How did you end up at YES!Delft?
‘I studied psychology in Spain, but for my master, I decided to switch focus and apply for the Media & Business master at Rotterdam University. I got to do an internship at Unilever, where I learned a lot about reaching customers in the right way. I have always been interested in technology, so when I got the opportunity to work at YES!Delft I took it immediately. I don’t have much technical knowledge, but because of my psychology background I am good at reading people and listening to their needs. This turned out to be a great skill in the world of startups, and I am very glad I can help them.’
We offer a lot of guidance and a big network of more than 200 startups that are very willing to help others reach their goals.
What do you do at YES!Delft?
‘I design the programmes that we offer, and I manage the content. We always try to help startups in the best way possible, so we have to keep adjusting our programmes and finding the best way to impart our knowledge. Our Accelerator programme, for instance, has changed from a 6 month course to a 3 month program, but the support continues long after its final day. We now focus on helping startups with their main issues but also onboard them into YES!Delft and letting them explore everything we offer, so they know what we can help them with in the future. We really want to make sure the startups get to know our network so they can use it, and even more importantly, to meet all the people that will unlock the full potential of their startup.’
What is the best thing about training startups?
‘Personally, I love the interaction with energetic people who have amazing new ideas. It is very gratifying to help startups in an early stage, since they usually grow a lot during the first years, both in their business and as humans. In those early stages, it is crucial to get the basic things right, and that is something I can help them with. I can tell them what works and what doesn’t, and what their chances are. That is just so much fun! And if I don’t know the answer to a question, I am happy to say that I am out of my depth. But I always know exactly who in our network can help. I love connecting startups that I worked with years ago to new startups that can use their guidance.’
What is a mistake many startups make and how can YES!Delft help them to prevent these mistakes?
‘Many entrepreneurs start a business because they have a solid technological idea, and they think their product can solve a multitude of problems. They are so excited about their technology that they forget to look at the end user and the real problem they have. That is a big mistake. In the first months of any startup, you need to really understand your customer and their problem. That is something we help many startups with, for instance during our Validation program.
Startups often think everybody is better off with their technology, but they forget to look at the world through the eyes of the customer. We can help them make their technology successful.
More advanced startups who have already validated their product often come to us with very specific questions. Usually, there are one or two topics they want help with, some need help finding investors while others are looking on how to build a team. These startups often forget that we can help with much more than just these topics. We have a large network of startups, experts and mentors that can help them, free consultation hours and service partners that give discounts. We aim to create a big community that keeps on helping the startups that are part of YES!Delft throughout their journey.’
Would you recommend startups to join YES!Delft?
‘For startups with a technological basis, YES!Delft is the place to be in my opinion. We can tell you everything you need to know, show them which of our programs might benefit the company and connect them to useful counsellors. I remember many startups that went through this process and really came out stronger. For instance Perciv AI, a startup close to my heart. This company was founded by some young people who joined the Validation Lab program in 2023, but they were a bit all over the place with their market. We gave them ways to create more structure and introduced them to some people that could help. After 6 months they were already in the Accelerator program and now, a year later, their company has grown a lot. And not only the company, I could also tell the entrepreneurs were much more focused and grounded.
These kind of examples show how YES!Delft can really help. We can connect you to people who are in the same situation as you are, and teach you valuable lessons. Nobody can build anything alone, you always need a bit of help, you need a community. And we can provide that help.’
Your dream can become a reality too!
As long as you want to make a change, don’t miss the opportunity to boost your startup by joining the YES!Delft Validation Lab or Accelerator Program. However, if working for a startup resonates more with your ambition, we got you! Check out vacancies placed by our startups.
Be the change, as change starts with you.
