Dutch-based Akela Hub emerges from stealth, raises €1M for its AI-driven scouting platform

Netherlands-based Akela Hub, an AI-driven platform for innovators to find solutions that solve their challenges, announced that it has secured €1M in a fresh round of funding. The proceeds will help the company expand its AI scouting platform globally.

The investment came from Unknown Group and founder Giels Brouwer.

After three years in stealth mode, Akela Hub is globally launching its platform, extending beyond its exclusive services for Unknown Group to cater to a broader clientele, including companies such as Shell, Unilever, Hyundai, Bayer, and more.

What does Akela Hub offer?

Akela Hub blends AI algorithms and human intelligence to assist innovators, providing actionable insights by transforming company data. The company was founded by Giels Brouwer, who previously founded the football analytics scaleup SciSports.

Akela Hub’s product suite includes an augmented company scouting platform, CRM integration for data enrichment, and targeted scouting services. The company is headquartered in Titaan, The Hague’s impact hub.

Giels Brouwer, who will lead Akela Hub as its CEO, says, “I have been working in data-driven scouting in the football analytics industry and implemented the same ideology to scout startups and innovations. After extensive testing within Unknown Group, this is the right moment to launch for a broader audience.”

“Our AI scouting proposition is unique in the market, featuring a database of 5 million companies and smart algorithms to match companies to the specific needs of innovators.”

“I am delighted that we have the opportunity to take off with a team of ten bright minds that are already working together on this project.”

Akela Hub’s management team now includes Yasmeen De Piante as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Jasper Warmenhoven as Head of Scouting, and Gleb Nam as Head of Service Delivery.

Brief about Unknown Group

Unknown Group empowers entrepreneurs to scale solutions for a better world, aiming to “fuel founders to fix the future”. It focuses on developing entrepreneurs, enhancing startup success rates, and amplifying the impact of innovative solutions.

Regarding the investment in Akela Hub, Hendrik Halbe, CEO of Unknown Group, says, “This is an exciting moment for Unknown Group and Akela Hub.”

“We see that startup and company data is becoming a commodity. The Akela platform helps by providing the companies that are relevant to a solution by sourcing with its AI and human scouts through a database of 5 million companies.”

“We tested the platform extensively with many global partners and used it for getting immediate insights into the competitive landscape of our portfolio companies.”

“Since Giels Brouwer joined Unknown Group three years ago, we validated this product and we are glad that we found our product-market fit,” adds Halbe.