Startups, meet Wouter Stevens
The week we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Amsterdam Capital Week! We would not have been able to organise this week filled packed with 30 events all over Amsterdam, without the help of our trusted partners. One of our devoted partners is Rabobank, and we had the pleasure to interview Wouter Stevens, SME Manager at Rabobank Amsterdam.
ACW: Thank you for taking the time to interview with us! Can you tell us about your background?
WOUTER: My name is Wouter Stevens , SME Manager at Rabobank Amsterdam. Together with my team of about 30 account managers, we offer entrepreneurs support and banking advice, our knowledge and our network in and around the city.
ACW: What is the current focus at Rabobank, in relation to the Dutch Ecosystem (startups, scale-ups, investors)? What do our entrepreneurs need to know?
WOUTER: To get funded by a bank is sometimes difficult for startups. After all, banks make higher demands on financing, partly because of laws and regulations. But a bank can also be a sparring partner for a start-up or a scale up. We have a lot of knowledge about specific sectors and we have an extensive network. Rabobank Amsterdam is known for and making the right connections between our customers.
ACW: We’re excited to have you and Rabobank on board again for this year’s Amsterdam Capital Week. Why did you decide to join our program? What do you want to achieve from the week?
WOUTER: One of our main objectives is to connect our customers with ACW’s extensive network of startups, scale-ups and investors. We believe that Amsterdam can be the start-up capital of Europe, and by supporting ACW”s we will put Amsterdam and The Netherlands on the map of the European startup ecosystem. The week is also an incentive for my team to learn from and meet inspiring entrepreneurs with new ideas.
ACW: As you know, our theme this year is Giving Back. How do you relate to this? What does ‘giving back’ mean to you?
WOUTER: We are a knowledge and a network bank, we help entrepreneurs get started and support them in their development as an entrepreneur. We do this, for example, through the event we organize on Monday, September 24: we help female entrepreneurs with their pitch, their funding strategy and introducing them to investors. Together with our partners in the city, we try to contribute to the growth of our dutch entrepreneurs.
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS FOR ENTREPRENEURS?
In addition to providing money, banks like Rabobank can also be powerful partners for startups & scale ups. Bringing knowledge and an extensive network to the table is extremely valuable. Entrepreneurs: don’t hesitate to reach out to Rabobank for advice!
