SaaS:Unscripted

From Dropout to Serial Entrepreneur: Hans de Penning, CEO and Founder of Neople | SaaS Unscripted Podcast

Welcome to another exciting episode of SaaS Unscripted! 🎙️ Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Hans de Penning, the CEO and founder of Neopel, one of the hottest SaaS start-ups out there. Join us as Hans shares his incredible journey from being an engineering dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
In this episode, Hans dives into:
His early days as an engineering student and the pivotal moment that led him to drop out.
The challenges and successes of starting his first engineering consultancy business.
The evolution of his career, including the founding of a car-sharing company, Amber.
The impact of COVID-19 on his business and the strategic pivots that followed.
The birth of Neopel and how AI is revolutionizing customer support.
Insights into building a high-performance team and scaling a SaaS business internationally.
 
Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction
(00:17) - Hans' background and early career
(00:48) - Dropping out of engineering school
(02:29) - Founding the first consultancy business
(05:04) - Transitioning to a car-sharing company
(10:04) - Prototyping and pivoting during COVID-19
(16:57) - Landing ABN AMRO as a first customer
(19:28) - The impact of COVID-19 on the business
(22:39) - Lessons learned and bad decisions
(23:55) - Achievements with Amber and the eventual sale
(26:23) - Taking a break and soul-searching
(28:19) - The inception of Neopel
(30:52) - Building the AI-driven customer support solution
(35:26) - Early traction and growth
(38:58) - Future ambitions and scaling internationally
(43:33) - Final thoughts and advice for aspiring founders
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a SaaS professional, or just curious about the startup world, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from someone who's living it. Tune in to learn about Hans’ experiences, the evolution of the SaaS industry, and the innovative solutions Neople is bringing to the SaaS world. 
🔗 Connect with Hans de Penning: 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-de-penning/
Website: https://www.neople.io/
 
 🔗 Nobel Recruitment & Nick van Eeten:
 Website: https://www.noblerecruitment.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-van-eeten-saas-sales-recruitment/
 
Don't forget to subscribe to SaaS:Unscripted for more behind-the-scenes stories from the SaaS industry, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app! 

Erwin van der Vlist - Start Small, Scale Big

Welcome to another exciting episode of SaaS Unscripted, brought to you by Nobel Recruitment! In this episode, our host Nick van Eeten sits down with Erwin van der Vlist, the co-founder of Speakap and talk about his incredible journey from working in a supermarket to founding a successful SaaS company.
Key Takeaways:
Erwin's early days and the inspiration behind Speakap.
The challenges and successes of expanding Speakap to the US.
Valuable lessons on perseverance, product-market fit, and strategic sales.
Insights into maintaining a work-life balance and hiring the right talent.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Meet Erwin van der Vlist
(01:02) - The Birth of Speakap
(03:41) - The Evolution of Speakap
(05:01) - Securing Investment and Growth
(07:07) - Expanding to the US Market
(12:03) - Personal and Professional Challenges in the US
(18:00) - Achieving Product-Market Fit
(21:12) - Key Learnings and Advice for Founders
(29:07) - Elevating Sales Strategies
(31:12) - Returning to Amsterdam
(33:29) - Current Role and Future Plans
(36:04) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
(39:22) - Balancing Work and Life
(41:19) - Hiring the Right Talent
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a SaaS professional, or just curious about the startup world, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from someone who's living it. Tune in to learn about Erwin’s experiences, the evolution of the SaaS industry, and the innovative solutions Speakap is bringing to the SaaS world. 
🔗 Connect with Erwin van der Vlist : 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erwinvandervlist/
Website: https://www.speakap.com/
 
 🔗 Nobel Recruitment & Nick van Eeten:
 Website: https://www.noblerecruitment.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-van-eeten-saas-sales-recruitment/
 
Don't forget to subscribe to SaaS:Unscripted for more behind-the-scenes stories from the SaaS industry, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app! 

