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My first 100 days as CEO for FTI: an unexpected journey

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As many of you may recall from the epic fantasy film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Bilbo Baggins is drawn into an adventure by the wizard Gandalf. I can now relate to Bilbo’s sense of venturing into the unknown. Over the past 100 days as CEO of FTI (Flanders Technology & Innovation), I’ve been on my own unexpected quest, navigating an exciting new professional path.

After finishing my previous role in February this year, I had planned a sabbatical to reflect on my next steps –whether to focus fully on @Miles Ahead, the venture builder I’m partnering in, or launch a new venture. Route 66 was my ideal break location, as it has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I was eager to get to know an unknown part of the US. But in early March, I received a call from FTI. It caught me off guard, as my focus has typically been on entrepreneurial ventures, not on dealing with large corporations and government.

Feeling the vibes…

March also marked the FTI Festivals, showcasing innovation to a wider audience. I seized the opportunity to visit as many events as I could and was struck by the transformative energy. It reminded me of the incredible potential in our region. Did you know we’re leading with 1.06 startups per 1,000 citizens; outpacing neighboring countries and even renowned startup hubs like the US and Israel?

Flanders has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem but, from my experience, the journey from a startup to scale-up is tough. Securing the first 100 users for a new solution happens quickly, but scaling up is the real challenge. Having worked for U.S. and French firms, I’ve seen firsthand how pride in local tech and support for regional talent can make all the difference for emerging companies. In Flanders, we should be equally proud of our tech potential. That thought sparked my desire to join the FTI story.

...and having the right conditions

That said, I know that good vibes alone aren’t enough. FTI is a strong brand with market trust and supported by a powerful ‘fellowship’ of partners. No fewer than eight major players – Brussels Airport Company, Cegeka, COI vzw, De Cronos Groep, KBC, Proximus, Telenet and the Flemish Government – have come together to advance FTI’s mission: to cultivate a thriving community of Forward Thinkers, where data, knowledge, and ideas flow freely – fueling bold collaborations that shape the future and drive our society forward. That group of Forward Thinkers is growing as we speak.

FTI’s strong position, combined with a mission that resonates deeply with me, convinced me to take on the role of CEO. I’m eager to make a direct impact in helping FTI achieve its long-term goals.

Unlock data for local talent

Throughout my career, my businesses have revolved around data, AI, and innovation. It’s clear that AI is crucial to our future well-being and prosperity. But without accessible data, AI’s potential remains untapped—and that’s where the real challenge lies.

We’re facing ‘data colonization’, where foreign companies control our data. While Europe is making strides to protect our data, which is important, it also makes it harder for local talent to access the data needed to innovate and build groundbreaking apps. Startups and tech companies often struggle to gain resources and access to markets (including data), while corporates and the government may not fully leverage the innovative power that startups bring. With the right support, we could unlock vast potential and create something truly impactful for everyone. Right now, however, it feels like a lot of it is being left on the table. 

As we approach a pivotal moment in AI, it's important that we unlock our data (instead of locking it away) and leverage it effectively to stay ahead. While we're not leading in AI areas like large language models, we have tremendous potential in promising fields such as secure multi-party computing and federated learning. These areas provide us with exciting opportunities to make a meaningful impact and continue to play a significant role in the evolving AI landscape.

FTI’s shareholders are committed to build a unified community that unlocks data and tackles societal challenges. This community includes data providers, data consumers, and AI specialists from corporates, SMEs, startups, and government entities — all aligned as Forward Thinkers who recognize the value of data sharing. FTI is also a broad movement that involves citizens through citizen science initiatives (cf. ‘CurieuzeNeuzen’).

Ready for the journey ahead

In my first 100 days as a CEO, I’ve focused on assessing the market, building relationships, shaping the strategy, and planning the road ahead – even the most unexpected journeys need a solid roadmap for success!

In the coming months, I’ll be working with the incredible FTI team to bring these plans to life. So, stay tuned on my social channels. I’ll regularly share updates and milestones as we move forward on this exciting journey.

And if you are already curious, get in touch! I’d love to chat over coffee about FTI, its opportunities, and even Route 66 as I managed to squeeze in a three-week trip this summer!