Shayan holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from UHasselt, with a specialization in Finance, Accounting, and Taxation. During his studies, he developed a deep interest in how economic systems, no matter how complex or abstract, ultimately come down to human relationships. This curiosity led him to academic research, and he is currently pursuing a PhD within the Research Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Firms (RCEF). His research focuses on cofounder relationships in start-ups: how entrepreneurs select each other, negotiate the cofounder agreement, and collaborate.

What drives him is the belief that even the most intricate systems can be traced back to human interaction. By better understanding cofounder dynamics, he aims to contribute to a more resilient and thriving start-up ecosystem in Belgium. He sees entrepreneurship not only as an economic engine but also as a social fabric built on trust, commitment, autonomy, and cooperation.

With a keen eye for systems thinking and human connection, he strives to bridge the gap between academic insights and real-world impact. His ambition is to become a key figure in Belgium’s start-up landscape and help foster sustainable growth locally, regionally, and beyond.

For him, leadership is about staying true to oneself while creating space for others to grow. He strongly believes in small, deliberate actions that can create long-term impact. Guided by this conviction, he wants to contribute as an ambassador to a community where people, ideas, and initiatives come together to drive meaningful change.