Joris Krijger

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be an entrepreneur. The freedom, autonomy, and ability to create something from nothing have always attracted me. Moreover, I believe starting and growing a business is the most challenging professional endeavor one can undertake—and I love a challenge. After completing a broad bachelor's degree at Amsterdam University College, focusing on business, psychology, and economics, I decided to pursue an MSc in Entrepreneurship.

During my master's, I met a few like-minded individuals with whom I started a company called Binqy. With tech being a hot topic and an attractive field, we decided to enter this space by building a digital tool to help organizations prevent psychological absenteeism. This experience was incredibly educational. I learned about sales, hiring, financial management, marketing, and product development. The most enjoyable aspect was figuring out how to align our product with user needs and understanding its optimal fit in the market.

Earlier this year, I left Binqy in search of a new challenge. My passion lies in building innovative digital products that make an impact, which made Miyagami seem like a perfect fit. Additionally, the prospect of working in an international environment surrounded by intelligent people was very appealing.

I must admit, being employed isn't as bad as I initially thought. My learning curve is steeper than before. I'm gaining valuable insights from everyone around me, particularly in strategy, design, and technology. An unexpected benefit is that I now enjoy my time off more. In a way, this is providing me with a different kind of freedom—perhaps more than running your own business. I'm not suggesting everyone should be employed, but there's undoubtedly a lot to learn from being surrounded by more experienced individuals.

After all, I still run a business called "Project Basecamp," through which I organize personal development hiking trips in the mountains. These trips involve disconnecting from technology for a few days, reflecting on life away from distractions, hiking, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. These are activities I enjoy myself, and with Project Basecamp, I'm able to share this enriching experience with others.