Young startups are presenting their business ideas to a panel of 4 investors. Will they get the money they need to bring their business to the next level? 

This event is organized in collaboration with BeAngels. 

Our investors

Jeremy Thomas

I'm a Senior Lead in Experience Strategy with 15 years of career who love seeking for solutions following an empathetic design-thinking approach.

After being graduated from the C.A.D. (College of Art & Design) in Graphic & Web Design, I've spent 10+ years in agencies and consulting companies to end up until end 2019, Managing Partner of Digitas Benelux (a Publicis Groupe company) acting as an Experience Director (Strategy, Research & Design) and a member of the Board of Directors.

Since then, I co-founded Evenisto with my sister - a solution for both landlords and brand owners for whom we design, develop and manage temporary mixed-use projects in vacant spaces. 

Additionally, I co-founded CO-HO this year, where our focus is put on designing and building modular housing units for students and low income families as well as community spaces (Work & Meet - Sports & Wellness - Art & Entertainment), with a positioning of acting as urban village makers, currently active in Belgium and Italy. 

Besides, I co-founded Smart Ventures, along with 12+ other active investors, a fund with which we invest in tech-oriented solutions that are majorly in a seed phase.

And last, but not least... I'm a proud dad of 2 gold nuggets.

Gerd  Van Poucke

My name is Gerd Van Poucke, and I was born in 1972. I currently reside in Damme, near Brugge, Belgium. I am happily married and the proud father of two sons, aged 17 and 19, who constantly keep me on my toes. After completing my studies in Commercial Engineering in Leuven and earning an MBA in Dublin, I joined the family business, Huktra, in 1995 as part of the second generation. Huktra, a leading chemical logistics provider, specializes in using intermodal transport to carry hazardous bulk liquids across Europe.

In 2004, I assumed the role of CEO under unfortunate circumstances. In 2018, Huktra was sold to Essers. While I remained with the company for a transitional period, I began to explore opportunities in investing in start-ups. My passion for sharing knowledge and my eagerness to learn new things set me apart from other investors. In addition to investing in start-up companies, I also engage in consulting, coaching, and mentoring, both within and beyond the start-up ecosystem. I also participate in private equity and venture capital funds, albeit in a less hands-on manner.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an enthusiastic amateur historian with a particular interest in World War II. I am also an avid reader, a lover of certain genres of music, an average runner, and a passionate, though admittedly not particularly skilled, golfer. While many perceive me as a serious and analytical individual, I firmly believe that humor plays a vital role in business. I occasionally surprise people with my dry wit.

Brice Le Blevennec

Brice Le Blevennec is a French serial entrepreneur and author.

In 1991, Brice Le Blevennec co-founded Ex Machina, a graphic design and multimedia company. By 2001, the company merged with Emalaya to form Emakina, which had 35 employees. Emakina grew rapidly, raising €8.5 million during its 2006 IPO and expanding through numerous acquisitions across Europe and beyond.

By 2021, Emakina reached €100 million in turnover, with over 1,000 employees in more than 20 countries. In October 2021, EPAM Systems acquired Emakina Group.

In 2023, Le Blevennec launched Zoetrope.be, a digital art frame powered by AI.

Throughout his career, Le Blevennec co-founded several ventures, including ContactOffice and Tunz, and was involved in media as the host of a popular radio show that became the TV show CyberCafé. He is also the author of Visions of a Better World (Racines, 2022), which explores future scenarios through 30 articles.

As a part of the Belgian angel investor network, BeAngels, Brice has supported startups like Curvo, Chaincomply, Satochip, Yoda, etc. 

Filip Smet

Filip Smet (born May 21, 1989) is a Belgian entrepreneur, angel investor, and influential figure in the technology and startup sectors.[1] With a diverse career spanning various technology startups, Filip Smet is recognized as the founder and CEO of AMOTEK Technologies, a technology consulting firm known for its transformative impact. Besides that they invest and start different startups.

Beyond his role at AMOTEK Technologies,[2] Smet is the founder of many other companies.[3] He serves as the founder and partner in ventures such as Immowi, Early Birds Gallery, Qualico, OneGrid, Vinix, Headit, Saltatech, Fubo and many more contributing to their growth and success.[4]

Filip Smet is committed to nurturing emerging talent through his role as a mentor. He is a mentor at Birdhouse, a Belgian accelerator program, and the Vlerick Entrepreneurship Academy. Through mentorship, he empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, further solidifying his influential role in the startup ecosystem.[5]

Smet was born and raised in Kontich, Antwerp, Belgium. He earned a master’s degree in Business Engineering, economics, and finance from KU Leuven in 2013. He did an Executive master’s at Solvay Business School in 2015. Smet enrolled at the Vlerick Business School, completing an executive MBA program in 2018.