Dutch AI Startup Secures Backing from Top Networking Experts
Amsterdam, Thursday 10 September 2026
Dutch matchmaking startup QonneQt.ai has secured investment from three prominent networking experts to scale its AI-driven professional matchmaking platform across the Benelux region.
A Strategic Alliance to Disrupt Professional Networking
The professional networking landscape is undergoing a significant digital shift, moving away from high-volume, low-value interactions towards highly curated, quality connections. At the forefront of this evolution is the Dutch matchmaking startup QonneQt.ai, which has officially expanded its shareholder base by welcoming three prominent figures from the Dutch networking and business sectors: Richard Bross, Sabine van der Hulst, and Wilfred Romijn [1][2]. The strategic alliance, formalised in September 2026, including the signing of the shareholder agreement with Sabine van der Hulst on 6 September 2026 [2], aims to accelerate the platform’s growth and expand its footprint across the Benelux region [1].
Leveraging Industry Expertise and Reach
These three new shareholders bring a wealth of expertise and reach to the startup. Richard Bross is a well-known investor and the co-host of Doorzetters, one of the most popular entrepreneurship podcasts in the Netherlands [1][2]. Sabine van der Hulst is a leading networking authority, public speaker, and publisher of Connect magazine, who also hosts a dedicated YouTube talkshow [1][2]. Meanwhile, Wilfred Romijn, an alumnus of the SPECO sports marketing study, is the founder of OndernemersUnited, a premier publishing and networking platform reaching thousands of Dutch business owners [1][2]. They join QonneQt.ai’s existing leadership team, which comprises Pieter Voogt, Joost Verheijen, and Ferry van Dongen [2].
Quality Over Quantity: The AI Matchmaking Model
Launched in April 2026, QonneQt.ai was built on the premise that traditional networking platforms often overwhelm users with an endless stream of superficial contacts [1]. Instead of this exhausting approach, the startup leverages artificial intelligence to facilitate exactly one high-quality, curated business match per week for its members [1]. These matches are delivered systematically every Wednesday at 12:00, connecting entrepreneurs with highly relevant potential clients, suppliers, strategic partners, or business sparring partners [1][2].
Scaling Across the Benelux Digital Economy
The integration of these prominent shareholders marks the transition of QonneQt.ai from a newly launched product into an established industry player [1]. To capitalise on this momentum, the startup is launching an extensive promotional campaign across notable channels, including the entrepreneurship platform MT/Sprout and various business podcasts [1][2]. This marketing drive will be significantly bolstered by OndernemersUnited, which will directly connect its vast entrepreneurial network to the QonneQt.ai ecosystem [1].
Synergies and Future Growth
This corporate milestone also coincides with broader professional developments for the new shareholders. Sabine van der Hulst is scheduled to launch her second book, titled Aanbevelingswaardig, on Friday, 11 September 2026, following the success of her first publication, Verdienen met Verbinden [2]. By combining expert-led content with AI-driven software scalability, QonneQt.ai is positioning itself as a key player in the digital economy, proving that even legacy relationship-building practices can be successfully digitalised to drive professional growth and innovation [1][2][GPT].