LinkedIn·Tuesday, 25 August 2026·1d ago
When I was a kid, I dreamt of Michael Jordan Playing countless hours in the streets of Brussels Feeling the craziness, intensity, passion…
Nicolas Debray
Board Director | Advisor | Business Angel Investor | Entrepreneur | ex-Google
When I was a kid, I dreamt of Michael Jordan
Playing countless hours in the streets of Brussels
Feeling the craziness, intensity, passion and now...
From the playgrounds of Brussels to the boardroom. The intensity of streetball never really leaves you. Now, some of my greatest passions are colliding.
I spent my teens battling on Brussels' playgrounds Porte d'Anderlecht, Place Saint Denis, Place Saint Job, Merlo, Place Morichar. So many stories in those worn-out shoes! 🤩 Feeling my city through the vibes and rhythm of the b-ball!
I still remember losing the 3x3 street-ball final at Place Rogier. The screaming crowd.
The intensity. The craziness.
Then I traded the court for the tech and media industry. I joined Google, stepped out to become an entrepreneur. Then I exited my company and more recently found my path as a business angel investor.
I lead the Belgium Startup Ecosystem with a clear vision: Giving every founder in Belgium one united ecosystem to scale world-class companies.
Today I can say: “I’m a proud investor in Lineal”.
A thriving ecosystem is about building bridges and creating value for all stakeholders. That’s why meeting Manu Lecomte was a revelation. I knew instantly I had to back his world-class project, Lineal.
Manu is the captain of our national basketball team 🦁 and with his partner David Dawoud they are launching the Lineal, Europe’s first structured 1v1 basketball league.
Earlier this week, they announced their 500k€ pre-seed round.
Chapter 1 starts this September. Europe. Two cities. Antwerpen. Barcelona.
Make sure to follow and see the rise of a world-class project!
I’m hyped to step onto this new court as a supporter, investor and fan. Go Lineal! ❤️🔥🏀
How does your childhood passion drive your business moves today?
Tell me below! 👇
Let's scale it up! 👏
♥ 50💬 4
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