Wim De Waele
Wim De Waele receives a special mention in Omar Mohout's analysis of the Ghent tech ecosystem as one of the investors and connectors whose presence helps bind the ecosystem together. He is named alongside Pieter Casneuf as a notable figure in this role.
He obtained master's degrees in Economic Sciences and Computer Sciences at Ghent University in 1987 and began his career as a researcher in AI for industrial applications. He went on to lead iMinds (later absorbed by imec) as CEO until 2015, overseeing research and deep tech venturing from Ghent. He co-founded Miles Ahead, a Ghent-based venture studio focused on AI and deep tech startups, which raised EUR 20 million for its fund.
Career
Roles
- Voka Oost-Vlaanderen#373factoryVoorzitterJun 2025 – Present
- BeCode.org#135factoryBoard MemberJan 2024 – Present
- Kunstencentrum VIERNULVIERBoard MemberJan 2023 – Present
The Data TankSecretary Board of DirectorsJan 2023 – Present
Miles AheadFounding PartnerJan 2022 – Present
- De Verloren KostFounding PartnerSep 2020 – Present
- delaware BeLux#35factoryStrategic AdvisorJan 2021 – Jan 2024
The Beacon#474factoryExecutive ChairmanJan 2020 – Mar 2026
- Asap HR GroupBoard MemberSep 2019 – Dec 2024
- B-Hive EuropeCEOSep 2015 – Jan 2019
- Sirus nvBoardJan 2009 – Jan 2023
- Continuum Consulting nvBoard MemberJan 2008 – Jan 2023
- iMinds#87factoryCEOAug 2004 – Aug 2015
- Real Software#131factoryCTOSep 2001 – Jul 2004
- i2 TechnologiesSenior Vice PresidentJun 1995 – Nov 2001
- TFP Engineering NVBusiness Developer1994 – 1995
- Numetrix (now Peoplesoft)Director ServicesFeb 1990 – Jun 1994
- Siemens CorporationAnalystJun 1987 – Jun 1990
Education
- University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business#284schoolVenture Capital Executive Program, Finance2014 - 2014
Ghent University#2schoolComputer Sciences1985 - 1987
From public career histories · 22 entries