n Ludo Dhelft, Business Coach\n </footer>\n </blockquote>\n </div>\n</div>\n</li>\n <li> <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n <div class=\"image-gallery--wrapper single\">\n \n\n\n\n <div class=\"image-gallery js-lightbox\">\n <a\n href=\"https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=_oHcyXTw\"\n class=\"gallery-link\"\n aria-describedby=\"image-gallery__open-gallery\"\n >\n \n <figure>\n \n\n\n <picture>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=enhafdFv 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=-mjRovvg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"491\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=enhafdFv 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=-mjRovvg 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"491\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=q4RzEfcp 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=LDrnBkx- 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"920\" height=\"690\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=r4RMvA4S 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=ojANGwA_ 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"727\" height=\"545\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=66sw_m9q 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=ec82-qxp 2x\" media=\"all and (max-width: 575.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"575\" height=\"431\"/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1840\" height=\"1380\" src=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/IMG_4564.jpg?itok=LDrnBkx-\" alt=\"Start it@KBC 2\" />\n\n </picture>\n\n\n \n \n </figure>\n</a>\n\n \n </div>\n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n</li>\n </ul>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n\n\n <h2><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>The benefits of local colla</strong></span><a class=\"ck-anchor\" id=\"the-benefits-of-local-collaborations\"></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>borations</strong></span><span lang=\"EN-GB\"></span></h2><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u201CWe also work very closely with other partners within the local ecosystem,\u201D adds Lode. \"Ludo is on the jury of </span><a href=\"https://www.gentrepreneur.gent/\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Gentrepreneur</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">. With </span><a href=\"https://www.wearenoa.be/?utm_term=netwerk%20ondernemen&utm_campaign=NOA%20naam%20ads&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=4902878901&hsa_cam=21384507524&hsa_grp=162278478174&hsa_ad=702844084222&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-836027271491&hsa_kw=netwerk%20ondernemen&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuMC2BhA7EiwAmJKRrM6jD2UMp2naNh408D9d11mhQijliPrl5Fpiez3WDw488bJn3fZYBRoCCUgQAvD_BwE\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">NOA </span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">(formerly Netwerk Ondernemen) and </span><a href=\"https://www.imecistart.com/en?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuMC2BhA7EiwAmJKRrI7hjhpem9401rzfB2AQY9QOaai8zVr_YmYb40XS6wWi_moP3QMlERoCVa4QAvD_BwE\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">imec.istart</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">, we\u2019re also involved in </span><a href=\"https://thegrowthcollective.be/\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">The Growth Collective</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">.</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">We\u2019ve noticed that the start-ups here in Ghent are already at a certain maturity level. There\u2019s imec.istart and DO!Gent here, which goes hand in hand with a lot of student entrepreneurship. By the way, the latter is the best way to start entrepreneurship, in my opinion. You gain experience and still have that safety net, as you have fewer obligations than when you are older. I always said that working at a start-up is the best way to know what it\u2019s like actually to have a start-up. But that\u2019s not true, because you just have to do it. What\u2019s the worst that can happen to a student entrepreneur? That you lose time. But in the meantime, you are much further along your learning curve.\"</span></p><h2><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>What you need to know about the selection</strong></span><a class=\"ck-anchor\" id=\"about-the-selection\"></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\"></span></h2><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">How can you increase your chances of being selected? \u201CWell, you need to have an innovative product or offer,\u201D says Ludo. \u201CYou need to be able to go to market within a year. It doesn\u2019t have to be a finished product; we are here to strengthen the foundations. And it must, of course, be scalable.\u201D</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u201COur focus is really on the market,\u201D explains Lode. \u201CMany start-ups succeed or fail based on \u2018time to market\u2019. So, it\u2019s not about the team or money but about the timing of entering the market. Therefore, having a clear view of this and assessing it well is crucial. This might also be a USP of the program. Many accelerators focus on attracting investments. But that is, in our opinion, not the right way. Start-ups always find money if they can show that they're entering the right market at the right time, with the right team and the correct solution.\u201D</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u201CWe also pay attention to personality during the selection,\u201D says Ludo. \u201CCan we coach them? Can we inspire them? If you, for example, cannot handle the jury\u2019s questions, then you cannot handle your audience's challenges or the coaches' feedback during the program.\u201D \u201CIndeed,\u201D Lode agrees, \u201Cthat's even more important than the idea. Look at Crocs, and they have also been successful. (</span><em><span lang=\"EN-GB\">laughs</span></em><span lang=\"EN-GB\">) We think seeing how entrepreneurs sell their ideas and what problems they solve is important. During those two days, we see 150 start-ups, and it\u2019s really about the persuasiveness and authenticity you bring yourself.