Different, faster, better or more sustainable
So Sarah's story made an impression. But actually the same was true of the other three pitches. You could tell from everything that they had been thoroughly prepared, with the support of the NOM. Moreover, the selected startups share the ambition to show that things can be done differently, faster, better or more sustainable. They each do this in different ways and each in a different market segment.
Groningen-based Eenvoudigrecht.nl, for example, has developed software that makes it easy and affordable to create and review a variety of legal documents. 'A godsend for the vast majority of entrepreneurs,' argued founder René van der Horst. Because almost 90% say they find arranging legal documents complicated, expensive and boring. While we actually find it tremendously fun.'
Mathijs Dijkstra, CEO of EchtFit, also treated the audience at De Havixhorst to a convincing story. 'Why is it so hard to stay fit?' asked the self-confident entrepreneur from the Frisian town of Luxwoude. 'Because immediate gratification wins out over delayed reward. And how do you ensure that immediate gratification leads to a healthy lifestyle? Simple: knowledge, analysis and feedback. So everything a personal trainer also does. Only with the EchtFit app we do it with the help of an algorithm more accurately, faster and, above all, scalable.'
Equally confident, Harm Besseling, also from Friesland, entered the stage. "Solid is a manufacturer of the strongest motorcycles and mopeds in the world," the founder and owner of the Marssum-based company began. To give those present a concrete picture, he had driven a moped into the hall beforehand. A beautiful vehicle, to be sure. One hundred percent electrically powered, moreover, and with a distinguished design. Especially meant for people who are looking for a sustainable alternative to go to work, for example," Harm clarified.