Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten

About

I’m an internet entrepreneur and founder of TNW (The Next Web), which I ran as founder, CEO and later as board member from 2006 until 2026. I’ve built and exited multiple companies, including one of the first Wi-Fi hotspot networks in the Netherlands (acquired by KPN), and my first startup, founded in 1997 and sold in 1999. After nearly two decades building TNW into a global media and events company, I stepped away after leading the transition and integration following its acquisition by The Financial Times, to focus on a new chapter. These days I spend my time exploring long-term patterns in technology, entrepreneurship, and how value and money actually work beneath the surface of it all. I’m currently writing a book about my experiences and observations in that space. I occasionally share thoughts here, but I’m more active on Instagram: @boris

Experience

Education