Date: 2026-02-05
Quint Wiersma of startup Speaklee was a guest on the Studio VU podcast, interviewed by Sem Barendse dialogue coordinator at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). He shared his story, starting as a student at the VU back in 2013, continuing with a PhD and Postdoc, and ultimately launching his entrepreneurial journey right here on campus. The podcast illustrates a perfect example of what can happens when talent meets the right ecosystem💡🎯
Having an idea that could change the world is inspiring. Knowing where to begin is another matter. If you want to start a venture at VU, you no longer need to head to the Zuidas — you can simply turn to the resources available right here at the VU.
In this episode of Studio VU, Sem Barendse speaks with Quint Wiersma, entrepreneur and founder of Speaklee. He shares how he began his entrepreneurial journey as a VU staff member, what he learned through trial and error, and the mistakes he made along the way. Entrepreneurship often sounds grand and ambitious, but it usually starts small, with uncertainty, missteps, and a great deal of experimentation.
That experimentation, guided by the right people, is exactly what the VU Demonstrator Lab offers: a place where you don’t have to wait for your plan to be perfect, but can begin working with even a rough idea. Here, early-stage entrepreneurs are supported in transforming something small into something viable, and perhaps even into a fully-fledged company.
To hear Quint’s full story - a perfect example of what a startup journey at the VU can look like, and what incubator impact at VU actually means, press play:
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Thanks to Quint, for speaking so openly about what the Demonstrator Lab has meant for Speaklee - we hope it will inspire others to explore entrepreneurship
Also a thank you to Sem Barendse for amplifying these stories across the university and beyond.