\u201D</span></p>\n \n </div>\n\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--container paragraph--view-mode--full w10-o1\">\n \n \n\n<ul class=\"grid-2\">\n <li> <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--default\">\n <div class=\"image-gallery--wrapper single\">\n \n\n\n\n <div class=\"image-gallery js-lightbox\">\n <a\n href=\"https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=6dvlB_t-\"\n class=\"gallery-link\"\n aria-describedby=\"image-gallery__open-gallery\"\n >\n \n <figure>\n \n\n\n <picture>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=QCFUI0v3 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=I469Lb7S 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=QCFUI0v3 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=I469Lb7S 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=6RF4Gip_ 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=790dWZzJ 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"920\" height=\"613\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=z4Mpga-f 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=-_ebDRZx 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"727\" height=\"484\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=LwBQ8K8k 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=LFRbr1I- 2x\" media=\"all and (max-width: 575.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"575\" height=\"383\"/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1840\" height=\"1226\" src=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Start%20It%20%40KBC%20-%20%40rafthomas.photography-121.jpg?itok=790dWZzJ\" alt=\"Start it@KBC 3\" />\n\n </picture>\n\n\n \n \n </figure>\n</a>\n\n \n </div>\n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n</li>\n <li>\n\n \n<div class=\"quote-wrapper\">\n <div class=\"quote\">\n <blockquote>\n <div class=\"content\">\n <p>\n During those two days, we see 150 start-ups, and it\u2019s really about the persuasiveness and authenticity you bring yourself.\n </p>\n </div>\n <footer>\n Lode Uytterschaut, CEO\n </footer>\n </blockquote>\n </div>\n</div>\n</li>\n </ul>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n\n\n <h2><a class=\"ck-anchor\" id=\"companionenergy\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>Companion.energy</strong></span></a></h2><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Let\u2019s take a look at the other side of the table. One of the selected start-ups is </span><a href=\"https://www.companion.energy/\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Companion Energy</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">. They\u2019ve just completed a successful funding round of \u20AC2.1 million and are growing rapidly. \u201CWe mainly signed up because we were looking for a network, support, and office space,\" says co-founder <strong>Jonas Verstraeten</strong>. \u201CIn the end, we learned so much, like the structure they offer. You are encouraged to set goals and regularly report back on them. That \u2018external accountability\u2019 helps to set clear goals for yourself. It also just feels good to be able to rely on other starting entrepreneurs who face similar challenges. So I would recommend it to any starting entrepreneur, absolutely!\u2019\u201D</span></p>\n \n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n <div class=\"image-gallery--wrapper single\">\n \n\n\n\n <div class=\"image-gallery js-lightbox\">\n <a\n href=\"https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=sWfwa03K\"\n class=\"gallery-link\"\n aria-describedby=\"image-gallery__open-gallery\"\n >\n \n <figure>\n \n\n\n <picture>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=G9DffaXO 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=yXDNHh8y 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=G9DffaXO 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=yXDNHh8y 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=6suVG-LB 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=928rw53Y 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"920\" height=\"613\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=S5O_HnT_ 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=LUTfrvr5 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"727\" height=\"485\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=AgTQM6xG 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=RjphIZex 2x\" media=\"all and (max-width: 575.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"575\" height=\"383\"/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1840\" height=\"1227\" src=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/companion.energy-By-Fredography-Full-9.jpg?itok=928rw53Y\" alt=\"Companion.energy\" />\n\n </picture>\n\n\n \n \n </figure>\n</a>\n\n \n </div>\n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n\n\n <h2><a class=\"ck-anchor\" id=\"outkept\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>Outkept</strong></span></a></h2><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>Simon Bauwens</strong>, from </span><a href=\"https://outkept.com/nl/\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Outkept</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">, enrolled his start-up for coaching in preparation for a funding round. Besides that, they wanted to build more credibility within their relevant network. \u201CWe\u2019ve learned so much\u201D,\u2019 says Simon Bauwens, \u201Cnot only in terms of sales and product market fit but also ways to communicate with investors. I still benefit greatly from the templates we received during the program and, of course, from the relationships we built. The great thing about that network is that it is so large and diverse. You can perfectly connect with the people who are most relevant to you. For us, those were mainly other SaaS founders who had already completed a successful journey.