Holding Companies
Manufacturing
Wholesale
Active

Michaël van der Jagt

Seasoned entrepreneur, raised capital, IPO, etc

About Me

I build and scale B2B technology and manufacturing companies internationally. Over 20 years, I've founded three companies, taken one public on Euronext Paris, sold another to a US strategic buyer, and built distribution networks across 24 countries. I don't just manage businesses; I create market positions, open doors at Fortune 500 level, and turn innovative products into international commercial engines. What makes me effective: I'm an entrepreneur who can operate as a professional CEO. I've built businesses from zero with my own capital at risk, so I understand what actually matters: product-market fit, unit economics, and delivery commitments. But I've also presented at the World Economic Forum, closed a €500K deal with PepsiCo, been invited to Samsung's headquarters in Korea, and managed an IPO process on Euronext Paris. Most importantly: I'm comfortable in lean, entrepreneurial environments where every decision counts. I don't need 100 employees and a €50M budget to be effective.

Jurisdiction

Region: Europe

Experience

Seniority LevelExecutive
Years of Experience20+ years
Current StatusActive
CEOParx Materials NV
2012 - Present

Advanced materials technology; from lab to IPO to strategic exit. Started with a breakthrough antimicrobial polymer technology based on biomimicry principles. As founder and financier, invested my own capital and built the company from zero to IPO on Euronext Access in Paris. The challenge: Positioning a deep-tech materials innovation in markets dominated by chemical solutions. Long sales cycles, complex regulatory requirements, Fortune 500 procurement processes. My approach: Instead of rushing to commercialize, I focused on securing validation from top-tier partners and building credibility at the highest levels. What I achieved: · Enterprise partnerships: Closed €500K development contract with PepsiCo through direct C-level engagement. Established strategic partnerships with Samsung Mobile (met CEO and got invited to Digital City Korea for technical discussions), Novo Nordisk, and other Fortune 500 companies. · Capital raising: Raised €5M+ across multiple equity rounds. Managed investor communications, board relations, and expectations through startup-to-scale-up transition. · Platform positioning: Presented the technology at World Economic Forum, European Commission (TechAll Stars program), and KPMG innovation platforms. Won World Technology Award (Materials category) and recognized as "New Champion" by World Economic Forum. · IPO execution: Successfully navigated full IPO process on Euronext Paris - investor relations, regulatory compliance, listing sponsors, supporting banks. Managed stakeholder communications and maintained market confidence. · Strategic exit: Negotiated and closed exit in 2025. The reality: This was complex, long-cycle B2B sales in regulated markets. Commercial breakthrough took longer than anticipated, but the partnerships were real, the technology was validated by industry leaders, and I learned how to operate at the highest strategic levels. Key capability demonstrated: I can open doors at Fortune 500 C-level, articulate complex technical value propositions, navigate regulatory environments, and maintain investor confidence through long development cycles.

Skills

Core skills0
Languages2

Languages

English
Dutch