How Marnix Broer helps students in 60 countries get better grades

Many students will be very grateful to Marnix Broer , the 33-year-old entrepreneur founded in 2010, together with three friends, the company StuDocu, better known in the Netherlands as StudeerSnel.An online platform where students can share knowledge with each other. Currently, in more than 60 countries, 15 million students a month share documents such as summaries and lecture notes with each other on the platform of the 33-year-old CEO.

Text: Fleur deJongFrench investor Partech put 41 million euros into the company and now StudeerSnel is the largest, international student platform. Nevertheless, Marnix can still enjoy the Dutch water and prefers to have drinks on a boat with a good glass of wine.

What is your personal USP?

"At each stage of your business, different USPs are important. Right now, for example, that is bringing in external expertise when needed, but still I want to be fully informed and think along. But in the end, complete dedication to the company is always very strong and therefore very important!"

What can the older generation of entrepreneurs learn from you?

"As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't necessarily have to be older entrepreneurs, but I still too often see companies and entrepreneurs making decisions based on feeling when they could have used data to do so, even at tech companies! Of course, every entrepreneur should start by driving by feeling alone, but once you have the ability to collect enough data, you should make the bulk of decisions based on facts."

Who is your teacher or inspiration in the entrepreneurial field?

"To be honest, I have no real teacher or inspiration that I look up to. But I do look up to the hard work ethic of my parents, brother and sisters.''

What is your motto or quote?

"So far in life I have learned that perseverance and determination are the two most important ingredients for achieving success. Hard and dedicated work just always pays off.''

What is the biggest entrepreneurial risk you have taken so far?

"In my case, that's not very exciting. Perhaps the biggest risk I've taken is choosing to continue with our 'project' after graduation rather than choosing a career in business."

Where will you be in 3 years?

"In 3 years, StuDocu will have become a global player in the EdTech market."'Do you know or are you a successful, young entrepreneur who also deserves a spot in the spotlight? Then email for the possibilities to Fleur de Jong(fleur@mastershq.nl).Click here for new kid Pascuál AB.