Thomas Vles

Overview

Thomas Vles is a Dutch entrepreneur and investor with a diverse portfolio of ventures. He founded Poopy Cat in 2013, a company specializing in sustainable cat products, which expanded to 18 countries and received international media attention. In 2017, he sold Poopy Cat to a leading pet-care company. Subsequently, Vles established BlueBottle Ventures, an early-stage investment firm focusing on consumer goods and financial technology startups. He also served as managing director of the Dutch Startup Association, advocating for the interests of startups in the Netherlands. In 2021, Vles became CEO of Tellow, an invoicing and bookkeeping platform that originated at Rabobank and was later acquired by Ageras (now Shine). As Chief Revenue Officer at Shine, he led commercial and operational teams across Europe and the United States. In 2024, he founded GoDutch, a financial technology company providing business accounts and financial tools for small and medium-sized enterprises. GoDutch has received recognition in fintech-related competitions, including winning the Dutch edition of Mastercard for Fintechs in 2024 and being recognized as a Rising Star by Deloitte Fast50. Vles is known for his hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing rapid market entry and adaptability. He advocates for learning from failures and fostering a culture of openness and vulnerability within teams. His leadership style is characterized by energy, empathy, and a strong vision across all areas of business, from product development to sales and operations. Vles continues to be an active figure in the Dutch startup ecosystem, contributing to its growth and innovation through his various ventures and leadership roles.

Investment Focus

• Innovative business models
• Scalable operations
• Strong management teams
• Clear market differentiation
• Sustainable growth potential
• Positive social impact

Portfolio Companies