Amsterdam Founders Club Retreat

The Exclusive Spring Getaway for Established Founders

🗓️ May 30 - June 1, 2025 (Friday - Sunday)
📍 Kerkrade, The Netherlands

The Amsterdam Founders Club Retreat is designed for established founders who want to expand their networks and exchange valuable insights with fellow seasoned entrepreneurs..

You’ll learn innovative business strategies, build valuable relationships with like-minded founders, and gain new insights to grow faster – all packed into one unforgettable weekend.

Hosted in a historic medieval monastery-turned-hotel, surrounded by lush landscapes in the far south of the Netherlands, this retreat is your perfect opportunity to get away from your daily grind, truly connect with experienced entrepreneurs, and gain new insights and connections that will propel your business forward.

Who Is This For?

The Founders Club Retreat is designed for entrepreneurs generating €300K+ in annual revenue, looking to build meaningful relationships and exchange scaling insights.

It’s not for early-stage entrepreneurs or casual attendees.
It is for ambitious founders who value deep connections, strategic discussions, and a curated group of like-minded peers.

Why Join?

🔹 High-Quality Connections
Engaging in a multi-day experience is the most impactful way to make meaningful connections with ambitions entrepreneurs.

🔹 An Immersive Experience
Away from the daily hustle and bustle, unlock your creativity in a new, inspiring environment.

🔹 Improve Your Skills
Dive into workshops on marketing, leadership, AI, tax optimization, building funnels, and more.

🔹 Collaborate to Grow
Participate in a curated mastermind session to co-create and exchange ideas with established founders.

Your Accommodation is Included

Private room (double bed)

Your private comfort room includes a private bathroom, box-spring beds, Wi-Fi and a small desk.

The rooms are basic, but comfortable and quiet.

Regular rate: €1.499 +VAT
Now (Early Bird): €1.197 + VAT

Only a few early bird spots left.

What To Expect?

A Structured, High-Value Retreat

The Founders Club Retreat is designed to maximize meaningful conversations.

Connect from The Start

Get settled and start the retreat with a relaxed drink, meet your fellow founders, and set the tone for a weekend of growth. No small talk – just real conversations from the start.

Expert Workshops

Get actionable insights from seasoned entrepreneurs on scaling, AI-driven growth, sales, branding, marketing, and tax optimization. No fluff – just strategies you can implement immediately.

Connection Activities

We believe in the power of the right connections. Through curated exercises, you’ll quickly break the ice and find the founders who can challenge, support, and inspire you.

Shared Meals

Over shared meals, conversations go beyond business. Discuss lessons learned, game-changing strategies, and the mindset shifts that separate good from great.

Wellbeing Activites

Clear your mind, reflect on key insights, and set your intentions for the day ahead.

Facilitated by high-performance coach Shorombo Mooij.

Expert PowerSessions

Small-group PowerSessions designed to help you break through bottlenecks. Get tailored advice, challenge your assumptions, and leave with a clear action plan.

We’ll have sessions from experts in the areas of Tax Optimization, B2B Marketing on LinkedIn, Paid Social Ads, and more.

Career Story Nights - Founders Edition

An evening of raw, honest founder stories. Hear pivotal moments of challenge and growth, engage in deep discussions, and connect beyond business. Real stories, real insights, real connections.

 

 

 

 

Mastermind Session

Share your biggest business challenge and get direct, no-BS feedback from peers who’ve been there. Fresh perspectives, real solutions, and powerful breakthroughs.

Who Will Be There?

Ahmed Kamel

Ahmed Kamel is a seasoned Paid Social Ads Expert with a proven track record of generating over $25 million in ad revenue for 6, 7, and 8-figure businesses across 20+ markets in 4 continents. As a consultant and mentor, he helps brands scale profitably by optimizing paid social strategies, creating high-converting campaigns, and delivering exceptional results.

