ChatIT

Providing GenAI solutions for SME's in the Netherlands

As the co-founder of ChatIT, I embarked on a mission to make Generative AI (GenAI) accessible and impactful for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

ChatIT specializes in integrating GENAI seamlessly into the workflows of SMEs. We do this through developing custom AI Agents and AI workshops.

This journey allowed me to combine my entrepreneurial ambitions with my passion for emerging technologies, delivering real-world solutions and learning valuable lessons along the way.

A significant milestone in this journey was reaching the finals of the UT Entrepreneurial Challenge, where I pitched ChatIT's vision and highlighted its early success in gaining more than 15 B2B clients and generating $15,000 in revenue within the founding year, in front of an audience of 500 people. This experience provided invaluable feedback and recognition for the project.

Founders

Steyn Knollema
Floris Vossebeld

year

2024

My Role

1. Founding and Leading ChatIT
‍Vision and Strategy: Identified the challenges SMEs face in adopting AI and crafted a roadmap to make AI accessible and actionable.
Product Development: Designed and deployed custom AI chatbots that automated workflows like customer service, lead generation, and internal communication.
Business Operations: Managed client relationships, set key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensured projects were delivered on time and within budget.

2. Developing and Delivering Workshops
- Created hands-on workshops to educate teams about GenAI and its practical applications.
- Worked closely with SMEs to demystify AI, empowering them to adopt and sustain these technologies independently.
- Engaged with participants to explore ethical considerations and long-term AI strategies.

3. Entrepreneurial Challenge Finalist
- Represented ChatIT in the University of Twente Entrepreneurial Challenge.
- Delivered a pitch to an audience of 500 people, articulating the value ChatIT provides to SMEs and demonstrating the potential impact of our work.
- Advanced to the final stage, receiving valuable exposure and feedback from industry experts, investors, and other entrepreneurs.

4. Driving Impact and Results
- Achieved measurable results for clients, including a 40% improvement in operational efficiency through AI workflow integration.
- Secured 15+ B2B clients and generated over €15,000 in revenue within the first year of operations.
- Helped clients save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks with AI-driven solutions.

What I Learned

1. Entrepreneurship and Leadership
- Pitching and Storytelling: The experience of presenting ChatIT’s vision during the Entrepreneurial Challenge helped me refine my public speaking and storytelling skills, essential for gaining stakeholder trust.
- Strategic Thinking: Balancing immediate project goals with the long-term vision of scaling ChatIT taught me how to prioritize effectively.
- Building Credibility: Engaging with 500+ people and answering challenging questions during the pitch strengthened my ability to articulate value and handle pressure. Furthermore meeting with prospective clients and pitching our services taught me how to sell and pitch our ideas to generate sales.

2. Technical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Enhanced my knowledge of AI technologies, particularly conversational design and workflow optimization.
- Learned to break down complex technical solutions into actionable steps for SMEs with minimal tech experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure that ChatIT’s solutions were both scalable and user-friendly.

3. The Value of Feedback
The Entrepreneurial Challenge provided critical feedback from judges, investors, and peers, which I used to improve both ChatIT’s product offerings and my personal approach to leadership.

Impact and Reflection

The journey with ChatIT has been both challenging and rewarding. From building a company from the ground up to selling our services to 15+ paying clients, this experience taught me:
‍
- How to translate cutting-edge technology into tangible benefits for real-world users.

- The importance of clear communication, especially when presenting complex ideas to diverse audiences.

- How to grow as a leader, balancing vision with execution.

Reaching the finals of the UT Entrepreneurial Challenge stands out as a defining moment, showcasing my ability to represent ChatIT’s mission on a large stage and inspiring me to continue innovating.

Key Achievements

- Finalist in the UT Entrepreneurial Challenge, pitching ChatIT in front of 500+ people.
- Delivered measurable impact, improving operational efficiency by 40% for SMEs.
- Secured 15+ B2B clients, generating €15,000+ revenue in the first year.
- Conducted educational workshops, empowering organizations to adopt GenAI confidently.

Next Steps

I am excited to continue exploring how technology can drive innovation and efficiency across industries. My experience with ChatIT has laid a strong foundation for tackling future challenges, blending entrepreneurial spirit with technical expertise.

For more details about ChatIT, visit www.chatit.nl or contact me directly to discuss the lessons I’ve learned from this incredible journey.

ChatIT Website

steyn.