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Herman Kienhuis is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Curiosity VC, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. Before launching the firm in July 2021 to manage a target fund of over €30 million, he directed investments in more than 50 technology companies across the broader European market. His prior corporate venture capital experience includes serving as Executive Vice President and Managing Director at KPN Ventures from January 2016 to December 2019, and founding SanomaVentures in 2012. Earlier in his career, he worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company and co-founded The Next Web Conference, following an MBA from INSEAD and an engineering degree from the University of Groningen. Today, his primary investment focus centers on funding and advising early-stage founders building artificial intelligence and B2B software platforms throughout the Benelux, Nordics, and Baltics.
Herman Kienhuis stands as a prominent figure in the European venture capital landscape, serving as the Managing Partner at Curiosity VC. In this pivotal role, he spearheads the firm's investment strategy, focusing on identifying and nurturing promising early-stage technology startups. Curiosity VC, under Kienhuis's leadership, is dedicated to backing visionary founders who are building the next generation of innovative companies, primarily across Europe.
Kienhuis's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in a belief in the transformative power of technology. His primary focus areas include artificial intelligence (AI), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, data-driven platforms, and the broader digital transformation sector. He is particularly keen on startups that demonstrate strong product-market fit, scalable business models, and a clear vision for disrupting established industries or creating entirely new markets. His expertise extends to evaluating teams with strong execution capabilities and a deep understanding of their target markets.
Before co-founding Curiosity VC, Herman Kienhuis built a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to the tech and innovation ecosystem. Notably, he served as the Head of Ventures at KPN, one of the Netherlands' largest telecommunications companies, where he was instrumental in corporate venturing and strategic investments. Prior to that, Kienhuis was a co-founder of The Next Web Conference (TNW), an internationally renowned technology festival and media company. His entrepreneurial journey with TNW provided him with invaluable insights into the startup lifecycle, from inception to growth, and a vast network within the global tech community. This unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and corporate venturing expertise positions him as a highly effective and empathetic investor.
Throughout his career, Herman Kienhuis has overseen and contributed to numerous successful investments. While specific individual investments are often attributed to the fund, his leadership at Curiosity VC has seen the firm back a diverse portfolio of high-growth companies. Examples from Curiosity VC's portfolio include innovative platforms like Foleon, a content creation platform; Homerun, a modern hiring software; and TestGorilla, a skill assessment platform. These investments reflect his commitment to supporting companies that are not only technologically advanced but also address real-world business challenges with scalable solutions.
Herman Kienhuis is more than just an investor; he is a strategic partner to the founders he backs. He leverages his extensive experience and network to provide guidance on product development, market strategy, team building, and subsequent funding rounds. His dedication to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial talent makes him a key player in shaping the future of technology in Europe.
Herman Kienhuis is the Managing Partner at Curiosity VC, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur known for his focus on innovative technology startups, particularly in AI, SaaS, and data.
Herman Kienhuis primarily invests in early-stage technology companies through Curiosity VC. His focus areas include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), data-driven platforms, and digital transformation solutions across various industries.
Herman Kienhuis works as the Managing Partner at Curiosity VC, an early-stage venture capital firm. Curiosity VC is based in Europe, with a strong presence in the Dutch tech ecosystem.