About Us

At its founding, the initiators set out to establish a platform supported by the top of the Dutch business community and the central government. A platform for ambitious young people who passionately strive for innovation, who already held substantial business responsibilities early in their careers, and who are driven to make a real difference. After all, they set the tone for the future.

Although the Dutch economy was thriving at the time, the administrative "old boys' network" was giving way to corporate governance and transparency — concepts that only gained real importance during the financial crisis. A second trend was marked by the merger of national icons with foreign companies, making Dutch entrepreneurship a hot topic, and it remains so today. Developments in climate, geopolitics, the energy transition, digitalization, and artificial intelligence confirm time and again why this initiative matters.

The Netherlands needs leaders who look beyond their own roles and take the business world to the next level. Young leaders who hold promise for the future, the next generation of captains of industry at leading companies, and role models for others. We encourage this talent and give them a platform. Over the years, these initiatives have developed and deepened significantly, growing into an established institution. Participating in the Young Captain Program and the Young Captain Award is a special journey centered on self-insight as a leader and the dynamics of the boardroom. Participants experience it as a personal "experience accelerator": an investment in their leadership development and a meaningful sign of appreciation from their company.
De initiatieven hebben zich in de loop der jaren sterk ontwikkeld en verdiept, en zijn uitgegroeid tot een gevestigd instituut. Voor de deelnemers is het doorlopen van het Young Captain Program en de Young Captain Award een bijzondere reis van meerdere maanden, waarin inzicht in henzelf als leider en de dynamiek van de boardroom centraal staat. Deelnemers ervaren het als een persoonlijke 'experience accelerator': een cadeau aan jezelf als leider en een blijk van erkenning door je organisatie.