Martijn van Berkum
Strategic Advisor | Angel Investor | Founder | CTO & CPO
Welcome!
I am Martijn van Berkum, an experienced entrepreneur and angel investor with a passion for the SaaS B2B sector. My professional journey includes co-founding and strategic exits of two SaaS B2B companies: gxsoftware.com, 100+ employees, a leader in Web Content Management, and blueconic.com, a Customer Data Platform that raised $27 million, grow to 180 employees and became a global market leader before its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in 2020.
Today, from my base in the Netherlands, I primarily focus on supporting and angel investing in SaaS B2B startups where technology is the differentiator. These companies demonstrate potential for both substantial societal and market impact.
Focused Angel Investing in SaaS B2B Startups
Strategic Investments: My investments target startups at the intersection of SaaS and B2B, where innovative product design meets critical business needs. I look for companies that leverage cloud technologies, intelligent data use, and scalable solutions to solve complex problems.
Sector Interests: I am particularly interested in companies pioneering fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning applications, data privacy and security frameworks, and advanced cloud infrastructure, and where tech makes the difference. Ideally, these companies combine innovation with significant societal impact. My goal is to find and support the next leaders in these pivotal and rapidly evolving sectors.
Partnership Approach: Investing for me goes beyond capital. I engage deeply with my portfolio companies, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a broad network of industry contacts. I partner with founders who are not only visionaries but also possess the grit and determination to see their visions through to success.
Extensive Experience as Founding CTO and CPO
As a seasoned CTO and CPO with a proven track record in founding and scaling software companies, I bring a deep understanding of both technical and product management essential for driving SaaS B2B enterprises. My expertise spans coaching and building teams in CTO/CPO roles, product management, and engineering management, which is critical in guiding investees in refining their product strategies, optimizing their technical architectures, and scaling operations efficiently.
Technical Excellence: My technical experience covers a wide array of essential technologies for today’s SaaS solutions, including multi-tenancy architectures, GDPR compliance, and managing SOC-2 certification processes. I am adept at developing strategic plans, setting OKRs, and leading engineering teams through all phases of hiring and project management. I have a deep background in the martech industry, with substantial knowledge in software development, cloud technologies, big data, ML, and security & privacy management. This expertise is crucial in making pivotal architectural decisions involving AI, assessing open vs. closed source options, and formulating integration and backend strategies.
Product and Strategy Innovation: I support companies in establishing robust product foundations and strategic directions, helping them to capture and expand their market segments successfully. My role extends beyond technical guidance; I engage in board memberships, advisory roles, and perform technical/product due diligence for investments or acquisitions. My comprehensive approach not only fosters technological advancement but also aligns with business objectives to drive sustainable growth and position companies as leaders in their sectors.
Join My Network of Innovators
My commitment to the SaaS B2B sector and my focus on transformative startups make me an ideal partner for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to make a significant impact. If you believe your startup has what it takes to be a market leader, let’s discuss how we can elevate your business to new heights.