Faculty of Builders & Leaders
At Unknown University you get taught by real leaders. People who have built companies, led countries, and shaped industries. They share what they’ve actually lived, not just theory.
Board of Inspiration
The Board of Inspiration challenges Unknown University on its content and direction. They make sure our programs stay aligned with real entrepreneurship and reflect the skills founders actually need.
Jan Saan
Founder of GLBNXT and former CTO CM.com
Raimo van der Klein
COO Pacmed and Founder of layar
Giels Brouwer
Founder Akela Hub and
Founder of SciSports
Prof. Roy Thurik
Professor Economics and Entrepreneurship
Field Experts
Our program offers personalized, hands-on learning from field experts and professors. Small classes create space for insights from real growth and failure stories, bridging theory and practice.
You’re not learning alone. You’re surrounded by entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who push you forward and challenge your business every step of the way.
Petra Cafnik Uludağ
Petra holds a PhD in Political Science and deep expertise in
intercultural communication.
She helps founders bridge cultures and turn global complexity into opportunities.
Thomas Blekman
Thomas is the director of the incubator and global expert on Effectuation.
He guides founders in testing ideas, reducing risk, and accelerating venture creation.
Madelon Bangma
Madelon is the CFO of Unknown Group, former Partner at EY and former CFO at Royal Sanders.
She mentors founders on finance, tax, shareholding and legal structure.
Pascal Murasira
Pascal is the Co-Founder Jobe AI and 20+ years of scaling businesses across Africa.
He supports founders in building impact ventures and expanding into emerging markets.
Noor Figdor
Noor is the founder of Feelou: Europe’s #1 Circular Maternity Brand.
She mentors founders in product-market fit, sustainable businesses, and brand building.
Florent Coudyser
Florent has founded and scaled over 20 businesses across Europe.
He helps founders enter new markets and navigate international growth.
Christiaan Maats
Christiaan created the world's first non-toxic biodegradable shoes.
He inspires founders to innovate boldly and embed sustainability at the core of their businesses.
Annie Peutrell
Annie is the founder of The Serious Sofa and 30 years of branding expertise.
She coaches founders in creating strong, authentic brands that connect with customers.
Göksemin Göxalp özdemir
Göksemin is the author and strategist in startup marketing.
She helps founders design and execute growth strategies that drive traction.
Ainat Sagie
Ainat is the founder of UXClimb and former Product Design Leader at Liberty Global.
She mentors founders on user-centered design, scalable processes, and design leadership.
Sergio Luis Celoti
Sergio bridges research and practice in business model design and strategy.
He helps founders build scalable, value-driven business frameworks.
Bob Bogaard
Bob is a former sales leader at Microsoft and SAP and is now a startup coach.
He helps founders design sales strategies, refine go-to-market plans, and close deals
Guest Speakers
Real leaders. Real stories. We bring guest speakers who shaped business, politics, and society and they stand right in front of you. At Unknown University, you don’t just study entrepreneurship. You learn it from the ones who built it.
Jan Peter Balkenende
Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands
A true national leader. As Prime Minister, he guided an entire country through change. With our students, he shared what real leadership means when the stakes are highest.
Levi Rigters
World-Class Kickboxer
A top athlete who fights at the highest level. Levi took our students inside the mindset of champions — teaching mental strength and preparation for peak performance.
