‘With Steppin’ Into Tomorrow, we want to create room for experimentation and encounters, while at the same time contributing to a broader appreciation of music cultures that often remain under the radar’, according to Benjamin and Kay Tee. They not only organise concerts, club nights and documentary evenings with their company, but they also publish articles, podcasts and playlists. Kay Tee and Benjamin: ‘What sets us apart is that we operate from within the community. Artists, creators and music lovers are building a platform together that raises the profile of and connects the underground jazz and soulful music scene. We hope that Steppin’ Into Tomorrow will become a reference point for everyone that is curious about the crossover between jazz, soul, hip-hop and electronic music – both locally and internationally.

Stability and structure

The entrepreneurs joined forces with the Humanities Venture Lab when one of the founders, Maurice Dharampal, was still studying at the University of Amsterdam. ‘He came into contact with the Venture Lab through his study. At the time, we were still working from various coffeehouses in Amsterdam and were looking for a more stable location. The opportunity to join forces came at precisely the right time. The Humanities Venture Lab offered us both a space and a community to grow further’, according to Benjamin and Kay Tee.

‘The Venture Lab has helped us to think more carefully about the business and organisational side to our work. In the beginning, we followed a coaching programme with regular moments scheduled when we would check in with each other. Those moments were very valuable. They have helped us to work in a more structured way, without losing focus on our long-term goals. The Venture Lab is a valuable springboard for anyone with a socially-relevant and entrepreneurial idea or initiative.

A powerful combination

Kay Tee and Benjamin bring together qualities from the humanities and entrepreneurship within Steppin’ Into Tomorrow. ‘The humanities help you to look beyond market logic, and in that way not to lose sight of the social, cultural and human values. Entrepreneurship provides you with the tools to actually realise those ideas and make them sustainable. Together they form a powerful combination’, say the entrepreneurs.

‘We’re happy that there are places like the Humanities Venture Lab which support cultural and social enterprises. For us, this confirms that entrepreneurship is not only about profit, but also about value: the value of connection, creativity and community.’