Meet your Holland in the Valley team
Hi, we’re Michael and Dorit. We believe in the open and future-minded community that is Holland in the Valley. We’re constantly working to connect our members, doing our part to accelerate entrepreneurship, empower talent, and scale innovation.
Michael Dooijes
Startup Liaison at Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco
Influential Executive Leader and Tech Entrepreneur in the Financial Sector
Michael Dooijes is an international banking executive and innovator with extensive entrepreneurial experience. In the 2014 list of Bank Innovation, he is one of the people to watch in the financial sector. In the last 20+ years, Michael has lived and worked in various countries, including the UK, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands, being active in international business and sales management roles. Previously, Michael was Head of Ventures & Innovation at Rabobank, member of Rabo's Innovation Board and CEO of mobile payment startup, MyOrder. Rabobank is one of the largest banks in the world.
Michael has managed large cross-functional and high performance teams across multiple countries.
Early 2016, Michael Joined Startupbootcamp as co-founder and Managing Director of Startupbootcamp's leading FinTech & CyberSecurity Startup Accelerator programme.
Michael is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences on topics such as corporate innovation, digital strategy and the future of fintech.
In addition to his professional career, he is involved in extracurricular activities, such as the Bid Network Foundation (www.bidnetwork.org). Michael is a well-recognized mentor for promising startups across multiple verticals. With his involvement in the startup eco-system he is trying to bridge the gap and help transition the industry into being more digitally-enabled. He is passionate about how Innovation can impact the lives of millions.
Michael obtained his MBA degree from NYU Stern.
Dorit Roest
Community Manager at Holland in the Valley
Entrepreneur, business coach & public speaker.
But I’m also a ‘bourgondische Brabantse’ (for the Dutchies), a cat lover, an always-procrastinating-cleaning-lady, an expat in San Francisco, a feminist, a passionate foodie, a newlywed, a caregiver volunteer, an amateur yogi and dancer and I am a human that cares deeply for this beautiful world and the people, animals and nature in it.
I’m a woman who decided to follow her heart, exit her company and move to San Francisco.
⋆ This is my story in short.
After 6 years of being an industry expert in the world of influencer marketing I had to face myself and acknowledge that I simply lost my passion for a world that has become too much about appearances, looks and likes and too less about creativity, passion and good intentions.
So, only one and a half year after merging with another company, against all odds, I decided to close this door in order for another one to open.
⋆ Here’s how I can help you.
After all the help I received and lessons I learned in my journey it’s time for me to give back. I do this as a business coach for individuals and as a consultant and speaker for groups and organizations.
Whatever form it takes… I love to share my startup mindset, marketing knowledge, passion for personal development & positive energy to help entrepreneurs and professionals get more focus, growth & profit. So they can enjoy a life full of balance, purpose and joy.
I invite you to learn more about me and my services on my website doritroest.com. If you feel this is something for you, please don’t hesitate to start a chat with me, plan a free intake and let’s stay in touch on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear from you!