Anyone with the ambition to improve the lives of others should be given the chance to become an entrepreneur, and even those who are not initially interested should be encouraged to consider entrepreneurship. This notable statement comes from someone who has earned the right to speak on the matter. His company, HighTech XL, is listed among the top five startup incubators in the world. Additionally, he holds the position of Professor of Alliance Strategy at Tilburg University. Please join us for an in-depth conversation with venture builder and innovation champion, John Bell.
John, with your multifaceted career, what drives your conviction that entrepreneurship should be accessible to all?
“It’s simple. I see entrepreneurship as a force for good, a way to tackle societal challenges head-on. Whether it’s someone who’s always dreamed of starting their own business or someone who’s never considered it, there’s so much potential to unlock. And at High Tech XL, we’re in the business of unlocking potential.”
Venture building is a term that’s becoming ubiquitous. For the uninitiated, could you shed some light on what it entails?
“Absolutely. Venture building is, in essence, the art of starting companies from the ground up. It’s about scouting cutting-edge technology and pairing it with the right people—those with the drive to innovate and lead. We began as an accelerator, polishing startups for investment. But now, we’re crafting them from the start, shaping them to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
There seems to be a ‘magic’ you refer to when speaking of High Tech XL’s process. Can you elaborate on that?
“The magic isn’t in the process alone; it’s in the transformation. We take raw potential and sculpt it, guiding startups to a place where they’re not just investment-ready but poised to make a real impact. And yes, it’s about the long game—deep tech that’ll take years to mature but has the promise to address the grand challenges we face.”
You’ve emphasized the importance of independence from subsidies. Why is that?
“Subsidies can be a crutch, and we’re in the marathon of building robust, innovative companies. Our ethos is to foster self-sustaining ventures that stand on their own feet, creating value that lasts.”
About John Bell
John Bell, CEO of HighTechXL, holds a business economics degree and a Ph.D. in Joint Ventures from Tilburg University. Previously, as VP of Strategy and New Business at Philips Research, Bell spearheaded open innovation and partnerships, enhancing Philips’ alliance management. He also served as Philips’ VP of Strategic Alliances, forming numerous large-scale partnerships, and worked as a Strategy Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Bell excels in open innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic alliances, with a history of establishing new ventures and advocating for open innovation cultures.
Could you mention any standout ventures from High Tech XL?
“One to watch is Carbyon, a venture that’s tackling the climate crisis head-on by capturing CO2 from the air. It’s the kind of challenge we’re here for, and without High Tech XL, these ideas might remain just that—ideas.”
You’ve launched Health Tech XL last summer. What sparked its creation?
“With layoffs at Philips, there was a risk of losing invaluable expertise. Health Tech XL is our way of harnessing that expertise, turning it into new ventures that can keep pushing the boundaries of health tech innovation.”
How does building a health tech startup differ from other sectors?
“Health tech isn’t just about a great product; it’s about navigating a maze of regulatory and clinical trials. It’s complex, but that’s where we excel—leveraging our ecosystem to support startups through every step.”
In the context of Brainport, what would you say is needed to elevate the region’s standing in biomaterials?
“Recognition is key. We have a wealth of innovation happening right here, and it’s about amplifying that, sharing our successes, and ensuring we’re not just a voice among many, but a leading voice in the field.”
Finally, as we look ahead, what’s your mission for the nearby future?
“We need to foster early-stage funding to catalyze growth. It’s about inviting private investors to join us in this entrepreneurial journey, to help startups accelerate and thrive. That’s our mission as we move forward, to keep kindling the entrepreneurial spirit that can truly make a difference.”