Team
Dutch Game Garden consists of an assorted team of professionals from different fields. Our past staff members have carved their own path within the game industry and can be found everywhere.
JP van Seventer
Managing Director
JP left his mark on the Dutch game industry early on as a designer for console, PC, and handheld games. He later became head of production at W! Games (Vanguard Games/Force Field), and professor at the HKU. JP started at DGG as a Development Director, where his experience and knowledge helped many starting companies grow. These days, he is the final boss that guides the strategic direction.
Christel van Grinsven
Managing Operations
Financial reports, budgets, risk analyses, you name it – Christel can do it. With her ample experience with (semi-)governmental organizations that stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, this number-lover is always ready to guide Dutch Game Garden safely through the turbulent ocean of multiannual management plans. This helps us to stay energetic, sharp and focused on our core target group: startups in the games industry.
Aryeh Loeb
Managing Incubation
Aryeh has been active in the industry for 20 years. In that time he has filled a variety of roles for a huge number of games. Aryeh started in journalism and retail, and went on to work in publishing (Mindscape) and development (Guerrilla Games, Gamious). As an Incubation Manager, he uses his experience and expertise in AAA studios and startups to help the incubation participants reach the next level.
Tom Jongens
Managing Communication
Tom has been hosted dozens of events when working as a Marketing Manager for IT events. When he decided to start building games and joined the Dutch Game Garden Incubation, he abandoned the corporate IT environment and started working for Dutch Game Garden as the Communications Manager.
Board members
Peter Laanen
Chairman
Starting as a programmer in the late 60’s, Peter has an extensive business acumen in the Netherlands and abroad. He co-founded the Ex’pression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, California. Peter was introduced into the Dutch American Hall of Fame in 2012 and currently supports European companies in making a soft landing in Silicon Valley. His company, Laanen – The Brand, does this by focusing on the development of entrepreneurial fundamentals and making the most of opportunities and challenges.
Maarten Brands
Board member
A veteran of the games and internet industries, Maarten Brands helped found several companies and was a member of the management team of W! Games. W! Games grew to become Vanguard Entertainment and is now known as Force Field. His broad interests include, fine art, film, literature and games. These interests are reflected in his art gallery Cook & Becker. As a ‘next-gen art dealer’, he sells game art and other art work that reflect the current zeitgeist.
Arthur van Breukelen
Treasurer
As owner and property manager of New Element, Arthur is an expert in successfully managing and utilizing flexible work spaces. There is a high demand for these services amongst first-time entrepreneurs focusing on growth. New Element is active in Utrecht and Almere. As Dutch Game Garden aims to facilitate the provision of flexible office space, Arthur is the ideal person to ensure that available resources are used effectively.
Tim Laning
Board member
Tim Laning is co-founder of the game studio Grendel Games in Leeuwarden. His game Underground, aimed at training surgeons, received international praise from Forbes, calling it a ‘game that can change the world’. From Leeuwarden, Tim Laning not only runs Grendel Games, but also supports the games industry in the northern part of the Netherlands. He built the curriculum of the game development program of the NHL University of Applied Sciences, ensured the financing of various projects, and brings together government, investors, and startup companies.
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