Our Get Started programme, which helps first-time entrepreneurs move from idea to actual business in 10 weeks, has seen more than 250 entrepreneurs launch their venture. This post is part of an ongoing series where we profile the many different kinds of entrepreneurs that have been part of the programme, how they came up with their ideas and what they learned. Anxious to get started yourself? Check out www.getstarted.nl

Name: Ingrid Sloots

Background: Marketing Manager at Desso, former Partners Program Coordinator at Google

Startup: ‘Baby2Cradle’ 

Can you describe what you startup is about?

I still have several ideas but what I want with my startup is to contribute with a solution to the enormous waste problem. For instance, plastic diapers for babies are a big contributor to tons of waste. I would like to create a diaper that is sustainable and easy to use.

How did you come up with that idea?

I am currently pregnant and so I recently discovered a new world; the market for baby products. I was thinking about circular business models because we do a lot with circular economy at Desso, where I work 4 days a week as a Marketing Manager. I first thought about setting up a circular startup in buggies because buggies are expensive and mostly used for a relative short time. But, after research, I had to pivot my idea because buggies mostly get sold second hand or are given away to a next generation in the family. So a buggie rental or anything wouldn’t have a lot of impact.

My second idea was to come up with a solution for plastic diapers. You already have washable diapers but they aren’t used very often because, ehh.. it is nasty to wash a diaper full of poop with your hands haha. So I am currently working with a designer and a business developer to develop an easy to use, sustainable diaper.

What do you like so much about being an entrepreneur?

I like it to turn business ideas into reality and build a good sustainable business with impact.

Why did you want to participate in the Get Started programme with the circular economy track?

What interested me the most was the part with the circular economy classes. I am really interested in sustainable entrepreneurship. The second thing is that a programme like this helps you to make progress and work on your idea on a regular basis. If the idea stays in your head it will never become reality.

What is the best advice you’ve got during the programme?

There wasn’t just one advice but what helped me the most was the inspiration all the conversations with coaches, workshops and presentations gave me. I have a book full of inspirational notes right now which has become a big treasure box to pick out things while working on my startup.

Where will your startup be in 5 years?

My startup will be the competitior of big producers of plastic diapers.

Want to know more about Ingrid and her startup? Visit her LinkedIn page

Are you ready to launch your startup?! Applications for the 1st batch of our Get Started programme (2017) close on March 19th! Apply now via www.getstarted.nl