Martijn is an international expert and thinker in the field of emergence and development of the collaborative economy: sharing economy, gig economy, crowdfunding and crowdsourcing. Since 2012 years Martijn is traveling the world to (so far) talk to 500+ entrepreneurs, experts and other stakeholders in 16 countries behind the upcoming collaborative economy. To find out what is really happening, who the stakeholders are, what the main dilemmas are and to explore the conditions under which platforms can contribute to a more inclusive society. As a bridge builder and independent professional outsider, he uses these insights and this network to get stakeholders like trade unions, government institutions, platforms and academics together to address relevant issues in a constructive way.

Martijn advices corporations, national governments and local governments. He has shared his story and thoughts via blogs, his newsletter and during several of hundreds of keynotes around the world: from TEDx in Greece to the Crowdsourcing Week Arctic Circle. Martijn runs his own advisory company Forget The Box BV.

Martijn’s background is in marketing and branding, and he has written the books ‘Brand Expedition, a journey visiting Europe’s most inspiring brands’, ‘Crowdfunding, beyond the hype’ and ‘Crowdfunding for Dummies’. Currently, he is writing two more books about the rise and future of the collaborative economy. Martijn was elected ‘Dutch Entrepreneur of the year 2011’ by Sprout, and has represented the Netherlands as one of the ’40 Young Potential European Leaders under 40’ since 2014.

Most of Martijn’s interviews are recorded on video. You can find over 400 video’s on his YouTube channel.