Han van Doorn has secured funding from Aegon to continue to build his venture, of the ‘Are you OK today’-app. The 82-year-old Dutchman received a cheque for EUR 10,000 as winner of Start-up Plus, an Aegon-supported online learning program for entrepreneurs over 50.
Han developed a self-learning app that connects to the electricity meter box and tracks user behaviour. If the app detects a change from normal behaviour which could indicate a fall or other emergency, it asks the user to check in. If there is no reply, the app sends a signal to a caregiver.
'My son is keen to know that his old dad is alright, but I'd rather not carry an alarm button with me all the time, nor have cameras in my house. As I value my privacy, I have programed my personal version of the app to check with me first. If I don't respond, then my son is alerted,' according to Han.
Pitching
Han won the cash prize and was named winner of the pilot of the Start-up Plus Program after a thrilling final round, hosted at Aegonplein last week. His initiative also won the audience award. The event begun with an inspirational speech by founder of Dutch 50+ broadcaster Omroep MAX Jan Slagter and ended with an appearance by Dutch entrepreneur and investor Annemarie van Gaal, who moderated the grand finale.
The jury consisted of Aegon NL COO Wim Hekstra, customer experience expert Gayana Helder, banking entrepreneur Thierry Schaap, Leyden Academy's Ineke Vlek and start-up consultant Tony de Bree. They chose Han's pitch from a pool of six finalists.
Diek van Laarhoven and Inge Letschert:
An online marketplace where informal carers can find support, as well as flexible and reliable substitute carers. (1st runner up)
Saskia Danen de Vries:
The Dementia Academy. Health professionals can gather the latest research and information about dementia via their phone, tablet or pc.
Klaartje Gisolf:
Upcycle Factory. A workplace for 65 to 99 year olds where discarded materials are turned into handmade and sustainable products.
Ilse Pols:
Supporting informal carers with knowledge on relevant laws and regulations, as well as supporting them from a social and emotional perspective.
Robert Jan Everts:
A new energy drink made from natural ingredients, developed for gamers.
Start-up Plus
Start-up Plus is an 8-week online learning and coaching program developed by the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, together with Aegon. Over 50 participants used the time and resources offered to understand the essentials of what it means to become an entrepreneur. Aegon's involvement is a great fit with our purpose of helping people achieve a lifetime of financial security.
Research pubished by Forbes proves that entrepreneurs over 50 are much more successful than those in their thirties . Aegon's own research also shows that more than half of workers (54%) say they will change the way they work or continue working in retirement.
More pictures of the final
