Hamed Sadeghian, founder and CEO of Nearfield Instruments, emerged as the winner of the third edition of the Leading Entrepreneur in Tech (LET) Award. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to technology entrepreneurship, Sadeghian joined a growing list of leaders recognized for their societal impact. The annual award emphasizes innovation, job creation, and solutions to major global challenges, indicating a strong focus on entrepreneurship with tangible benefits to society.
In comparison to previous years, the competition remains intense with highly esteemed candidates such as Nicola Ebmeyer, CEO of Gain.pro, and Maxim Romain, co-founder and CEO of Dott, also being nominated. The LET Award consistently highlights the achievements of entrepreneurs who not only advance technology but also contribute significantly to societal welfare. Kees Aarts, CEO of Protix, was honored last year, underscoring the high standards of recognition set by the LET Award’s organizing body, Techleap.nl.
What Qualifies Nominees?
Nominees for the LET Award undergo a thorough evaluation process that scrutinizes their companies’ growth, technological advancements, inspirational capacity, and their dedication to diversity and inclusion. This detailed appraisal involves personal interviews, with the jury deliberation being led by Prince Constantijn van Oranje, Techleap’s Special Envoy. Sadeghian’s accomplishments in leading Nearfield Instruments stood out among these rigorous criteria.
What is Techleap’s Role?
Techleap.nl, organizer of the LET Award, is an Amsterdam-based non-profit organization focusing on accelerating the growth of Dutch tech startups and scaleups. Supported partly by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, its initiatives aim to foster a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. At the MEET event, where the award was presented, founders gather annually to exchange ideas and aid in each other’s growth, signifying Techleap’s commitment to nurturing the tech community.
This year, the Techleap community included 381 companies and 605 active participants. Through its Rise and Pole Position programs, it has offered coaching to 219 entrepreneurs. The initiative underscores Techleap’s significant role in driving technological and economic progress in the Netherlands, enabling startups to raise capital and create jobs.
Techleap’s initiatives have culminated in substantial economic contributions including the creation of over 26,000 jobs and raising €950M in investments. The proportion of companies involved in these programs represents a substantial portion of all Dutch scale-ups and a dominant share of the nation’s venture capital, illustrating the organization’s influential stature.
The comprehensive selection process and impactful community initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering innovation that drives both technological growth and societal benefits. For entrepreneurs and established companies alike, engaging with platforms like Techleap offers opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.