\u2019\u201D</span></p>\n \n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n <div class=\"image-gallery--wrapper single\">\n \n\n\n\n <div class=\"image-gallery js-lightbox\">\n <a\n href=\"https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=DwDe74z4\"\n class=\"gallery-link\"\n aria-describedby=\"image-gallery__open-gallery\"\n >\n \n <figure>\n \n\n\n <picture>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=f4etJAm8 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=9xs_r1i9 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" type=\"image/webp\" width=\"655\" height=\"328\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=f4etJAm8 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=9xs_r1i9 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)\" type=\"image/webp\" width=\"655\" height=\"328\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=4J48RXxy 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=MmPIgvCv 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)\" type=\"image/webp\" width=\"920\" height=\"460\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=lpkK8vho 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=ZmYa-bbk 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)\" type=\"image/webp\" width=\"727\" height=\"364\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=zghp50ph 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=Ati11RJn 2x\" media=\"all and (max-width: 575.9px)\" type=\"image/webp\" width=\"575\" height=\"288\"/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1140\" height=\"570\" src=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/Co-founders-Simon-Bauwens-and-Dieter-Tine-1140x570-1.webp?itok=MmPIgvCv\" alt=\"Outkept\" />\n\n </picture>\n\n\n \n \n </figure>\n</a>\n\n \n </div>\n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n \n\n\n <h2><a class=\"ck-anchor\" id=\"planet-b\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>Planet B</strong></span></a></h2><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">We also asked about the side effects of this program to <strong>Tibbe Verschaffel</strong> from </span><a href=\"https://planetb.life/\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Planet B</span></a><span lang=\"EN-GB\">. \u201CI signed up because of the community and because I heard you could use a co-working space shared with other start-ups,\u201D says Tibbe. \u201CI remember being quite nervous about that conversation because I was only working on Bambooze at the time, selling bamboo straws. It was a real challenge to convince them that we wanted to build the \u2018new school Unilever,\u2019 but only with healthy products. By healthy, I mean for people, animals, and the planet. In the meantime, Planet B already has several brands, so we have really grown since then.</span></p><p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Once we were selected, we could have conversations with potential mentors. I remember talking to 14 people because I wanted to hear what each of them had to offer. One of the people I thought would never become my mentor eventually became our first business angel. So that was an instrumental contact. In short, it not only sharpened my general knowledge about entrepreneurship but also connected me with many interesting people.'\"</span></p>\n \n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--image paragraph--view-mode--full\">\n <div class=\"image-gallery--wrapper single\">\n \n\n\n\n <div class=\"image-gallery js-lightbox\">\n <a\n href=\"https://stad.gent/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=8eK8Dd1J\"\n class=\"gallery-link\"\n aria-describedby=\"image-gallery__open-gallery\"\n >\n \n <figure>\n \n\n\n <picture>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=voi0J9H2 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=B2DKRD2Y 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1680px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_l/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=voi0J9H2 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_l_x2/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=B2DKRD2Y 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1679.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"655\" height=\"437\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=ieZr5JSQ 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=qp8SD19U 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 959.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"920\" height=\"613\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=3bxw9PGW 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_xl_x2/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=A-GjeODu 2x\" media=\"all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 767.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"727\" height=\"485\"/>\n <source srcset=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_m/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=BTCoGZZI 1x, /sites/default/files/styles/wide_m_x2/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=7dUxEEUh 2x\" media=\"all and (max-width: 575.9px)\" type=\"image/jpeg\" width=\"575\" height=\"383\"/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1840\" height=\"1227\" src=\"/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxl_x2/public/media/images/DSC01271%20%281%29.jpg?itok=qp8SD19U\" alt=\"Planet B\" />\n\n </picture>\n\n\n \n \n </figure>\n</a>\n\n \n </div>\n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--call-to-action paragraph--view-mode--full cta-block image-none link\">\n \n <div class=\"cta-block__content\">\n <div class=\"feature-block secondary\">\n <h2>Sign in</h2>\n\n \n\n <p>Do you want to accelerate the growth of your start-up?</p>\n \n \n <a href=\"https://startit-x.com/en/accelerate/start-it-kbc\" class=\"button button-secondary\">Register via this link</a>\n \n </div>\n </div>\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"paragraph paragraph--type--call-to-action paragraph--view-mode--full cta-block image-none link\">\n \n <div class=\"cta-block__content\">\n <div class=\"feature-block secondary\">\n <h2>Discover Invest in Ghent</h2>\n\n \n\n <p>Are you eager to become part of this inspiring healthtech ecosystem? The team at Invest in Ghent is ready to help you start or scale your business in Ghent through our expert local guidance and introductions so your business can grow even further.</p>\n \n \n <ul class=\"links\">\n <li>\n <a href=\"https://stad.gent/en/invest-ghent/contact\" class=\"button button-secondary\">Contact us</a>\n \n </li>\n <li>\n <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/75060038/admin/feed/posts/\" class=\"standalone-link\">Follow us on LinkedIn</a>\n \n </li>\n </ul>\n </div>\n </div>\n </div>\n" ;
foaf:page<https://stad.gent/node/827065> .