Armed with a certification in Product Psychology, Ahmed blends data-driven marketing with deep buyer psychology, crafting ads and funnels that don’t just attract clicks, but drive meaningful action. His expertise lies in turning ad spend into scalable growth, ensuring businesses not only compete but dominate in their markets.

When results matter, Ahmed is the expert businesses turn to for high-performance Meta Ads and strategic paid social success.

Monika Owczarek
B2B Sales Strategist

Monika Owczarek is a sales strategist with 20+ years of experience helping startups and SMBs build scalable, repeatable sales systems.

As the founder of Strattik Sales Consulting and creator of an AI-powered VP of Sales platform, she specializes in turning chaos into growth.

Her practical, no-nonsense approach ensures founders walk away with clear, actionable strategies to drive revenue.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Monika will lead the session “The 5-Step Framework for Building a Sales Machine That Runs Itself,” helping you create a sales process that scales.

Michaël Krens
Investor & Flying CTO

Michaël Krens is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and “Flying CTO,” helping startups scale with smart investments and hands-on technical expertise. 

As the co-founder of SignRequest, he built the e-signature platform from the ground up, successfully scaling it to 500,000 users in a market dominated by giants like DocuSign, leading to a $55M acquisition by Box.

Beyond tech, Michaël has a strong passion for sustainability and SME business growth, collaborating on energy transition initiatives and co-founding Accu’t, a company repurposing discarded car batteries for energy storage solutions.

At the Founders Club Retreat, you can ask Michaël anything about investment strategies, exit negotiations, and scaling tech startups during his Expert PowerSessions.

Simone Vincenzi
Sales & Conversion Consultant

​Simone Vincenzi is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and author renowned for his expertise in business growth and community building.

As the co-founder of GTeX, he has assisted over 500 individuals in launching profitable businesses before the age of 30. With a passion for empowering experts to become authorities in their fields, Simone has delivered more than 1,000 live presentations and webinars, generating over $3 million in revenue and helping clients achieve over $10 million through these platforms.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Simone is an avid basketball player, competing at a high level on the court. ​

Jo Bird
Creative Director & Brand Consultant

Jo Bird is a brand strategist and creative consultant specializing in helping entrepreneurs and businesses craft authentic, stand-out identities.

With experience at top brands like Gymshark and Lounge Underwear, she knows what it takes to build a compelling brand in today’s fast-moving world.

As a TEDx speaker and consultant, she helps founders clarify their message, refine their visuals, and create a lasting impact.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Jo will be sharing her expertise in (personal) branding – so you can confidently tell your story and elevate your presence.

Lisa Thompson
Founder of Your Career Space

Lisa Thompson is a career storytelling strategist, with 20+ years of experience in corporate roles at brands like Nike, Burberry, and Selfridges.

As the founder of Your Career Space, she helps professionals craft compelling career narratives that showcase their unique skills and aspirations.

More recently, she founded Career Story Nights, a community-driven event series where individuals share their career journeys, challenges, and lessons learned – offering inspiration and practical insights for others on their own paths.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Lisa will host “Career Story Nights – The Founders Edition”.

Michelle Maree
Founder of The Nomad Escape

Michelle Maree is a seasoned location-independent entrepreneur and the founder of The Nomad Escape, a global mastermind and networking community for entrepreneurs and remote professionals.

Known as a Super Connector and powerful facilitator, she has hosted over 1,000 founders and professionals across 35 retreats and 40 networking events worldwide.

Michelle’s passion lies in creating spaces where ambitious individuals can build meaningful connections, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Michelle will be guiding impactful sessions to help you expand your network and take your business to the next level.

Henry Snow
Founder & “PEE-EO” of PeeSport

Henry Snow is a no-nonsense entrepreneur who knows how to take an idea from 0 to 1 fast.

As the founder and self-proclaimed “PEE-EO” of PeeSport, the world’s first performance pee bottle, he turned a hilarious idea into a booming bootstrapped business.

Known for using humor, speed, and relentless testing, Henry builds brands people actually care about – and converts viral moments into long-term growth.

