🎙️ Building Lasting Companies with Sharon Klaver: Data, Design, and the Human Side of Venture Building

How do you build enduring startups that balance structure and freedom—while staying true to your humanity?

In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Klaver, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Builders, a Rotterdam-based venture studio that turns early ideas into impactful, scalable companies. With over 17 years of experience across diverse tech ventures, Sharon shares how she’s mastered the art of blending data-driven precision with deep human insight to create startups that truly last.

From launching her first company at 16 to building Builders into a thriving ecosystem for founders, Sharon’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. She opens up about the lessons learned from both successes and missteps, offering a raw look at the realities of entrepreneurship—from navigating partnerships to balancing motherhood with leadership.

Together, we explore what it really takes to create companies with purpose—why validation should come before building, how founders can design structure without stifling creativity, and why authenticity remains the strongest foundation of all.

🔑 In this episode, we talk about:

• Sharon’s journey from teenage founder to serial entrepreneur
• The origins and vision behind Builders, and what makes its venture model unique
• Why data-driven decision-making is vital for startup success
• Balancing creativity and structure in fast-moving ventures
• The importance of celebrating small wins along the entrepreneurial path
• How motherhood reshaped Sharon’s approach to leadership and work-life integration
• Building “mini brands” to establish early trust and validation
• Rethinking unicorn culture—why lasting companies matter more than hype
• The Builders model: working in-house with founders to accelerate quality and impact
• Lessons on collaboration, curiosity, and staying grounded through the journey

• “First sell, then build.” Validation is the most powerful form of focus.
• Lasting beats unicorn. True success is building something sustainable and meaningful.
• Structure fuels creativity. Boundaries empower founders to innovate with clarity.
• Personal brand = trust. Every founder is also the face of their venture.
• Celebrate small wins. Progress compounds through appreciation and reflection.
• Authenticity builds connection. The best brands start from genuine human stories.

00:00 – The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur

08:54 – Building Lasting Startups

15:49 – Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

22:44 – Childhood Influences on Entrepreneurship

29:46 – Diversity in Business Ventures

31:06 – The Spark of Entrepreneurship

35:30 – Data-Driven Decision Making

39:20 – The Crowdfunding Experience

45:44 – From Spark to Champagne: The Journey

48:58 – Finding the Right Founders

53:17 – Creating a Mini Brand

57:44 – Ongoing Brand Development

01:02:23 – The Importance of Marketing in Startups

01:08:33 – Understanding the Builders Model vs. Traditional Accelerators

01:17:08 – The Role of Founders and Team Dynamics

01:23:53 – Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Founders

🔗 Links & Resources:

🌍 Builders → builders.studio

📚 Related themes: entrepreneurship, startups, venture building, branding, motherhood, data-driven strategy, innovation, sustainable growth

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode:

This episode is a masterclass in how to build with intention. Sharon Klaver brings a refreshing honesty to the world of startups—reminding us that the best companies are built not just with ambition, but with empathy, validation, and heart. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, her perspective on balancing data and humanity will inspire you to rethink how you build, lead, and live.

📣 Connect with Us:

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