scouting experience
12
YEARS
Our team.
We’re a unified team of dedicated professionals working across all our companies. With a blend of expertise, creativity, and a shared vision, we bring diverse perspectives to every project we tackle.
CEO
Giels Brouwer

Giels is a serial entrepreneur and transformed the football industry by bringing the Moneyball methodology to football at SciSports and has the goal to do the same in the innovation industry with Akela. His secret? Profound passion and joy.
CTO
David Schrooten - van der Meer

Proficient in several programming languages, and a linux power user since his youth. His goal is to further expand and refine the architecture of Akela. By combining new cutting edge technologies with those that are battle tested, he thrives for Akela to deliver products that become a benchmark for others to follow.
CEO Nexus
John van de Laar

Based in Eindhoven, the Dutch Silicon Valley, John van de Laar is a serial entrepreneur with a strong background in innovation, venturing, and venture capital. With an Economics degree from Tilburg University, he has led transformative business initiatives, lectured at top institutions, and serves as Chairman of the Orange Sports Forum, promoting youth sports and healthy living.
UX Engineer
Erwin Retèl

Give Erwin anything and he will instantly make it look smooth as butter. A 15-years experienced magician in design and software development, Erwin’s forte lies in knowing what you’re looking for before you do so. Crafting solutions that marry functionality with elegance, his designs remain intuitive and sophisticated. When crafting dishes in the kitchen there’s no chance for anyone in the room to beat him.
AI Engineer
Martin Bongers

Driven by a hunger for technological advancements, Martin transitioned from working in the lab to startup scouting. Known for automating workflows, he will save anyone in the team tons of hours per week on repetitive tasks. Now, as an AI engineer at Akela, he’s poised to bring his expertise to reshape the future of scouting. On weekends there’s only one place where you will never find him: at home.
Venture Analyst
Noah Guicherit

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for innovation, Noah thrives in the dynamic world of startup scouting. Constantly learning about new topics and emerging technologies, he’s known for his critical thinking and diligent approach to evaluating opportunities. With a sharp eye for identifying the next big thing, Noah is always ahead of the curve. Outside of work, he’s diving into the latest tech trends, ensuring his knowledge stays as fresh as his scouting skills.
Finance Manager
Roos Bijl

Roos is the numbers maestro at Akela, entrusted with overseeing financial administration and reporting. With her keen eye for detail, she maintains a firm grasp on the company’s financial health. Beyond her financial wizardry, Roos is known for her active lifestyle, sociable nature, and willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed!
Growth Engineer
Roy Mulder

Roy brings fresh perspectives and a problem-solving mindset to every challenge. By combining technical expertise with strategic insight, he creates impactful solutions that drive growth and fuel Akela’s innovation journey.
Together, we’re not just shaping the future—we’re creating it, one connection at a time.
