PlanningAI meets authenticity: the keys to Timefold's success

Timefold is a PlanningAI solution that solves the world’s most complex routing and scheduling problems. Considered DeepTech, planning optimization technology goes beyond the usual website or app creation. It’s not something just anyone can build—it requires time, creativity, and deep intellectual horsepower.

Where did the idea for Timefold come from?

Our co-founder, Geoffrey, laid the foundation after his studies by creating an open-source project called OptaPlanner. Since then, the technology has become one of the top three solutions globally in its field, known for its ability to solve complex problems with an emphasis on simplicity of use and exceptional performance. 

After connecting with Smartfin, Geoffrey reached out to me. We saw the potential and decided to build a business around it. That’s how I came on board as CEO. With my experience across multiple startups, I focus on people dynamics, commercial strategy, and creating synergy.

Now, we have around 15 customers, a team of 31 highly senior experts, and have successfully secured funding through two leading VC investment rounds. Timefold is about blending deep technology with people, strategy, and scalable growth. Our goal is to make PlanningAI as accessible as possible to the wider market.

What achievement, personal or professional, are you most proud of to date?

On a personal level, I’m incredibly proud of my four smart daughters.

Professionally, it’s the Timefold team that stands out. I’m proud of the diverse talent we’ve gathered—experts from scale-ups like Showpad, TechWolf, Match Group, and Engagor. These people aren’t just brilliant; they know how to build companies from the ground up. Being around them pushes me to grow every day, and I learn something new with every interaction.

Were you always an entrepreneur at heart?

Not from the start. After my studies, I began with a career in consulting, but it felt too slow-paced. Later on, working elsewhere, I met a mentor who taught me a lot of invaluable lessons. Young and naïve, I eventually thought, "Why not start something myself?" That naivety turned out to be a crucial trait for an entrepreneur—it’s something you need to take the leap.

My first venture was Gatewing, a company focused on drones for the land surveying industry. We partnered with great people worldwide. It became my real-world MBA: a crash course in "I can do this, I can do it better." It wasn’t easy, but we made it work.

I enjoy scale-ups because they combine solid business strategy with strong operational dynamics, but also because they’re deeply people-oriented. Everything needs to work flawlessly—what you see is what you get. There's a raw authenticity here: no room for mistakes, no forgiveness. It’s about owning your outcomes and learning from every failure—a truly honest and worthwhile endeavor.

Not so long ago, Timefold secured a €6M funding round. How did you experience fundraising, networking, and pitching? What tips do you have for entrepreneurs in the same boat?

Securing funding was an exciting experience. It’s not just about working with a fund—it’s about collaborating with the people behind the fund. These are individuals who can quickly assess a business, identify challenges, and pinpoint strengths with razor-sharp insight. You learn a lot from these interactions.

In fundraising, you need to be bold and make strong statements, but I’ve learned that authenticity is non-negotiable. Pretending to be something you’re not only backfires—it’s like a relationship: if you present yourself in a false light, you’ll attract the wrong kind of support.

A few tips for fellow entrepreneurs:

• Don’t over-promise or pretend to be something you’re not.
• Listen carefully to feedback from investors and mentors.
• If your business plan is solid, funding will follow. Your narrative needs to align—focus on product-market fit and go-to-market strategy. If these aren’t in place, you’ll hit roadblocks.
• A good investor match is about authentic connection and alignment. Be real, be honest, and you’ll find the right fit.

What is key to scaling a company? What is the most common pitfall?

We’ve embraced an "Open" mindset—we share information by default, encourage transparency, and believe everyone should have access to what others are working on. It builds trust and boosts collaboration. Plus, we push everyone to keep growing, learning, and developing their skills. That’s how we build a team that grows alongside the company.

One of the biggest challenges is a hybrid work environment. In-person interactions are invaluable—you make connections, share insights, and feel the energy. But when someone isn’t in the room, barriers emerge. You might forget to include someone in a meeting invite or face scheduling conflicts, which creates friction. This is something we’re always trying to keep in mind. 

What’s one thing you learned from SuperNova and The Big Score?

Pitching at SuperNova can be intimidating. With just 8-10 minutes to make an impact, there’s no room for fluff. It forces us to refine our story, communicate it clearly, and deliver a concise, compelling narrative. This kind of pressure helps sharpen your message.