No MyGrid without Jan! Meet our founder and CEO.

A Journey of Passion, Innovation, and Balance

I’ve always had a knack for combining the technical with the creative. That’s probably why I ended up earning two degrees: one in Electronics Engineering from KU Leuven and another in Product Design from Ghent University. It’s that mix of technical depth and creative thinking that drives my work today.

One of the most exciting projects I worked on before MyGrid? That would be the Umicore Solar Car project during my Electronics studies — already 13 years ago, time flies when you're having fun! I was in charge of the battery pack. Looking back, I guess that’s where the seeds for MyGrid were first planted. Working on that solar car made me realize the potential of smart energy solutions, and it set me on the path I’m on now.

The Spark Behind MyGrid

Why did I start MyGrid? Simple. I believe the energy transition will only succeed if it’s accessible to everyone — not just to those with solar panels or heat pumps. Sustainable energy should be fair and within reach for all. That’s the philosophy behind MyGrid: a plug-and-play home battery that’s smart, user-friendly, and empowers everyone to take part in the energy transition.

Juggling Family and Entrepreneurship

People sometimes ask me about that one time I was pitching just two days after my daughter was born. Yep, it’s true, guilty as charged! (laughs) Not exactly ideal, but when you’re in the middle of building something meaningful, you do what’s needed. Balancing entrepreneurship and fatherhood is a constant challenge. Long hours, weekends, late nights. But the drive to keep pushing forward never fades.

Becoming a father changed my perspective more than I expected. It’s not just about creating a better world for myself anymore; it’s about making sure my daughter grows up in a stable, safe, and hopeful environment. It motivates me every day to make a positive impact.

Inspirations and Influences

I’ve always admired people who blend functionality with responsibility. Dieter Rams is a big inspiration, his belief that good design should be clear, functional, and responsible really resonates with me. It was surreal seeing him get the Lifetime Achievement Award while we were finalists at the 2024 DesignEuropa Awards.

As for books, The Lord of the Rings remains a personal favorite, but Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard (founder Patagonia) is one I keep returning to. His vision of sustainable impact mirrors our mission at MyGrid, and it’s a constant source of motivation.

Finding Balance and Unwinding

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my daughter, it puts things into perspective. Hanging out with friends keeps me grounded, but rock climbing is my real outlet. It’s just me, the rock, and the challenge. It’s intense, but afterward, my mind feels clear, and my focus sharp again.

When it comes to travel, I’m all about getting off the beaten track, backpacking through remote mountain landscapes where it’s just nature and endless views. That’s freedom for me.

And yes, I do have a guilty pleasure: blasting old-school bands like The Offspring, Nirvana, and Gorillaz in the car, singing along like nobody’s listening. It does the trick for me!

A Bit of a Geek, with a Purpose

Am I a geek? Sure, in a way. But for me, technology isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about using innovation to make a difference. It’s about daring to pioneer and connecting the dots to create real, meaningful change. That’s what keeps me going.