At the Founders Club Retreat, he’ll share how to validate ideas quickly, build a bold brand, and grow without wasting time or money.

Richard Bierlaagh
Tax Partner & Founder Port Sight Tax

Richard Bierlaagh is an experienced tax lawyer dedicated to simplifying complex tax matters for individuals and businesses. With over seven years in the field, he began his career at a Big Four firm, specializing in international tax.

Richard is also a passionate educator, lecturing at institutions like The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and VU University Amsterdam, where he supervises graduating students.

At the Founders Club Retreat, ask Richard anything about tax-efficient business structures, international tax strategies, or optimizing your company’s financial planning to stay compliant while maximizing growth.

Andreas De Wit
Tax Partner & Founder Port Sight Tax

Andreas De Wit is a tax expert with deep experience in corporate and international taxation. As a Tax Partner at Port Sight Tax, he helps business owners navigate complex tax challenges with clarity and strategy.

Previously, he worked at the Dutch Ministry of Finance. Andreas also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at Leiden University and a contributor to leading tax publications.

At the Founders Club Retreat, he’ll break down key tax strategies to help you optimize your business structure and financial planning.

Suze Maclaine Pont
Trauma Specialist for High Functioning Professionals

Suze Maclaine Pont is a business coach and trauma therapist with 25+ years of entrepreneurial experience – starting out as a shipbuilding engineer before building multiple businesses.

Along the way, she’s lost everything three times, battled deep depression, and rebuilt a life filled with purpose, family, and love.

Suze helps high-achievers break through the invisible glass ceiling—that gap between outer success and inner struggle.

Veronica Guguian
Marketing Strategist

Veronica Guguian is a seasoned marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and mentor with over 20 years of experience. She is the founder of SPIN Ideas, a platform designed to help businesses develop creative marketing strategies that foster growth and connection. 

Through her work, Veronica has helped countless entrepreneurs not only scale their businesses but also align them with values that contribute to society. 

Veronica will facilitate the session “Grow Your Business And Make An Impact”.

Level of the session: intermediate.

We all have a personal and creative touch, which makes our business unique. By creating a working system based on your values, you can have a real impact on the world around you and grow your business in a sustainable way.

Benno Pieters
AI Business Catalyst

Benno Pieters is a high-tech entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, including senior roles at top U.S. ICT multinationals.

He is the co-founder of RenAIssance Solutions, helping businesses harness AI for growth.

As the co-author of AI to ROI, he specializes in making AI accessible and profitable.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Benno will lead the “Hands-on with ChatGPT” workshop, guiding participants on how to use AI effectively in their businesses.

Monika Matuszewska
Certified Professional Coach at LaMatu

Monika is an experienced trainer, workshop facilitator and public and speaker. Monika is on a mission to help the participants of her workshops use their inner guidance and grow utilising their values and strengths, as opposed to focusing on weaknesses and shortcomings.

Monika will lead the workshop “Master Your Focus”.

Gain deeper awareness into your where your attention goes. Practice asking good questions that will help you make healthy choices both in running your business and in your daily life. This workshop is specifically designed for founders and entrepreneurs who would like to improve their concentration and productivity.

Shorombo Mooij
High-Performance Life Coach

Shorombo Mooij is a High-Performance Life Coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and professionals thrive in both life and business.

After overcoming his own battles with depression and burnout, he transformed his lifestyle—losing 25 kilos and redefining his approach to productivity and well-being.

Now, with over 700 coaching hours, Shorombo empowers high-achievers to unlock their full potential, cultivate sustainable success, and lead fulfilling lives.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Shorombo will lead the Morning Wellbeing Activities.

Yvelle (Evie) Corrielus

Evie is a former nurse turned entrepreneur who built a thriving business from scratch, generating over $800k in sales through TikTok Shop affiliate marketing in 10 months. Starting as a complete beginner, she used AI tools to create viral, high-converting videos with ease. Evie’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs to save time, reduce stress, and achieve success with simple, actionable strategies that anyone can follow.

