S01E10 | End of an Era: Reflecting on Aimforthemoon

The End of an Era

In my previous blogs, I shared the journey of exploring my "next big thing," the highs and lows, and the importance of embracing change. Today, I’m sharing a major update: after more than 12 incredible years, we have said goodbye to Aimforthemoon (April 2012* – June 2024?). From building our business from the ground up into a respected innovation brand with a large community of engaged entrepreneurs to experiencing significant personal growth, the journey has been incredible.

Since COVID, adapting our service model to the changing market has become increasingly difficult. Our beloved impact-driven corporate venture building projects became rare, leading us to the hard decision to stop Aimforthemoon at the end of June. I am deeply thankful for all the people I have worked with, supported us, and put their trust in us. A special thanks go to my partners in crime Jesse van der Meulen , Leonard Bukenya , and Jos Werner .

Turning Challenges into Lessons

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth and success; it’s also about managing decline and, at times, having to file for bankruptcy. Closing Aimforthemoon was very tough, but I look back with pride and gratitude for all the valuable memories and lessons learned. Aimforthemoon was built on an inspiring vision and even bigger ambitions. We created new ventures with entrepreneurs and corporates to make the world a better place. The journey was unforgettable, filled with highlights, challenges, lessons, and the formation of many new inspiring relationships. The photos below capture just a glimpse of our journey together.

Celebrating the Journey

To celebrate the Aimforthemoon journey, we’re having a reunion on Thursday, October 3rd, starting at 17:30. It’s a chance for everyone to share memories. If you’d like to join us, let me know, and I’ll send you an invitation.

Learning and Growing

The past year has been a reminder that setbacks are an inherent part of any entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable lessons on the importance of adaptability and resilience. This period, filled with unique challenges, has taught me the value of maintaining constant and transparent communication with all stakeholders. It’s also been essential to acknowledge and accept that not everything went as planned, and it's okay to feel sad about it. Another lesson I’ve learned is that failure is often a necessary step on the path to growth. Rather than being a source of embarrassment, failure should be seen as an opportunity to learn and start anew.?

Your Stories

I’d love to hear from you. Have you experienced a significant end that led to a new beginning? How did you handle the change, and what lessons did you learn? Share your stories and insights in the comments below or send me a message. Let’s continue to learn and grow together.