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At A6K, our acceleration team is committed to empowering entrepreneurs with actionable insights from industry leaders. Last month, we had the privilege of hosting Stijn Christiaens, co-founder of Collibra, for an exclusive masterclass. Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, Stijn shared invaluable lessons on building, scaling, and sustaining a successful start-up. Here are the key takeaways from the session.

Building the business

Every great company stands on three pillars: an outstanding product, seamless service, and a recognizable brand. Yet, even the best ideas need the right team to thrive. Stijn emphasized that, at the beginning, none of the co-founders knew how to sell. Learning on the go, or bringing in someone who could, was crucial. With this mindset, they scaled Collibra from zero to $12M. His advice? Think long-term. Building a start-up is a decade-long commitment, so plan your professional and personal life accordingly.

Corporate governance & Board’s role

A strong board is more than just an oversight body, it’s a safeguard against costly mistakes. One pivotal moment for Collibra was deciding whether to expand to the U.S. Despite their ambitions, their board advised against it due to limited cash flow. Instead, they waited until they had a stronger financial footing, ultimately expanding five years later with great success. Stijn also stressed the importance of early alignment with co-founders on long-term goals and commitments to avoid future conflicts.

Product-market fit & pivoting

For the first three years, expect to question and possibly discard your initial approach. Technology alone doesn’t guarantee success, a product must also sell. Pivoting should never be impulsive, but when necessary, it should be swift and decisive. Stijn recommended biannual offsite meetings with co-founders to reassess strategy, ensuring everyone is aligned before making major shifts.

International expansion

Belgium, while a great testing ground, has its limits in terms of scalability. Early on, Collibra’s first clients were international, which accelerated their global growth. However, Stijn warned that international expansion comes at a cost, both financially and personally. Entrepreneurs should be prepared for sacrifices along the way.

Sales & customer feedback

Mastering one domain is key. Entrepreneurs should focus on becoming experts in a niche before expanding. Stijn highlighted the importance of trade shows, not just as a sales platform but as an opportunity to gather valuable feedback. Identifying a ‘champion’ - a client with a unique, pressing problem that your product solves, can be a game-changer. And when criticism comes? Treat it as a gift. Complaints signal that people care, offering insights to refine your product.

Fundraising & financial health

Fundraising isn’t about luck; it’s about structure and strategy. Stijn advised against underestimating the capital needed for a decade-long entrepreneurial journey. While securing investments is essential, the primary focus should always be on building a sustainable, financially sound business.

Execution & industry dynamics

Execution is where the real work happens. While strategy can be set in hours, execution takes months. Organizations evolve slowly, whereas technology adoption moves rapidly. The key is to adapt without losing focus. One final piece of advice? Keep your pricing simple. A straightforward pricing model makes it easier for customers to buy and for businesses to scale efficiently.

About our Masterclasses

Last month, Stijn’s insights provided a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating the highs and lows of building a start-up. His experience underscores the importance of resilience, strategic decision-making, and the ability to pivot when necessary.

Over the past months, we’ve had the privilege of hosting inspiring entrepreneurs who have shared their expertise and experiences with our startup community.

Among them, Benoit Deper, who needs no introduction. With his deep-rooted experience in the aerospace industry and his strong network among key players, Benoit successfully secured the trust and backing of major investors to scale Aerospacelab.

We also welcomed Thoralf from Sirona Technologies, who delivered a compelling session on "Tips & Tricks for Successful Fundraising," helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of securing funding.

And coming up on March 18, we’re excited to host Maxime Vuckovic with his eye-opening session: "20 hidden truths about VC Funding; the 13th one will surprise you!" Expect insights that challenge conventional wisdom and help you refine your funding strategy.

At A6K, we continue to bring such valuable learning opportunities to our start-up ecosystem, ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs is well-equipped for success.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Join our entrepreneurial community, we certainly have something to offer that can accelerate your journey!