I am a driven and results-oriented executive with over 16 years of leadership across fintech, CRM platforms, and service industries. I specialize in driving exponential user growth through digital and AI-powered strategies while launching innovative products like AI-based tax advisory and user-friendly CRMs. I have a proven track record of founding and scaling startups from ideation to market traction, and I manage investment portfolios tailored for passive income. I bring broad governance experience through board roles in land stewardship and cultural foundations, and I am fluent in Dutch and English with experience across multiple languages. I am passionate about tech-enabled growth, community impact, and sustainable business models.

Julius Heyning

I am a driven and results-oriented executive with over 16 years of leadership across fintech, CRM platforms, and service industries. I specialize in driving exponential user growth through digital and AI-powered strategies while launching innovative products like AI-based tax advisory and user-friendly CRMs. I have a proven track record of founding and scaling startups from ideation to market traction, and I manage investment portfolios tailored for passive income. I bring broad governance experience through board roles in land stewardship and cultural foundations, and I am fluent in Dutch and English with experience across multiple languages. I am passionate about tech-enabled growth, community impact, and sustainable business models.

Available to hire

I am a driven and results-oriented executive with over 16 years of leadership across fintech, CRM platforms, and service industries. I specialize in driving exponential user growth through digital and AI-powered strategies while launching innovative products like AI-based tax advisory and user-friendly CRMs.

I have a proven track record of founding and scaling startups from ideation to market traction, and I manage investment portfolios tailored for passive income. I bring broad governance experience through board roles in land stewardship and cultural foundations, and I am fluent in Dutch and English with experience across multiple languages. I am passionate about tech-enabled growth, community impact, and sustainable business models.

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Language

Dutch
Fluent
English
Fluent
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