Evie will facilitate the workshop “Create Viral Videos That Sell (With AI)”.

Learn how to leverage AI tools to effortlessly create scroll-stopping viral videos that drive sales.
Simple, actionable strategies to turn views into revenue.

The Retreat Team

Marcel Wijermars
Founder of the Amsterdam Founders Club

Marcel Wijermars is a former tech entrepreneur and the founder of the Amsterdam Founders Club, one of Amsterdam’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial communities.

The Amsterdam Founders Club hosts curated masterminds and networking events for growth-driven entrepreneurs, helping them scale faster together

Before launching the Amsterdam Founders Club, Marcel co-founded Trending Jobs, a U.S.-focused job search platform used by millions, which he successfully scaled to over $2 million in annual revenue.

Ineke Derksen
Founder of IENVENT Travel, Incentives & Events

With over 25 years of experience in organizing corporate outings, group travel, and business events, Ineke Derksen is the passionate founder of IENVENT Travel, Incentives & Events.

Her journey spans roles such as tour leader, product manager, and executive secretary, culminating in the establishment of IENVENT in 2011.

Ineke’s expertise lies in crafting tailor-made experiences for business groups of 15 or more, with a special affinity for the Wadden Islands and various European destinations.

Her meticulous attention to detail and personal approach ensure that each event is not only unique but also flawlessly executed.

Rachel K Zhang
Brand Storyteller & Creative Entrepreneur

Rachel K. Zhang is a marketing strategist and creative entrepreneur who helps brands tell authentic stories that connect.

She’s the founder of RKZ Creative, offering photography, videography, design, and content strategy to purpose-driven founders. Rachel also founded the Youth Entrepreneurship Society (YES) and co-founded both SheUp, a female entrepreneurship community.

At the Founders Club Retreat, Rachel will be capturing key moments and is also available for private shoots throughout the event.

Emily Kotruch
Social Media Specialist

Emily Kotruch is a social media specialist and professional photographer with a passion for capturing authentic moments and emotions. Specializing in portrait and lifestyle photography, she brings a keen eye for storytelling.

With experience working with entrepreneurs and creatives, Emily knows how to highlight the confidence, ambition, and personality of each founder.

Throughout the retreat, Emily be documenting key moments – so you can stay present while she captures the memories.

Save your spot:

If you have any questions, you can send an email to [email protected].

 

What's included?

  • 2 nights, 3 days accommodation and complete experience
  • Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (up to 2 drinks per meal included)
  • Expert PowerSessions with the industry experts (Paid Ads, Tax Optimization, etc.).
  • Keynotes and workshops that support you to grow your business
  • Career Story Nights, hosted by Lisa Thompson
  • Wifi in common areas

What's not included?

  • Transportation to and from the venue
  • Drinks consumed outside of the official meals
  • Extra activities not listed above

The program

The program is tentative and subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Getting there

What are the exact dates and times?

- Friday (check in 11:30AM)
- Saturday (full day)
- Sunday (ends 4:30PM)

How to get there by public transport?

Abdij Rolduc in Kerkrade is conveniently accessible via several nearby train stations.

Kerkrade Centrum Station: Approximately 2.1 kilometers from Abdij Rolduc, this station serves as the main railway hub in Kerkrade, offering regular local train services.

Herzogenrath Station (Germany): Located about 1.9 kilometers away, just across the German border, Herzogenrath Station provides additional train connections, including services to Aachen and other German cities.

Chevremont Station: Situated approximately 1.7 kilometers from Abdij Rolduc, Chevremont is a local station on the Heuvellandlijn, offering regional train services.

From these stations, you can reach Abdij Rolduc by taking a short taxi ride or utilizing local bus services. For instance, from Kerkrade Centrum or Herzogenrath stations, several buses head towards Rolduc Abbey.

Additionally, Heerlen Station, located about 10.6 kilometers from Abdij Rolduc, is a larger station offering more extensive train services, including intercity connections.

These options provide flexible public transportation choices for reaching Abdij Rolduc and exploring the surrounding region.

