Meet the team

Hi I am Willem, the founder of Starling. Growing up in the Netherlands, I cherish its culture of freedom, endeavor and going there where others haven't been. My fascination with complex problems and wanting to understand how things work led me to embark on a study in physics. First in Amsterdam, and later doing my doctoral studies in Belgrade, Serbia. During my studies, I was often frustrated by the lack of good options to juggle lots of data from diverse projects. Due to my adventurous and hands-on nature (and just a tad of arrogance) I set out on creating this dream application myself; first I worked on it in my free evening hours, and after graduating, full time. This is what became Starling, and I hope you enjoy working with it.

https://x.com/wvmvg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgerven

I am a passionate and reliable soul, deeply committed to fostering positivity and connection in all I do. My background spans software development, marketing, PR, and customer support, allowing me to contribute meaningfully in various roles. Whether collaborating with others or working independently, I bring a sense of purpose and harmony to every task. My journey has led me to the Starling team, where I’m eager to share my energy and continue growing in a supportive and inspired environment.

As a seasoned cybersecurity consultant with a strong background in technology, coupled with experience as a U.S. Army Veteran, I possess a unique blend of technical expertise, threat analysis, and adaptability in high-pressure environments. My proficiency in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security solutions, and mitigating cyber risks makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking a dynamic and results-oriented cybersecurity professional. My dedication to protecting critical assets, staying ahead of evolving threats, and optimizing security postures, coupled with a leadership style that prioritizes growth, well-being, and empowerment further underscores my dedication to this field.

I look to add value to Starling through looking at the bigger picture, zooming in for realities and the critical grits, testing assumptions. My background is in Corporate and Start-up B2B sales; experienced in training and coaching, consulting on business planning and Start-up development.