Op (de) T bij... David van Iersel - Pinxt

Neighbor Kevin Peels from Evido Innovative Film Production passed the T-pot to David, who operates 24 hours (abbreviated as 24U) in 'de Zaak' located in the plinth of building TQ4 at Strijp-T.

What does your organization do?

“24U in bedrijf is an entrepreneurial platform where currently more than 350 organizations and entrepreneurs are connected and meet each other. We facilitate dialogue by actively making connections. This provides each entrepreneur with 50 to 75 contact moments per year,” said David. “We are located in 'De Zaak' as we call this meeting place for entrepreneurs. In addition to 24U, there are several collaborating partners located here with whom we create media such as podcasts, video content, and an online magazine, giving a platform to stories from the region.”

“The origin of the company lies in Strijp-S and through Boudie Hoogedeure, I got acquainted with Strijp-T. Through the project in which we interviewed twenty former Philips employees who had spent the majority of their working lives in building TQ, I was inspired by the stories and fell even more in love with Strijp-T. When I had the opportunity to rent a space where my own office could be accommodated and I could build a small ecosystem around my core team, I didn't have to think long. From here, collaborating with innovative and creative companies is so much easier. For example, starting from January, we will launch CLUB NXT Mediacafé in the TV studio of SoMMedia specifically for young professionals, and from Strijp-T, we will regularly broadcast entrepreneurs' stories.”

“Your network works, I can confirm,” said Boudie. “From the beginning of the development of Strijp-T, I have been 'peeking at the neighbors' and have quickly met many people and companies. A large part is now located on Strijp-T.”

David: “We don't believe in logos but in people. That's what makes our work so special and rewarding. One compliment we once received was that one of our members indicated that they had gained a lot of knowledge, generated business, but also made friendships.”

What is your role?

“As an inspirer and catalyst, I work 'above' the organization to determine the course from there. I am no longer in the operation. It is carried out daily by an enthusiastic team with a flexible shell.”

Who do you want us to visit next time at T and why?

“Then I immediately think of Rick Scholte from Sorama. He is an inspiring, successful entrepreneur who has the talent to explain innovative technological science in simple terms. His rapidly growing, now internationally operating organization works with independent 'cells' instead of departments.”