Valenta AI Franchise - BeNeLux

More and more experienced professionals feel the need to use their knowledge and experience in a different way. Not only within one organisation or from one fixed role, but as entrepreneurs, with more freedom, impact, and responsibility.

In this interview, Abou shares why he chose Valenta, what doubts he had, and what gave him the confidence to take the step into entrepreneurship within an international network.

1. How did you come to the decision to become a Valenta Managing Partner?

“I have been an entrepreneur for many years. But recently, I felt that I was missing some passion in my work. I wanted to do something where I could use my expertise more effectively and experience more freedom at the same time.

The role of Managing Partner matched my personality, my technical background, and what I was truly looking for at that moment. It felt like a logical next step: building a business in a growing market, with a model that fits who I am and what gives me energy.

That is why I decided to become a Managing Partner at Valenta.”

2. What did you do before Valenta, and what attracted you to a new direction?

“Before Valenta, I had been active as a hospitality entrepreneur for many years. In addition, I am also active in the trade of FMCG products.

So entrepreneurship is not new to me. But I wanted to move in a direction where I would be less tied to one location. A business that I can build with more flexibility, without being fully dependent on one physical place or daily operational presence.

Valenta gave me the opportunity to combine my entrepreneurial experience with technology, client relationships, and a market where demand is clearly growing.”

3. Why did you choose Valenta instead of another path?

“For me, three things came together: the people, the model, and the timing.

More and more companies feel that they need to do something with AI, but they do not really know how to apply it practically in their own business. Valenta responds strongly to that need. It is not about technology for the sake of technology, but about helping companies understand their processes better, work smarter, and become more efficient.

I also experience the Valenta team as very helpful. There is support when needed, and that makes the model workable in practice.”

4. What concerns did you have, and how did you overcome them?

“With every entrepreneurial decision, you ask yourself questions. Does this fit me? Is this the right time? Can I really build something with this?

What gave me confidence was the support of the people around me. My wife also saw this as a strong opportunity that suited me well. That certainly helped me take the step with confidence.

In the end, it did not feel like a leap into the unknown, but like a conscious choice for something that fits my experience, interests, and ambitions.”

5. What is the biggest difference between being an employee and being a Managing Partner at Valenta?

“For me, the biggest difference is freedom and speed.

As a Managing Partner, you have the freedom to work when you want or when you can. You can act when action is needed, without depending on others who may slow processes down. That suits me well.

What gives me the most satisfaction is that you truly help companies. You map their processes, make bottlenecks visible, and help them understand where improvement is possible. Creating that insight is often already an important first step towards change.”

6. How do you experience working with the Valenta network and delivery teams?

“Within Valenta, there are many partners with different areas of expertise. That is a major strength.

When you receive a specific question about a certain sector or solution, there is usually someone within the network who has experience and can think along with you. You do not need to know or execute everything yourself.

That gives confidence. You can build local relationships and guide clients, while also having access to knowledge and expertise from a broader international team.”

7. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Managing Partner at Valenta? And would you make the same choice again today?

“My advice is to make the right assessment and to be realistic. Make sure you have a financial buffer and be prepared to work hard. Results do not come by themselves.

It takes time to build a client base. You need to understand that clearly before you start. At the same time, the Valenta model offers many opportunities in a market where the need is clearly growing.

For me, the satisfaction lies mainly in helping companies. That is why I would make the same choice again today.”

According to Sven De Groodt, Managing Director of Valenta Benelux, Abou’s profile strongly reflects what Valenta looks for in a Managing Partner:

“Abou combines entrepreneurship, commercial experience, and a practical view of business processes. That is valuable, because companies today are not looking for an abstract AI story, but for someone who understands where time, money, and energy are being lost. With Valenta, he gets the structure and international expertise to turn those insights into concrete solutions for clients.”