From Corporate Lawyer to SaaS Innovator with Martin Folke Vasehus

In this episode of SaaS Unscripted, host Nick van Eeten interviews Martin Folke Vasehus, CEO and founder of ComplyCloud, a Danish SaaS company. Martin shares his journey from being a corporate lawyer to founding a successful SaaS company, highlighting the challenges and achievements along the way. From bootstrapping the company to facing financial struggles and overcoming obstacles, Martin's story is one of resilience and determination in the world of SaaS.
Key Highlights:
Martin's career journey from corporate lawyer to SaaS entrepreneur
Founding and growing ComplyCloud
Overcoming financial challenges and bootstrapping the company
Importance of product-market fit and the evolution of ComplyCloud’s offerings
Hiring tips and the significance of a structured recruitment process
Personal ambitions and maintaining a work-life balance
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:12) - Martin's background and the journey to founding ComplyCloud
(05:45) - Early career as a corporate lawyer
(09:30) - Recognizing the opportunity in compliance and GDPR
(13:55) - The leap of faith: quitting the job to start ComplyCloud
(18:42) - Initial struggles and finding a new co-founder
(23:10) - Building the first prototype and securing early customers
(28:33) - Product-market fit and scaling the company
(32:25) - Importance of hiring the right people
(37:40) - Raising capital and choosing the right investor
(42:50) - Challenges in scaling and maintaining company culture
(47:18) - Personal ambitions and work-life balance
(52:00) - Advice for aspiring SaaS founders
(56:30) - Closing remarks
Subscribe to SaaS Unscripted for more behind-the-scenes stories and growth journeys in the SaaS world. Visit noblerecruitment.com for the latest career opportunities in the industry. Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts on this episode. Stay tuned for more episodes of SaaS Unscripted!
🔗 Connect with Martin Folke Vasehus:
LinkedIn: Martin Folke Vasehus
🔗 Nobel Recruitment & Nick van Eeten:
Website: Nobel Recruitment
LinkedIn: Nick van Eeten
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with others who might find it helpful. Your support helps us bring more great content to the SaaS community. Thank you for listening to SaaS Unscripted!

Unlocking SaaS Success: From Exit to Starting again with Matthijs Metzemaekers

In this episode of SaaS:Unscripted, host Nick van Eten interviews Matthijs Metzemaekers, a seasoned entrepreneur in the SaaS industry. Matthijs shares insights from his journey of building and exiting two successful companies, and his current venture with Carv, an innovative recruitment AI company. 
They discuss the challenges and achievements in the SaaS world, the importance of high standards in hiring, and the impact of AI on recruitment processes. Matthijs also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to pursue a career in SaaS.
Key Highlights:
Matthijs' career journey in the tech industry
Building and successfully exiting Harver
Transition to Carv, a recruitment AI company focusing on revolutionizing recruitment processes
Importance of high standards in hiring and leadership
Insights on the future of AI in recruitment and the role of Carv
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a SaaS professional, or just curious about the startup world, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from someone who's living it. Tune in to learn about Matthijs' experiences, the evolution of the SaaS industry, and the innovative solutions Carv is bringing to the recruitment space
🔗 Connect with Matthijs Metzemaekers : 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthijsmetzemaekers/
Website: https://www.carv.com/
 
 🔗 Nobel Recruitment & Nick van Eeten:
 Website: https://www.noblerecruitment.com 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-van-eeten-saas-sales-recruitment/
 
Don't forget to subscribe to SaaS:Unscripted for more behind-the-scenes stories from the SaaS industry, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app!
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:04) - Starting career at Pepperminds
(05:30) - Transition to Harver and growth journey
(10:18) - Acquisition of Harver
(12:22) - Starting Carv and focus on AI
(20:35) - Importance of high talent bar in hiring
(29:55) - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in SaaS
(33:03) - Hobbies outside of work
(38:44) - Closing remarks and invitation to try Carv
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with others who might find it helpful. Your support helps us bring more great content to the SaaS community. Thank you for listening to SaaS:Unscripted!

Florian Gendrault - Reinventing Employee Benefits

Welcome to another episode of SaaS:Unscripted, where we dive deep into the journeys of those shaping the SaaS industry. In this episode, we sit down with Florian, the founder and CEO of Alleo, a rapidly growing SaaS company revolutionizing employee benefits and compensation platforms for modern employers.
Florian shares his personal and professional journey, from the initial idea behind Alleo to navigating the challenges of scaling a business. He discusses the importance of maintaining a strong network, the intense process of fundraising, and how maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been crucial to his success.
Key Highlights:
The inception of Alleo and how personal experiences shaped the business idea.
Insights into the validation process and early stages of the startup.
Challenges faced during fundraising rounds and strategies to overcome them.
The role of company culture, recruitment, and maintaining momentum in a growing startup.
Florian's vision for the future of Alleo and expansion plans into new markets.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a SaaS professional, or just curious about the startup world, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from someone who's living it. Tune in to learn how Florian is navigating the exciting and challenging world of SaaS entrepreneurship.
🔗 Connect with Florian Gendrault: 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/floriangendrault/
 
 🔗 Nobel Recruitment & Nick van Eeten:
 Website: https://www.noblerecruitment.com 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-van-eeten-saas-sales-recruitment/
 
Don't forget to subscribe to SaaS:Unscripted for more behind-the-scenes stories from the SaaS industry, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app! 
 
