Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the largest city of the country. It serves as the capital of the European Union where the world’s leaders gather. The population of Brussels is also more diversified compared to Belgium as a whole with people of foreign origin making up nearly 70% of the inhabitants1.
Brussels is also the natural habitat of entrepreneurs, both inexperienced ones and veterans. Many young entrepreneurs have started out in Brussels (or other places in Belgium) and made a name for themselves. For example, Davy Kestens has raised 4,5 million in funding for his company, Sparkcentral, in Silicon Valley. Davy serves as a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs, whether they’re students or employees eager to create something themselves. Aside from the many successful entrepreneurs, Brussels’ thriving ecosystem consists of many initiatives to support (would-be) entrepreneurs, such as BetaGroup, Westartup, Startups.be, Think Young, Unconvention, etc.. People interested in entrepreneurship or wanting to start their own legacy through a startup are drawn to Brussels like moths to a flame.
As a student hoping to one day be able to call myself an entrepreneur I talk with a lot of entrepreneurs and like-minded people. These people easily become friends with whom I enjoy sharing my experience and any other relevant information. When I listen to these (young) potentials I can hear the passion they possess through their voices. Their body language tells me they want to do things, turn things upside down. Most importantly, I see in them a flame. A burning desire to set themselves apart and to make a name for themselves and their company. Nurtured well, any one of them has what it takes to cause a disruption. Startup Grind will be a powerful piece in helping these entrepreneurs change the world.
That being said, Belgium and most of its population are rather timid and conservative. Everybody wishes to reach for the stars, but becoming an entrepreneur is no easy task. Many hurdles await those that wish to walk this path. They will face hardships and without support, people can easily withdraw to their comfort zones. That would be truly a waste of talent and potential. Now here’s where Startup Grind comes into play. With Startup Grind Brussels, I hope to organize events that not only inspire and motivate eager entrepreneur. I also aim to connect relevant people with each other, becoming friends and be a catalyst for entrepreneurship in Belgium. The spark that ignites the flames that all entrepreneurs share. Belgium, you are warned. Startup Grind Brussels is going to shake things up.