Oscar Kneppers
Oscar Kneppers is the director of the Amsterdam Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE), the academic startup incubator for Amsterdam’s knowledge institutions.
A successful serial entrepreneur, celebrated internet publisher, and prominent figure in the technology and media sectors, Kneppers began his career in 1991 at IDG. He launched MacWorld, the first Dutch internet magazine ‘Net Magazine’ (1994), and the online tech channel Webwereld (1995).
In 1998, he founded Emerce, a leading e-business, marketing, and technology magazine and website. After selling Emerce in 2001, he launched Bright in 2005, a cross-media title for digital lifestyle, creative design, and innovative technology, followed by Bright.TV in 2007. Bright was sold to NDC|VBK in 2008.
In 2010, Kneppers shifted focus to startups and launched Rockstart, a startup accelerator active in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogota, supporting over 300 tech companies from 60+ countries.
He is also a supervisor at the Dutch Design Foundation and a member of the advisory committee at Fontys School of Journalism. Known for his passion for innovation and talent cultivation, Kneppers is a sought-after advisor and speaker on entrepreneurship, startups, and their connection with academic institutions.