Ohad Gilad

, reviewed by Kristian Voldrich

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 October 17, 2024

Ohad Gilad – Curriculum Vitae 

Professional Summary

Accomplished entrepreneur, founder, tech ecosystem builder and tech startup investor with extensive experience in building, scaling, and advising high-growth ventures. A pioneer in e-commerce, Ohad began his journey at his family-owned company Nedis. After a successful exit he started investing in tech ventures with Martijn Don from their investment company Keadyn. As an active investor and founder of many initiatives, he has played a crucial role in the Dutch & Rotterdam region tech ecosystem.

Professional Journey 

Founder | 42workspace
2016 – Present

  • Established Rotterdam’s leading tech coworking space, 42workspace, designed for startups and tech innovators.
  • Approved for the Startup Visa Program, supporting international entrepreneurs to land and grow in the Netherlands.
  • Built a community of over 200 entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, office space, and a network of resources. Supported the growth of startups like: Shypple, HelloPrint and Vakanties/Zoover.

Founder & Investor | Keadyn
2015 – Present

  • Keadyn is founded by Martijn Don and Ohad Gilad, who invested in numerous tech startups, with a focus on high-growth, disruptive tech ventures.
  • Successful investments include Otrium (2x winner of Deloitte Technology Fast50 NL) and Nestpick (exited to Rocket Internet).
  • Collaborates with startup founders to help scale businesses and achieve significant returns.

Tech Funds Investments
2018 – Present

  • Strategic investments such as High Tech Campus Eindhoven (exited), and committed capital to leading tech funds like Golden Gate Singapore, Hummingbird Ventures UK and B Capital USA.

Entrepreneur | Nedis
1999 – 2013

  • Board member, e-commerce manager and marketing manager. Early pioneer in e-commerce through his leadership in the family business Nedis.
  • Instrumental in transforming the company’s operations into a successful e-commerce platform, driving digital growth and innovation.
  • Successful exit of company to Datwyler Group (Switzerland)

Tech Ecosystem Building & Community Initiatives

Ohad is a connector at heart, founding and initiating many organisations, ventures, projects and events to foster and improve the tech ecosystem in the Netherlands. Collaborating with partners like: Gemeente Rotterdam, Port of Rotterdam,, Up!Rotterdam, Rotterdam Partners, Techleap NL, Invest NL, Innovation Quarters, RVO. And also with innovation hubs like: Erasmus Center of Entrepreneurship ECE, Yes!Delft, Bluecity, CIC, Microlab, and Platform Zero.

  • Co-founder | Angel Academy: Provides education and training for new angel investors, focusing on nurturing early-stage startups. In Collaboration with ING private wealth.
  • Co-founder | Angel Island: A unique program where startups and angel investors connect in exclusive networking environments.
  • Co-founder | Wetech Rotterdam: Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the Rotterdam tech ecosystem.
  • Founding Partner | UpRotterdam & Upstream: Collaborates to support the growth of Rotterdam’s startup scene through programs for tech entrepreneurs, talent and investors.
  • Founding Partner | Tech Netherlands Advocates: Connect the thriving Dutch tech eco-system with the Global Tech Advocate hubs, a 15,000+ strong network of tech leaders, entrepreneurs and experts from over 50 countries worldwide via Tech Advocates Global.
  • Founding father | Superconnectors: The tech network event where superconnectors help startups get the introduction of a lifetime.
  • Founder | Rotterdam Tech Social: Established community initiatives to foster networking and collaboration of experienced tech founders.

Accelerators & Investment Roles

  • Investor & Advisor | HighTechXL: Co-founder and active involvement in advising and investing in tech startups through the HighTechXL accelerator.
  • Investment Committee Member | Antler: Provides strategic advice and investment decisions as part of Antler’s global early-stage VC network.

Notable Investments

  • Otrium: International fashion marketplace for outlet goods. Partial exit.
  • Nestpick: Online platform for housing rentals, exit to Rocket Internet.
  • High Tech Campus Eindhoven: Tech innovation hub, exit.

Skills & Expertise

  • Entrepreneurship & Leadership: Extensive experience in founding and scaling ventures from inception to exit.
  • Venture Capital & Investment: Skilled investor with a focus on high-growth, scalable tech startups and funds.
  • Ecosystem Building: Proven track record in fostering tech ecosystems and community-driven initiatives.
  • Tech Accelerators: Experienced in advising and investing in early-stage companies through leading accelerators.
  • E-commerce & Digital Strategy: Strong background in building and managing e-commerce platforms.

Education

  • MSc in Business, Information Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 1993-1999

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Dutch (Native)