Timestamps: 
(00:00) - Introduction 
(00:21) - Florian's Background and Company Overview
(01:24) - Origin of Alleo
(03:08) - Validating the Business Idea
(06:10) - Building a Network and Securing Initial Funding
(09:12) - Going All-In with Alleo
(11:13) - Early Challenges and Fundraising
(14:08) - Vision and Future Plans for Your Campus
(16:40) - Managing Workload and Stress
(18:37) - Experiencing Stressful Periods
(20:59) - Coping with Stress and Maintaining Health
(22:49) - Skills and Experiences Utilized in Running Your Campus
(25:55) - Long-Term Goals and Challenges for Your Campus
(30:30) - Maintaining Team Momentum and Culture
(34:54) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with others who might find it helpful. Your support helps us bring more great content to the SaaS community. Thank you for listening to SaaS:Unscripted!

Michael Smink - The Secrets of Becoming a Global Top Biller in SaaS

Join host Nick van Eeten on this inspiring episode of SaaS:Unscripted, where we dive deep into the success story of Michael Smink, Strategic Growth Lead at Chargebee. Michael shares his incredible journey from starting in recruitment to becoming a leading figure in the SaaS industry. In this episode we will talk about his challenges, strategies, and personal growth journeys that brought him to the top.
 
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How Michael transitioned from recruitment to SaaS sales
- The importance of understanding strategic business objectives
- Tips for new SaaS sales professionals to achieve success
- Michael's approach to dealing with competition and maintaining a growth mindset
- The impact of personal relationships and networking on career advancement
 
Whether you're new to the SaaS world or looking to up-level your career, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.
 
🔗 Connect with Michael Smink:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-smink/
 
🔗 Noble Recruitment & Nick van Eeten:
Website: www.noblerecruitment.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-van-eeten-saas-sales-recruitment/
 
Don't forget to subscribe to SaaS:Unscripted for more behind-the-scenes stories from the SaaS industry, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app!
Book recommendations: Mega Deal Secrets - Jamal Reiner https://jamalreimer.com
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to SaaS Unscripted and Michael Smink
(01:05) - Michael's background and start in recruitment
(02:57) - Michael's success at Michael Page
(05:26) - Transitioning to SaaS sales 
(09:07) - Joining Chargebee
(14:08) - Michael's growth and success at Chargebee
(25:32) - The financial rewards of being a top biller in SaaS
(26:16) - Michael's key learnings and tips for SaaS sales professionals
(33:31) - Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
(39:15) - Michael's personal growth and building a fulfilling life
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with others who might find it helpful. Your support helps us bring more great content to the SaaS community. Thank you for listening to SaaS:Unscripted!

Jelle Visser - Standing Still Is A Waste Of Time

Join us on this episode of SaaS:Unscripted as we sit down with Jelle Visser, the CEO of ValueBlue, and dive into his remarkable journey within the SaaS industry. From his early days working on farms to DJing indie music, Jelle's path to leadership is anything but ordinary.
Tune in to hear his personal insights on entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Plus, get some useful tips into how he balances the demands of being a CEO with family life and his vision for transforming the industry.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a SaaS enthusiast, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with honest conversations, laughter, and valuable takeaways.
 
🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Jelle's passion for innovation, growth, and making a positive impact in the world through technology.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unscripted stories from the SaaS world!
Get in contact with Jelle:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbnvisser/
Value Blue: https://www.valueblue.com
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to Jelle Visser and ValueBlue
(01:19) The transition from start-up to consultancy to SaaS
(10:42) Working with family and first steps in ValueBlue
(15:08) The growth of ValueBlue and Jelle's rise to CEO
(22:03) Dealing with pressure and responsibility and what keeps Jelle awake at night
(28:33) Leadership, fostering a purpose-driven company culture at Value Blue
(35:31) Jelle's vision for the future of ValueBlue and transformation projects
 
To find out more about Nobel Recruitment visit https://www.Nobelrecruitment.com

Martijn Terpstra - Navigating Sales, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we feature Martijn Terpstra's journey from Sales Development Representative to Chief Revenue Officer in the SaaS industry, and his leap into entrepreneurship. Raised in Friesland, Netherlands, Martijn's early work in a call center laid the foundation for his sales career. His unexpected entry into the SaaS field with Meltwater led to significant roles, notably at InSided, where he facilitated international expansion.
After achieving financial success as a CRO, Martijn launched his startup, FRANQ, focusing on insights into sales opportunities and customer retention. Balancing his role as a father of two, he emphasizes work-life harmony. Martijn's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on positives and validate ideas through customer engagement. His story exemplifies the potential of a SaaS career and the courage needed to pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
Get in contact with Martijn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijnt/
https://www.getfranq.com/
 
Timestamps: 
(00:00) Introduction to Martijn's SaaS Journey
(08:48) Discovering SaaS and Joining Meltwater
(20:29) International Expansion and Moving to the US
(27:19) Decision to Become an Entrepreneur
(42:09) Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur
 
To find out more about Nobel Recruitment visit Nobelrecruitment.com

SaaS:Unscripted Trailer