The top Founders in IT in Netherlands

May 9, 2025
5 min read
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The Netherlands has established itself as a thriving hub for technological innovation, with its IT sector playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and digital transformation. At the forefront of this dynamic industry are visionary founders whose creativity, leadership, and ambition have shaped the landscape of information technology in the country. This article highlights some of the top IT founders in the Netherlands, exploring their contributions, achievements, and the impact they have made both locally and globally.

Victor Knaap

Company: MediaMonks

Victor Knaap is the co-founder and CEO of MediaMonks, a global creative production company known for its innovative digital solutions. Under his leadership, MediaMonks has expanded internationally and received numerous awards for creative excellence. Knaap is recognized for pushing the boundaries of digital production and building a diverse, tech-driven team. He played a pivotal role in the merger with S4 Capital, further accelerating the company’s global growth.

Adriaan Mol

Company: Mollie

Adriaan Mol is the founder and CEO of Mollie, a leading European payment service provider. He started the company to simplify complex payment processes for businesses and consumers. Mol’s vision and technological expertise have enabled Mollie to become one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in Europe. His entrepreneurial spirit has significantly influenced the digital payment landscape.

Jitse Groen

Company: Just Eat Takeaway.com

Jitse Groen is the founder and CEO of Just Eat Takeaway.com, one of the world’s largest online food delivery marketplaces. He launched the company in 2000, revolutionizing food delivery in Europe and beyond. Groen’s relentless focus on growth and innovation led to multiple acquisitions, cementing the company’s global presence. He is known for his strategic leadership and commitment to expanding the digital food delivery industry.

Ali Niknam

Company: bunq

Ali Niknam is the founder and CEO of bunq, a challenger bank that aims to redefine traditional banking through technology. He previously founded TransIP, one of the Netherlands’ largest domain and hosting providers. Niknam is known for his emphasis on user-centric design and transparency in banking. His entrepreneurial drive has positioned bunq as a key player in the European fintech scene.

Harold Goddijn

Company: TomTom

Harold Goddijn is the co-founder and CEO of TomTom, a global leader in navigation and mapping products. Under his stewardship, TomTom evolved from a navigation device company to an innovator in mapping technology for automotive and consumer markets. Goddijn’s visionary leadership has helped TomTom adapt to the rapidly changing tech landscape. He is widely respected for his strategic foresight in the navigation industry.

Pieter van der Does

Company: Adyen

Pieter van der Does is the co-founder and CEO of Adyen, a leading global payment company. He has been instrumental in developing Adyen’s scalable payment platform, serving major global clients. Van der Does is recognized for fostering a culture of innovation and transparency within the company. His leadership has propelled Adyen to become a top player in the fintech industry.

Robert Vis

Company: MessageBird

Robert Vis is the founder and CEO of MessageBird, a cloud communications platform that connects businesses with their customers globally. He started MessageBird to simplify and modernize business communications. Vis is known for his focus on product-driven growth and international expansion. His entrepreneurial journey has made MessageBird a leader in the communications technology sector.

Steven Schuurman

Company: Elastic

Steven Schuurman is the co-founder and former CEO of Elastic, the company behind Elasticsearch, Kibana, Beats, and Logstash. He led Elastic from its early days to a successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Schuurman is recognized for building a strong open-source community and driving technological innovation. His leadership established Elastic as a prominent player in the search and data analytics market.

Joost van der Plas

Company: Picnic

Joost van der Plas is a co-founder of Picnic, an innovative online supermarket revolutionizing grocery delivery in the Netherlands and beyond. He has played a key role in developing Picnic’s unique business model, which emphasizes efficiency and sustainability. Van der Plas is focused on leveraging technology to improve customer experience and streamline operations. His efforts have positioned Picnic as a disruptor in the grocery retail sector.

Derk Arts

Company: Castor

Derk Arts is the founder and CEO of Castor, a healthtech company specializing in data solutions for clinical research. With a background in medicine, Arts created Castor to accelerate medical research through innovative technology. He is passionate about improving healthcare by making research data more accessible and actionable. Under his leadership, Castor has become a trusted partner for researchers worldwide.

Conclusion

The top IT founders in the Netherlands have not only pioneered groundbreaking solutions but have also fostered a vibrant ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and technological advancement. Their successes serve as an inspiration to the next generation of innovators, reinforcing the Netherlands’ reputation as a leading force in the global IT arena. As the industry continues to evolve, these founders remain at the helm, driving progress and shaping the future of technology.

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