Hidde-Jan Lemstra is an experienced leader and entrepreneur, specialising in innovation and technology transfer within the deeptech sector. With a degree in International Business from Maastricht University, Hidde-Jan has built a career at the intersection of academia, startups, and large corporations.
Over the past two decades, he has worked with corporates such as ABN Amro, Shell, and Prudential, as well as top-tier research institutions including the University of Cambridge, TU Delft, RWTH Aachen, ETH Zurich, and Politecnico di Milano, in addition to several startup companies. His corporate experience includes strategic roles at Shell and Prudential plc, where he managed mergers, acquisitions, and capital investment portfolios. He has a proven track record of leading organisations through challenging transitions.
Hidde-Jan co-founded four companies, three in Cambridge (two of which were sold, while one failed quite spectacularly) and one in Delft, all at the cutting edge of deeptech. Since selling his most recent company, he has been providing advice and hands-on support to scientists, companies with an academic background, and research institutions.
Hidde-Jan’s career spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US, including time spent at Yale University and in Berkeley, which has enriched his global perspective on business and innovation. With a passion for sustainability, technology, and leadership, he remains an active shareholder and advisor in several ventures, driving positive societal impact through innovation.
In his spare time, Hidde-Jan is a certified wine enthusiast and a keen DIYer.