Ohad Gilad

Ohad Gilad – Curriculum Vitae, tech entrepreneur turned into investor and ecosystem builder

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ohadgilad/
• Location: 42workspace, Schiedamse Vest 154, 3011BH, Rotterdam, Netherlands

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.
• 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

• English (Fluent)
• Dutch (Native)