Dear Ladies, gentlemen, beautiful and talented people, and esteemed innovators,

Welcome to the third edition of the Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL) unConference, nestled in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam. I'm Ruben Brave, founder of DNNL, and it’s a privilege to host you at this significant event, with the generous support of Rabobank Amsterdam and the CultuurFonds supported by the Dutch National Bank (DNB) Fund.

I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our organizing committee - Iffat Rose Gill, Maud van Merriënboer, and Anahí Páez, our newest addition. Anahí’s journey from Turrialba embodies the resilience, creativity, and commitment at the core of DNNL’s mission.

Let's also extend our appreciation to our hosts at Rabobank Amsterdam, for making today possible. Special thanks to Erik Versnel and Peri Bakr, whose diverse Indonesian and Kurdish heritages enrich our mission with unique insights. And a special word of grace to our Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren, whose support for diversity and inclusion initiatives has been unwavering. Her dedication mirrors our collective vision for a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As we mark the onset - the beginning - of the Lunar New Year, we're reminded of the themes of renewal, hope, and prosperity.

This time of year, distinct from the “regular Western” Gregorian New Year, brings with it an opportunity for reflection, recommitment, and looking forward with optimism. Unlike the universal celebration of January 1st, the Lunar New Year's traditions and celebrations are deeply embedded in the cultures that observe - festively and culturally celebrate - it, offering a magical mosaic of history, values, and communal aspirations that resonate deeply with our mission at DNNL.

This unConference also presents a unique round table opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge, experiences, and visions, tapping into a universal force that symbolizes resilience. For many underrepresented founders, resilience acts as a powerful inner force, essential for initiating, sustaining, and fulfilling their entrepreneurial paths. As a self-proclaimed science fiction geek, I can't help but draw parallels between this inner force of resilience that many underrepresented founders harness and the iconic Force from Star Wars. This comparison isn't just a flight of fancy; it mirrors a profound truth recognized across numerous cultures. In China, this energy is known as 'Qi', in Suriname as 'Kra', and in Indonesia, it's referred to as ‘Tenaga Dalam’. Each term, though unique in its linguistic heritage, converges on a singular idea: the potent inner strength within all of us that drives innovation and empowers us to navigate through adversities. However, we must also remember that while this force can be a formidable ally in promoting good, it has the potential to be misdirected. At DNNL, we are committed to channeling this energy towards fostering a more inclusive and improved world.

The distinction between the Lunar New Year and the Gregorian New Year aligns with our unConference’s goal to connect diverse, innovative founders with other stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It reflects our commitment to embracing and celebrating the unique backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives that enrich our community. As we gather today, let's draw inspiration from the Lunar New Year's spirit of renewal and inclusivity to fuel our discussions and collaborations.

In embracing the Lunar New Year’s spirit, we recommit ourselves to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all entrepreneurs, regardless of background, thrive. Let’s harness our inner strength for the greater good, fostering an ecosystem that is as diverse and vibrant as the society we aspire to reflect. As the Lunar New Year heralds - announces - a fresh start, we, at DNNL, are inspired by this spirit of renewal to look forward with optimism and drive towards innovation through inclusivity in our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Tonight, as we celebrate the Lunar New Year's promise, let’s also celebrate our progress and the journey ahead. May this DNNL unConference serve as a beacon of innovation, unity, and hope.

Here's to a future where every entrepreneur can harness their unique story's power, where diversity fuels our collective success, and where the entrepreneurial landscape is as vibrant and dynamic as the community it serves.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Now, it’s my honor to open the floor to our lineup of remarkable speakers, each bringing forth inspirational stories and who will share their insights and visions, enrich our discussions and inspire our collective efforts.

Let's make this edition of the DNNL UnConference an unforgettable milestone in our shared mission to transform the Dutch startup scene and beyond.

Thunderbirds are go!