Michel Akkermans​

Executive Chairman

Michel is chairman of the board of NGDATA. He is a serial entrepreneur, private investor, advisor and board member, serving on the boards of public and private companies and private equity funds. He was co-founder, chairman and CEO of Clear2Pay, a finance technology company focused on global payment solutions, before it was acquired by FIS (Nasdaq: FIS) in 2014.

Before Clear2Pay, Michel was founder, CEO and chairman of FICS, a fintech company specialized in online banking and compliance reporting. In 1999, FICS merged with Security First Technologies, creating the leader in Internet banking – S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE), with Michel as its chairman.

He also was executive chairman of Data4S, a data analytics specialist, focusing on anti-money laundering applications. The company got acquired in 2004.

Michel holds a M.Sc. in electronic engineering and computer sciences and a degree in economics and finance from the University of Leuven in Belgium. He is multi-lingual and operates worldwide.

Doug Gross
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Doug is the Chief Executive Officer at NGDATA and brings more than 30 years of international experience. Before joining NGDATA, Doug was Executive Director of Corporate Banking Solutions at financial services technology specialist, FIS Global.

Prior to this, Doug was CEO of payments technology firm, Clear2Pay America, which was bought by FIS Global in 2014. He also held senior positions with S1, Unisys and HSBC.

Katrin Geyskens
Partner, Member Executive Committee, Capricorn Partners

Katrin brings twenty years of investment experience to the Capricorn Digital team. Before falling in love with venture capital, she had a short career in banking and management consulting followed by a try at a start-up.

The first female president of the BVA, she served on their board of directors for ten years. Next to working for Capricorn, Katrin is a council member of VARIO (the Flemish Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship) and a member of the supervisory board of EIT Digital. In 2020, she was named one of Belgium’s ‘Inspiring Fifty’, an award celebrating inspiring female leaders in technology.

Katrin is a Master of Business Economics: Business Engineering (KU Leuven) and she holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In her free time, Katrin loves to visit hippodromes in France together with her husband. She is an avid reader of vampire novels and enjoys a good glass of wine (or two).

Damien Fietta

Portfolio Operations Senior Manger, Eurazeo

Damien Fietta is a Portfolio Operations Senior Manager. As such, he is in charge of monitoring and valorizing the portfolio companies. He was formerly a Finance Manager.

Before joining the Group in 2012, Damien worked for the Asset Management department at Deloitte Associés for three years, where he carried out the audit of private equity management companies and their funds.

Damien graduated from ESC Montpellier, majoring in audit and finance.

Frederic Huynen
PARTNER, HPE GROWTH

Frederic is a partner at HPE Growth. He is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and deal execution of prospective investment opportunities in growth stage technology companies.

Frederic has expertise in FinTech and Enterprise Software, and is active in portfolio management looking after investments in NGDATA. Prior to joining HPE Growth in 2012, he built up international experience and concluded internships in a wide range of sectors.

Frederic holds an MSc. degree in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics, where he graduated with distinction. He also holds a MSc. degree in Business Engineering from the University of Leuven, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Frederic is a native of Belgium who is passionate about travelling and winter sports. He also enjoys fine food and having a glass of wine.