Investing in and supporting start-ups and scale-ups in the micro-mobility industry

OPEN is the brainchild of Andy Kessler & Gerard Vroomen. Andy’s career spans from downhill racer (back when helmets were optional!) to CEO of BMC. Gerard’s career includes co-founding Cervélo, where's he's done everything from engineering & design to sales, supply chain and marketing. But instead of “bigger is better”, we now prefer “working hard to stay small”. Our decisions are based on “relentless simplicity” in product design and corporate strategy. Gerard engineers the… Show more OPEN is the brainchild of Andy Kessler & Gerard Vroomen. Andy’s career spans from downhill racer (back when helmets were optional!) to CEO of BMC. Gerard’s career includes co-founding Cervélo, where's he's done everything from engineering & design to sales, supply chain and marketing. But instead of “bigger is better”, we now prefer “working hard to stay small”. Our decisions are based on “relentless simplicity” in product design and corporate strategy. Gerard engineers the frames; Andy gets them into your hands. We both answer customer questions so you get the best info and we get the best feedback. That’s it. Please contact us with any questions (via LinkedIn or connect.opencycle.com). Welcome to OPEN. Show less

Together with René Wiertz, we pivoted this beautiful brand from bike components (which we knew would struggle as an independent brand with all major bike brands going to in-house options) to complete bikes (where having premium components would be a bonus). Completed the pivot in 2021, sold a majority of the business in 2022.

2r was a FREE multi-media "magazine" about pro cycling, with contributions from some of the best in the sport. The focus for 2r was “beyond the peloton”, ranging from pro riders’ “First bike” to the latest on the shady politics that (mis)shape the sport.Monthly sections included: - “The big interview” by Paul Kimmage. He may be best known for doggedly pursuing the LanceArmstrong story for The Sunday Times, but he is also one of the best interviewers in sports. - Articles… Show more 2r was a FREE multi-media "magazine" about pro cycling, with contributions from some of the best in the sport. The focus for 2r was “beyond the peloton”, ranging from pro riders’ “First bike” to the latest on the shady politics that (mis)shape the sport.Monthly sections included: - “The big interview” by Paul Kimmage. He may be best known for doggedly pursuing the LanceArmstrong story for The Sunday Times, but he is also one of the best interviewers in sports. - Articles on the state of cycling. Inrng unravels the politics that shape the sport, with occasional contributions by myself. - “First bike” and “Swan song” mini-documentaries, delving into what drives the pros. - The “President for a day” mini-doc, giving a voice to riders, highlighting what they would change if they ran the UCI. - Our photo essays, combining the most beautiful images with an over-arching monthly theme. - “Shooting star” and “Your shot” video/photo contests, letting the reader participate in the making of the magazine. Show less

As a board member, I provided strategic support for the management board and helped drive the sales process of the company, which resulted in a successful transaction with Pon Holdings.

Co-founded this unique pro cycling team, focused not only on racing results but also on product testing and fan access. Set new standards with rider feedback on products for all technical sponsors and introduced regular fan & sponsor interaction with riders at races and training camps. Despite the lower emphasis on winning (or maybe thanks to the reduced pressure on the riders), the team was very successful and even led the World Rankings for a while despite its modest budget.

CERVELO: Phil White and Gérard Vroomen founded Cervélo in 1995 when their design for a new time trial bicycle failed to garner interest from traditional bike manufacturers. Today, Cervélo is the largest time-trial bike manufacturer in the world and recognized as one of the most innovative bike manufacturers the sport has seen in years.