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Roald Sieberath
CEO @ AI Black Belt - Venture Partner & Coach @ LeanSquare - Board Member - Prof. Entrepreneurship - Kauffman Fellow
Professional Background
Roald Sieberath is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the ICT and Internet sectors. He has held key leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) in various companies, leveraging his extensive technical and business acumen to drive innovative solutions in video streaming, mobile messaging, ebooks, e-learning, Big Data, and business applications. Since graduating with a degree in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Louvain in 1992, Roald has been instrumental as a co-founder, shareholder, and board member in multiple successful enterprises while raising a remarkable $18 million in venture funding over his career.
His entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on execution have enabled him to pitch to major venture capitalists, build and manage diverse teams, and penetrate international markets. Currently, Roald dedicates a significant amount of his time to mentoring, coaching, and investing in startups and innovative companies through partnerships with various accelerators, incubators, and funds such as LeanSquare, Meusinvest, Microsoft Innovation Center, Nest’Up, StarTech, and VentureLab. He is a regularly invited speaker and mentor at accelerator programs around the globe, including initiatives in Tunisia and Brazil, where he inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
In addition to his practical experience, Roald Sieberath actively seeks engagement with dynamic teams in startups and SMEs to help them harness technological innovation. His approach is centered around assisting these entities in gathering the necessary resources, including funding and research and development grants, to deliver meaningful value to the global market.
Education and Achievements
Roald Sieberath has an impressive educational background that combines in-depth technical proficiency with a solid grounding in business principles. His education commenced with a Latin-Math focus at Saint Michel Verviers, which laid the groundwork for his further studies. He graduated with a Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Louvain, followed by advanced studies in business through post-graduate programs at Solvay Business School and a prestigious MBA from Louvain School of Management.
Demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning, Roald has also completed several executive programs at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, including the AI Executive Program, the Executive Program for Growing Companies, and the Venture Capital Unlocked Program. These studies have solidified his expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and venture capital.
His broad interests in societal implications surrounding business—encompassing areas such as environmental ethics and social entrepreneurship—further complement his technical and business skill set. This holistic perspective ensures that Roald remains attuned to the larger implications of the ventures he engages with.
Notable Positions and Contributions
Roald has held and continues to hold a variety of influential positions across different organizations. As a Venture Partner at LeanSquare, he actively contributes to identifying and nurturing promising startups. His entrepreneurial journey includes notable past roles such as Founder at Global Valley and Director at AI Black Belt, showcasing his diverse capabilities and commitment to innovation across various domains.
His impressive resume includes serving as a Kauffman Fellow, which highlights his recognition within the entrepreneurial community. He has also co-founded key initiatives, such as BeCentral, which focuses on promoting technological education and support for budding entrepreneurs. Roald's experience extends into academia, having shared his insights as a Lecturer at Université de Namur and a Visiting Professor at Université catholique de Louvain, which demonstrates his dedication to fostering the next generation of talent in the startup ecosystem.
Additionally, his board membership at Odoo and Aerospacelab reflects his influence in the tech and aerospace sectors, respectively. Roald’s extensive experience in both startups and established institutions positions him as a valuable asset to any organization looking to innovate and excel in their market.
Technological Interests
Roald Sieberath is particularly passionate about the potential of modern technology to drive progressive change across industries. His interests span several cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, big data, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). He is also keenly interested in how these technologies can revolutionize healthcare through ICT innovations.
Moreover, Roald promotes the use of innovative educational platforms and methodologies, emphasizing the importance of e-learning and open-source software in shaping a more inclusive and accessible technology landscape. Through his roles at accelerators and incubators, he strives to inspire young entrepreneurs to explore these technological avenues, fostering a culture of collective intelligence and social networking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roald Sieberath is a prolific entrepreneur and leader in the ICT/Internet domain, distinguished by a solid educational foundation, a multifaceted career, and a passion for innovation. His dedication to mentoring startups and fostering new talent showcases his commitment to not only advancing technology but also empowering others to leverage these advancements for societal benefit. Through his extensive network and wealth of experience, Roald continues to make significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape while ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for positive change in the world.