AdvisorChief Commercial Officer at Gekko
January 1, 2022 - October 30, 2025
Scale user base to over 160,000 by optimizing acquisition through digital channels, PR, and partnerships. Launch AI-powered tax advisory platform, streamlining bookkeeping, reducing user effort, and improving customer retention. Drive international expansion into Belgium with localization plans and regulatory compliance strategies. Lead cross-functional teams to align marketing, product, and operations for strategic project execution.
Founder at Qraia CRM
November 1, 2020 - October 30, 2025
Create no-fuss CRM solution tailored for freelancers, small nonprofits, and niche consulting service providers. Lead full product development cycle: vision, UX, go-to-market, testing, and iterative feedback loops. Establish B2B partnerships and early user ecosystem through targeted outreach, networking, and content marketing. Manage roadmap prioritization and oversee product scalability, infrastructure upgrades, and support planning.
Growth & Strategy Director at Gekko
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Developed and executed scalable growth strategies resulting in 2× user base growth and improved ROI. Implemented optimized acquisition funnels leveraging data analytics, social channels, and behavioral segmentation. Initiated performance tracking systems (KPIs, dashboards) for growth monitoring and actionable insights. Collaborated with product teams to align features with user needs, retention goals, and usability metrics.
Founder at FS Continuous Fonds
December 31, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Built a reinvesting crowdfunding investment fund with stable passive returns for investors, ensuring long-term growth. Diversified loan portfolio across multiple lending platforms to optimize risk exposure, maximize yield, and enhance liquidity. Automated reinvestment and reporting workflows for usability, improving operational efficiency and investor satisfaction. Communicated performance transparently and managed investor engagement through regular updates and data-driven insights.
Advisor at Lukida
July 1, 2019 - July 1, 2019
Provided strategic and growth advice, advising on marketing and positioning within education, publishing, and tech sectors. Assisted in shaping go-to-market strategy and business model refinement for increased scalability and competitive edge. Guided brand visibility efforts and messaging across digital channels using data, insights, and creative content.
Key Account Manager at Testbirds
December 31, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Managed client relationships and built custom testing solutions across verticals, tailoring services to individual business needs. Expanded revenue through personalized account strategies, upselling opportunities, and long-term value creation. Identified client pain points and liaised with product teams for enhancements, reducing churn and boosting retention.
Owner (Sales & Marketing) at Nicollo (part-time)
May 31, 2018 - May 31, 2018
Co-launched e-commerce project selling Magic Wallets & sunglasses to niche audiences through performance-based marketing. Built website, ran social media campaigns, and managed inventory using scalable systems and automation tools. Achieved consistent sales growth via scalable digital campaigns, SEO improvements, and influencer collaborations. Maintained customer service and brand voice across channels to ensure loyalty and repeat purchases.
Sales & Marketing Advisor at VanSlingerlandt.com
April 30, 2018 - April 30, 2018
Drove marketing and investor relations for European stock-selection platform, enhancing visibility and investor confidence. Organized investor communications and strategy presentations, ensuring transparency and effective stakeholder alignment. Managed social media presence and audience growth through campaigns, content strategy, and performance reporting.
Co-Founder – Sales & Marketing at Videliti
March 31, 2017 - March 31, 2017
Launched Wi-Fi-based marketing solution capturing guest analytics for clients, improving engagement and actionable customer data. Led customer acquisition and onboarding efforts using outbound outreach, demos, and tailored onboarding processes. Managed finances, service delivery, and ongoing client support while overseeing daily operations and vendor relationships. Crafted marketing messaging to highlight ROI and product benefits, driving clarity and conversion.
Sales & Marketing Manager (Freelance) at Moneybrothers BV
February 28, 2017 - February 28, 2017
Managed crowdfunding campaigns for SME lending platform to attract retail investors and increase campaign success rates. Conducted investor outreach and pitched campaign narratives via email marketing, webinars, and in-person presentations. Ensured collateral and campaigns aligned with investor motivations, compliance guidelines, and brand communication goals.
Supervisor & Operations Manager at ContactCare
January 31, 2015 - January 31, 2015
Scaled call centre team from 15 to 60+ employees via hiring, training, and leadership development planning. Established structured training and performance tracking programs for quality assurance, coaching, and employee development. Enhanced efficiency through team segmentation and workflow improvements that reduced wait times and improved resolution. Led customer support operations to improve satisfaction and retention through SLA adherence and insights.
Sales Representative at Spectra Training
June 30, 2011 - June 30, 2011
Generated leads and scheduled client consultations via outbound outreach, email marketing, and CRM tracking tools. Conducted sales presentations and negotiated agreements with clients across sectors including education and government. Met and exceeded short-term revenue targets consistently through pipeline management, follow-ups, and conversion strategies.
Aquatic Liaison Officer & Swim Teacher at YMCA (USA)
April 30, 2011 - April 30, 2011
Delivered swimming instruction and safety training to youth clients using certified methods and progress monitoring systems. Managed parent communications and class scheduling with clarity, empathy, and regular progress updates for families. Enhanced program delivery via clear communication and teaching, improving enrollment and retention.
Analyst at SunEdison Australia (Energy Matters)
December 31, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Supported senior leadership in implementing new strategic initiatives through research, documentation, and project coordination. Assisted executive communication and change management by preparing materials, presentations, and internal messaging documents. Helped develop and roll out process improvements across operations, logistics, and reporting for solar project execution.
Customer Service Agent at Maersk
March 31, 2008 - March 31, 2008
Coordinated container removal logistics, clearing backlog by 50% through issue resolution and process redesign. Facilitated cross-functional communication among operations and clients to enhance turnaround and scheduling accuracy. Maintained process efficiency through stakeholder follow-up and regular system updates to ensure timely delivery.
Advisor at wbso.ai
September 1, 2025 - Present
Advising WBSO.ai on growth strategies. Sparring partner for the CEO. Helping with sales.

Education

Master in Marketing Management at La Trobe University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010
Master in International Business at La Trobe University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
B.Sc. Business Administration (Finance & Accounting) at VU Amsterdam
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Other