Alexander Ribbink
I like technology because it makes for products and services that truly solve problems and because it constantly changes and adapts. I admire entrepreneurs because they see further, are stubborn, and take risks. Prior to a career in tech, I worked with brands and products that were solving trivial issues at best and that were bought mostly thanks to clever marketing. So, these days I get excited about talented people driving tech products that are solving real pain points and market inefficiencies.
My commitment to defence and international relations is lifelong, fed by my adolescence amidst the Cold War; and my deliberate choice (for the good of all involved) not to become a diplomat has culminated in a vocal position in Dutch society on defence spending - and in the leadership of the Keen Venture Partners’ European Defence and Security Tech Fund. I'm also a member of the “Adviesraad Internationale Vraagstukken” and related international committees, and a frequent speaker on defence tech and the essential role of entrepreneurs in the defence ecosystem.
I am passionate about modern and contemporary art, culture at large, reading, and philanthropy. Living in Amsterdam but spending a lot of time in Paris and Guethary.
Professional Bio
Over the past 35 years I have gained experience in international marketing, sales, general management, and in the world of venture capital. Before co-founding Keen Venture Partners, I was a general partner at Prime Ventures, where I invested in and served as a board member of Takeaway.com and Bright Computing. Prior to Prime, I was Chief Operating Officer of TomTom, the personal navigation company. I co-led the international expansion and was part of the leadership team that IPO-ed the company. Before my time at TomTom, I held a number of senior directors’ positions at Mars Inc. and Unilever NV. I hold an MA degree in Law from the University of Amsterdam, and an MBA degree from the Rotterdam School of Management. Not-for-profit activities include (or have included) Chairmain of the Stedelijk Museum, and board membership on the Prince Claus Fund for Culture, Cultural Emergency Response NGO, and several philanthropic family trusts. Currently serving as a member of the Adviesraad Internationale Vraagstukken on the Peace & Security Committee.
At Keen I support: AvalorAI, Crisp, Feather, FINN, Gourmey, Lendis, Mollie, Nextail, Perciv AI, and Studyportals.
