INTERVIEW Bien Vanderstappen on Entrepreneurship and Learning Technologies

Bien Vanderstappen

CEO TEO

“The idea grew out of my elaborate experience in the recruitment industry and my knowledge of the labor market”

ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What is your Story as Entrepreneur? How was your moment when you decided to create your own company?

After 10 years working in a multinational corporate environment (and being a member of the board for 5 years) I really needed a change. It felt like the corporate structure was holding me down, more than it was letting me grow. I just turned 40 and thought ‘now or never’ and just like that I became an entrepreneur!

What is your TEO about? How did you come with the idea?

TEO helps companies in creating the technical talent they need. We offer a methodology, tools and support in helping companies train and recruit non-skilled workers into technical talent. We also support large industry clients such as Volvo Cars in designing their own technical academy. The idea grew out of my elaborate experience in the recruitment industry and my knowledge of the labor market.

What is your purpose behind TEO startup? What is your business model and impact model?

See also above. We want to help companies in creating the talent they need to stay competitive and productive. We want to support companies in tackling the scarcity on the labor market which is a huge treat in the growth strategy of many industrial companies. We position ourselves more a SAAS and production company – providing a platform and hardware tools – than a service company. This also to have a scalable business model.

“We get a lot of business out of Linkedin postings and joining specific concours such as Tech Start Up of the Year. This helps to create visibility”

How are you promoting your startup and product? What is your PR and Marketing strategy?

We just hired a communication specialist and are taking the first steps in a more structured PR strategy. Nowadays we get a lot of business out of Linkedin postings and joining specific concours such as Tech Start Up of the Year. This helps to create visibility.

What kind of extra services your company is providing for your customers? Who is your potential customer?

We support in all sorts of expertise in our core domain (technical).

“Innovation is creating new ways of thinking and working; and finding these new ways works best in collaboration.”

ABOUT INNOVATION

What is innovation for you? What is collaboration for innovation?

Innovation is creating new ways of thinking and working; and finding these new ways works best in collaboration. Different experiences, point of views that start to blend in together, love it!

Innovation is having impact, and bringing the new product to the market. How are you selling your product and services to the established companies?

Pretty much the classic way: networking, LinkedIn postings and afterwards follow-up prospect meetings.

Regarding your funding, how did you finance your startup at the beginning? Did you receive external investment?

Until now we financed everything ourselves, no external investment. Although we realise that we will have to look into that soon if we want to scale up (fast).

Talking about finance, what are the best practises you learnt until now and you would like to share with other entrepreneurs?

Dare to invest, but do it wisely!

ABOUT LIFE

What are you doing during your spare time and weekends?

Quality time with my family; my husband, 8-year old son Victor and my dog, Lola. Hang out with friends and indulging myself in my spare time passion, interior decorating.

What is your morning routine? Coffee or tea?

Coffee, loads of coffee and croissants 🙂

What is your favorite place for holidays?

France (especially Dordogne) and Italy!!!!!

What are your Golden Rules for Living?

No balls, no glory

Get to know more TEO here.