About us
Our story
Welcome
Whatsub is founded in 2023 as a tool to make it easier for organizations to find the right subsidies. Subsidies are one of the most important financial instruments we have to support those things we find important: a green transition so our planet stays a great place to live, a sustainable economy so we can earn a decent income and a society that is healthy and fun.
Innovative organizations are essential to get there, but don't always have the capacity or financial means to find the subsidies that work for them. We are committed to change that.
Why we care
We care deeply about the world we live in and the people we live with on it. We also see that the direction we're currently heading towards is wrong. If we want to pass on a planet that is a great place to live to our children, we need to change that. We want to be great ancestors.
​
In the Netherlands, we spend at least € 40 billion in subsidies annually to support the fossil fuel industry. Meanwhile, smaller organizations find it too difficult to actually apply for a subsidy. In a world that is desperate for change, we need to make sure we spend our money to support organizations that actually want to change the world for the better.
There are several reasons for companies that make it difficult for them to successfully apply to subsidies that make sense to them: subsidies are scattered among hundreds of websites, criteria and requirements are sometimes difficult to understand and databases are hard to navigate, to name just a few. You can read more about it in our blog post.
Our Team
Pyry Takala
Pyry Takala is a tech leader: a co-founder of two AI SaaS companies and a former AI researcher (Amazon and PhD work). A business nerd in his former McKinsey life.
Pyry has raised over € 1 million in diverse governmental funds from programs by the UK, Finland and EU. He experienced first hand how the world of subsidies and grants worked, how easy it is to miss an opportunity, and how difficult it can be to successfully apply to one.
Pyry received his PhD in Machine learning and Master's degree in International Management (CEMS) at Aalto University.
Jesse Siegers
Jesse Siegers previously worked as an economic advisor at local, regional and a national level, most recently as a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands. In these positions he both coordinated application procedures as the allocation and distribution of subsidies. Here, he learned that many subsidy opportunities, especially abroad, are missed by most organizations.
​
Jesse received his Master's degree in International Political Economy (International Relations) at the University of Groningen.
Our Commitments
Doing good
Doing good is at the very basis of everything we do. As a company, we aim to contribute to a better world by helping companies, organizations and individuals find the financial means to realize their dreams and ambitions.
Being passionate
We are passionate about what we do and what we aim to build. In our work, we strive with enthusiasm and dedication to help companies, organizations, and individuals achieve their goals.
Staying curious
Our curiosity is the key to our continuous growth and innovation. We actively foster a culture of inquisitiveness, encouraging our team and partners to always ask questions and seek new knowledge.
Having fun
In all our endeavors, let's not forget to have fun. After all, enjoying our journey might be what truly matters in the end.