Hylke Muntinga

Co-founded the world's first Awareable: a screen-less health tracker designed as fine jewelry that strengthens mental resilience through physiological monitoring (EDA, HRV). Currently focused on building resilience infrastructure through next-generation sensing technology and strategic partnerships across B2B markets, elite performance, workplace wellness, and mission-driven investment opportunities. Exploring conversational AI applications with potential partners to advance how users engage with physiological insights. Established European hardware production in Estonia, contributing to AI and hardware sovereignty while maintaining quality and supply chain control.

Joined as one of the first 5 employees and helped scale Bynder from early-stage startup to unicorn status with 500+ employees and over 1,300 enterprise clients globally. Built and led the business development for this SaaS marketing software platform, driving exponential growth through strategic partnerships, enterprise sales strategies, and global market expansion across Europe, North America, and Middle East. Established go-to-market frameworks and client acquisition strategies that attracted major brands including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Puma, and AkzoNobel. Contributed to Bynder becoming the leading brand management platform, ultimately achieving unicorn valuation and establishing offices in Amsterdam, London, Boston, Barcelona, and Dubai.

Led commercial strategy and new business development during a formative period building disruptive digital ecosystems and software-as-a-service solutions across web, mobile, and connected platforms. Drove client acquisition and long-term partnerships for complex digital projects, from award-winning consumer experiences to data-intensive enterprise systems including content platforms, environmental monitoring tools, and healthcare solutions. Translated technical complexity into clear commercial propositions, guiding opportunities from discovery through delivery. Labela specialized in solving hard problems: making complex systems intuitive and beautifully designed, no matter the technical challenge. This required a different approach than typical agencies: highly focused, hands-on, and obsessed with quality across design, engineering, and delivery. During this period, I began exploring innovative healthcare solutions with early care providers, where usability, trust, and accessibility of complex information were critical. This combination of deep tech, strong UX principles, and solving difficult problems shaped my commercial approach and later informed my work scaling Bynder from startup to unicorn.

Founded a sustainable commerce platform connecting conscious consumers with local sustainable entrepreneurs through web and mobile applications (iOS and Android). Built location-based discovery, personalized alerts, and digital coupons to deliver relevant offers when customers were nearby and ready to purchase. Created a two-sided marketplace that gave merchants easy access to high-intent customers without requiring their own apps or complex marketing infrastructure. Launched a daily conscious deal (Dagdeal) using group-buying mechanics to negotiate significant discounts and challenge the perception that sustainable products must be expensive. Established Greenminds initiative: committed 10% of revenue to purchasing Amazon rainforest square meters on behalf of users, translating everyday purchases into measurable environmental impact. Led product vision, business model design, merchant partnerships, and go-to-market strategy. The venture provided intensive learning in marketplace dynamics, product-market fit, unit economics, and the operational challenges of scaling a platform business.

Led international sales and business development during the early smartphone era. Responsible for client acquisition, revenue growth, and partnerships across multiple markets. Sold mobile applications, mobile websites, and mobile strategies to enterprise clients including Kodak, BP, Fanta, KLM, Wimbledon, and Cathay Pacific, as well as public-sector organizations such as the municipalities of Den Haag, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. Worked closely with delivery teams to ensure solutions were realistic and executable. Involved in early deployments of mobile formats such as augmented reality, 360° video, QR-based applications, and early VR concepts. Built an international client and partner network using a mix of direct sales and digital acquisition channels.

After building and commercializing digital products end-to-end at Kyomedia, I joined Blinck to work in a larger, international environment where rollout, partnerships, and execution across markets were critical. At Blinck, I led concept development and project delivery for mobile and online services across 32 countries. I worked with project managers, technical teams, and partners to launch new services, run pilots, and translate market feedback into scalable offerings. I also supported management and the board with business planning, process improvement, and longer-term strategy. One of my responsibilities included managing an early social music platform and introducing new revenue models for mobile and online services.

Initially joined Blinck to manage new services and pilot projects, coordinating technical delivery and design. This role formed the basis for my later responsibility in concepts and international rollout.

Founded Kyomedia immediately after graduation, securing investment based on my thesis work. My research project Verkenner.nl, a search engine designed as an alternative to Google for the Dutch-language market, attracted funding from banks within months of founding. As Managing Director, I was responsible for strategy, client acquisition, solution definition, delivery oversight, and ongoing client relationships. We delivered digital and web-based solutions for organizations moving into online channels. Running Kyomedia gave me hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of digital products: from early concept and commercial positioning to execution, delivery, and long-term use in real environments.