What is your connection to the Faculty of Humanities?

'I studied Logic at the UvA's ILLC. After that, I worked as a consultant for a while before starting my own company: Lantana. With Lantana, I support employees who are on sick leave due to psycho(somatic) symptoms. Over the course of 10 weeks, employees work oin a project under the guidance of a certified project manager who integrates therapy into the project. Through this venture, I am also part of the community at the Humanities Venture Lab, where I work in the co-working space. In addition, I received funding from the Academic Angel Fund (3xA), which is affiliated with the UvA.

How did you come into contact with Humanities Create?

'Klaas Hernamdt pointed me to the Humanities Create programme when I reached out to him to ask about funding opportunities at the UvA. He suggested that I first refine my idea through the Humanities Create programme before submitting an application.'

How did you experience the programme?

'Very positive! The most inspiring part was meeting other people who were passionately working on their own ideas. That was motivating and gave me the feeling that I wasn’t the only one with a “crazy” idea, but that there are more people undertaking things in a creative way. In terms of content, the programme also helped me to both brainstorm about my idea, and make it more concrete.'

What was the highlight for you?

'The trajectory towards the final pitch during which I found the guidance from the business coach, Marine, extremely good and motivating. I discovered that my story could become much sharper. A memorable moment was when she retold my idea in her own words. I realised that I was thinking: yes, exactly, that’s it – why doesn’t this exist already? Then she laughed and said: “But Thomas, this is your idea!” That really gave me extra confidence in its potential.'

How did Create help you move forward with your idea?

'Mainly by sharpening my idea: which target group I specifically want to reach, and who would be willing to pay for it. Initially, I had several possible target groups, but through the Humanities Create programme I gained much more focus.'

To whom would you recommend Create?

'To anyone who has an idea they want to develop, or who is still unsure whether their idea is strong enough and would like feedback on it. Also to people who want to start a business but don’t yet know exactly what. And even to people who think their plan is already fully worked out – for them Create can provide a critical counterbalance and show where it could still be strengthened.'