Who is Ohad Gilad?
Accomplished entrepreneur and founder turned into tech startup investor and tech ecosystem builder 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 42workspace and many ecosystem support 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.
- Initiated numerous of events, and collaborating with other innovation hubs and partners to improve the tech ecosystem
- Approved for the Startup Visa Program, supporting international entrepreneurs to land and grow in the Netherlands.
- Built an active 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).
- Keadyn’s investments include also: A-boss, Notificare, Crobox, Daalder, Monyq, Bird Control Group, Engaige, Eyk Data, Tradetomato
- Collaborates with startup founders to help scale businesses and achieve significant returns.
Tech Funds Investments
2018 – Present
- Strategic tech ecosystem investments such as High Tech Campus Eindhoven (exit),
- Investor in leading global 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, Techgrounds, Techlabs Rotterdam, Techleap NL, Invest NL, InnovationQuarter, UNIIQ, RVO. And also with innovation hubs like: Erasmus Center of Entrepreneurship ECE, Yes!Delft, Bluecity, Erasmus Enterprise, CIC, Microlab, Erasmus Tech Community, and Platform Zero.
- Co-founder | 42workspace: the leading tech hub of Rotterdam, focussed on tech startups, providing office space, events, a knowledge hub, an active and relevant community of tech founders
- 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.
- Co-founder | 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.
- 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
- IMD, International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne: Leading Your Family office (4 day course)
Languages
- Dutch (Native)
- English (Fluent)
- Hebrew (ksat)
- Spanish (poco)
- French (un peu)
links:
- Find Ohad Gilad on LinkedIn
- Location: 42workspace, Schiedamse Vest 154, 3011BH, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Investment company: Keadyn invests in next gen AI tech startups.
My personal vibe:
What’s your favourite thing about working here?
“My favourite thing about working here is to be surrounded by the incredible tech community we’ve built. It’s all about bringing people together, fostering collaboration, boosting innovation and watching everyone thrive. Seeing our team support each other and truly doing things with passion, makes the hard work feel rewarding and fun. We founded this place out of our own passion for innovative entrepreneurship, real estate and community. We build it as our own perfect hub with all the things we love to do and to connect with likeminded people. It’s a boutique coworking space with a strong tech community and with many wonderful facilities that are born from our own interest to make the most out of work and life, like: a fully equipped gym, an ice bath on the rooftop, and our amazing rooftop bar with 360 view of the Rotterdam skyline. So that we can work, stay fit and sharp, organize meetings and party.”
What excites you about the community?
“What excites me most about our community is the energy and innovation that comes from all the collaboration. Every time we come together, whether for a project or an event, I’m inspired by the openness and willingness to help each other. I am truly proud of all the new companies, partnerships and intense collaborations that are born at our tech hub. We have a very diverse and international community of: passionated tech founders, innovative growth companies, freelance entrepreneurs, expats and digital nomads. We’re stronger together!”
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“Outside of work, I love exploring new cuisines, enjoying good food and drinks with family and friends. I also like traveling to new places, exploring new cultures and food, and being surrounded by nature. I love hiking through mountains, seeing wildlife and scuba diving in tropical waters with a rich marine life. For sports I like to play Padel, it’s a dynamic team sport, challenging and so much fun. I believe in living life to the fullest.”
Tell me one fun or unexpected fact about you.
“One fun fact about me is that I once went on a food tour in Italy and ended up helping the chef prepare a meal. It was an unforgettable experience that combined my love for food and travel!”
How do you like to connect with our community?
“I connect with our community by hosting events, workshops, meetups and parties 🙂 All around the tech community, where everyone can share ideas, network, and just have a good time. I believe in building an atmosphere where everyone feels relaxed, included and valued. 42workspace has a reputation of hosting the best parties in town;)“
Do you have a personal motto or favourite quote?
“My personal motto is ‘Work hard, play harder.’ Life is all about balance, and I believe that putting in the effort at work should be matched by enjoying life outside of it. It keeps us motivated and connected! Do what you love!”
