Jan Leyssens
Jan is a recognized circular business model development expert and a positive-minded professional. He specializes in helping businesses shift their perspective and redesign their business models to achieve tangible, lasting change.
He firmly believes that the only effective way to tackle global challenges is to adopt a proactive mindset of doing, exploring, and testing instead of relying on theoretical approaches or lobbying efforts.
Jan develops and delivers workshops to help individuals and teams explore and design sustainable or circular business models. He works with small and large groups to encourage them to think differently about their industries and create innovative circular business plans. Jan also offers a fast-track solution called Circular SPRINT, which utilizes proven design-thinking exercises to lead teams to creative and validated solutions.
With an impressive track record in innovation and impact entrepreneurship across multiple industries, Jan shares his expertise by delivering guest lectures on impact entrepreneurship and providing tailor-made academies on various sustainability topics. He is a firm believer in the importance of reskilling as many people as possible in impact and new business design.
Jan's ultimate ambition is establishing an accelerator that brings science to society and generates meaningful, positive change.
"Die gefährlichste aller Weltanschauungen ist die Weltanschauung der Leute, welche die Welt nicht angeschaut haben"
My expertise
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referentie cases
HAVEP
From a fragmented brand that lacked unique strength in the market, Els has positioned workwear brand Havep as a sustainable leader, a purpose-driven brand. By reinforcing the brand’s already existing sustainable DNA and introducing innovations, HAVEP established a strong position that attracted new customers.
Rockstart
Don is responsible for the first fundraising of Rockstart's initial web&mobile funds, including selecting and leading deals in companies like 3D Hubs (Exit USD 330 million to NYSE: PRLB), Dan.com (USD 71.4 million Exit to NYSE: GDDY) and iClinic (Exit €27.9M to NASDAQ: AFYA). Additionally, he founded and led Rockstart's corporate practice, launching customized programs and competitions for renowned companies such as Philips, Sony, and Shell. Don guided Rockstart's successful expansion to Latin America, generating significant regional growth. He was part of the selection committee for the Energy, Agrifood, Digital Health, and AI programs, where he screened thousands of pitches and companies.
Volvo Cars Benelux
Stefaan partnered with Volvo to embark on a journey to the future, utilizing foresight and trend-watching tools and techniques. The objective was to envision and develop a set of future scenarios for car retail that would anticipate sustainable mobility perspectives.
VP Capital
Astrid provided coaching and support to the VP Capital family office, helping them with various subjects such as impact investing, sustainability transformation of heritage portfolio companies, philanthropy strategy, and ESG due diligence. Furthermore, Astrid helped VP Capital to attain Bcorp and SBTi status and advocated for impact investing in the Family Wealth world. Astrid committed to data readiness and compliance, engaging the team and portfolio companies in the journey towards sustainability and impact, creating strategic pillars and KPI models, managing public reputation, and facilitating communication with family members and external stakeholders. She also organized community events with HNW owners and portfolio companies, striving to transform wealth owners and existing companies into frontrunners in carbon reduction, circularity, regenerative practices, and inclusivity.
Impact Factory
Jan led the concept development for a circular hub, which involved repurposing a blackfield site into a thriving center for impact entrepreneurship. This initiative aligned the goals of both the city of Mechelen and the project developer. As part of his role, Jan developed a robust business model for the exploitation of the hub, strategies for market positioning and securing funding and financing.