Can I rideshare with other participants?

Of course, and it could be fun to connect before the retreat even starts! You'll be added to a group chat two weeks before the start of the event, so that ride-shares can be coordinated.

Where can I park?

There is plenty of free parking space at the hotel.

Can I charge my car?

You can recharge the batteries of your car at Rolduc. The hotel has two charging points.

What are nearby airports?

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
📍 Cologne, Germany
~98 km from Kerkrade

Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)
📍 Düsseldorf, Germany
~100 km from Kerkrade

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
📍 Eindhoven, Netherlands
~113 km from Kerkrade

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
📍 Amsterdam, Netherlands
~220 km from Kerkrade

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST)
📍 Beek, Netherlands
~21.5 km from Kerkrade
Small airport, offers domestic and some international flights.

About the Founders Club Retreat

Who is the Founders Club Retreat for?

- Established Founders – Generating €300K+ in annual revenue.
- Open to a limited number of: Startup Founders – €100K–€300K revenue, with a high-growth potential.
- Scalable Businesses Only – Your business model must have strong growth potential.

This retreat is for you:
- Are driven by personal and professional growth
- Value deep, meaningful relationships and connections with like-minded entrepreneurs
- Seek a community of founders to grow alongside
- Want to connect with founders who truly 'get you'

This retreat delivers value across various industries.
Whether you're in services, physical products, retail, or a brick-and-mortar business, this retreat is designed to give you a great return.

P.S.:
Not sure if it’s the right fit? Contact us at [email protected].

Which other founders will I meet (backgrounds/industries)?

The Amsterdam Founders Club might be the most diverse entrepreneurial community in Amsterdam, bringing together founders from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Whether you run an online service, sell physical products, operate a retail business, or manage a brick-and-mortar company, you'll find a warm welcome in our community.

Some examples of categories that are represented in the community:

Agencies
Content Creation
Courses & Info Products
E-Commerce
Events & Communities
Non-Profit
Food & Beverage
Marketplace Platforms
Professional Services
Real Estate
Recruiting
Retail
SAAS

What is the location/address?

Abdij Rolduc
Heyendallaan 82, 6464 EP Kerkrade
The Netherlands

https://rolduc.com/en/contact/

Can I bring a business partner?

As long as your business partner is a shareholder in your business, they can book a ticket.

We currently only offer rooms for single use, so your business partner needs to book their own ticket for a private room.

Can I bring a friend/family member?

If the person you're bringing is a founder, yes. They will need to purchase their own ticket. While we currently only offer private rooms online, you're invited to contact us at [email protected] if you wish to share a room.

Is the ticket tax deductible?

You will receive a company invoice for your booking for your administration.

While rules might differ based on the country that your business is registered, generally, your Founders Club Retreat should be a tax-deductible expense.

If you want to be absolutely certain before booking, check with your own accountant first.

How can I contribute to the program?

Speaking at the Founders Club Retreat is an opportunity to:
- Provide value to the community while showcasing your expertise and expanding your network
- Boost your personal brand by getting featured in event promotion

Apply to speak:
Speaking applications are currently closed, sorry!

What is the refund policy?

If you can't make it to the retreat, you can cancel your ticket by sending an email to [email protected].

You might also be eligible for a refund:
- Cancel before December 31st, 2024: you get 100% of your ticket refunded
- Cancel before February 28th, 2025: you get 60% of your ticket refunded
- Cancel before March 31st, 2025: get 30% of your ticket refunded
- Cancel after April 1st, 2025: get 0% of your ticket fee refunded

If you book with a payment plan (make a deposit), that deposit is always non-refundable.

Tickets are non-transferrable, unless to a qualified founder (subject to approval, contact us at [email protected] if you'd like to transfer your ticket).

Act fast to lock in the best deal

Regular rate: €1.499 +VAT
Early bird: €1.197 + VAT

Limited early bird spots left.

 

We can’t wait to see you at the Founders Club Retreat!

If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected].