How nexxworks has built nexxworks

The birth of an ecosystem

Ten years ago, we set out to create something bigger than a company. Here’s how we accidentally built a self-sustaining ecosystem with a double flywheel—without losing our minds (well, mostly).

Intro

“Rik, got a good example of an ecosystem? You write about it and it inspires us, but it’d be nice to actually see one.”?

I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked this. And honestly, it used to stump me. Sure, I could rattle off examples from tech giants or nature (because we all love a good forest analogy, right?). But it wasn’t until last week, when we celebrated 10 years of nexxworks, that I finally realized the answer had been staring me in the face the whole time.

From Tiny Office to Double Flywheel

Let’s rewind to 10 years ago. Peter, Steven, and I were just getting started with nexxworks. We didn’t have a grand vision of building a massive company or a fancy headquarters. In fact, our first office was so small, two people could barely squeeze in without bumping knees. And truth be told, we didn’t even need it—we were mostly working out of coffee shops, hiding behind our laptops, dreaming up something big. But what we had in mind wasn’t just another business. We wanted to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that could grow on its own. Did we call it an ecosystem back then? Most probably not. We didn’t even knew what name we would give the thing we wanted to build.?

And then, like with most big ideas, reality kicked in. Building something I would now call “an ecosystem with a double flywheel” seemed great in theory. But in practice? Well, that’s where things got interesting.

You see, we weren’t just trying to build a company. We were also trying to create something that could best be described as a platform—a space where knowledge, insights, and connections could flow freely. And if there’s one thing I learned as CEO, it’s that you can’t be a company and a platform at the same time. At least not without a few sleepless nights and a lot of lessons learned. And growing white hair?and extra canyons in your face as an extra.?And bags under your eyes where the clothes of a whole family can be fit in. But hey, I survived. More or less.

The Buzzword

I’ll never forget 2020. No, not just because of the pandemic (though that was quite the curveball). A few days before the global lockdowns, I was in San Francisco leading a custom-made tour—my pride and joy, the product that I poured my heart into. During one of our sessions, a participant—a big deal in his industry—pulled me aside and asked, “Rik, can you explain this whole ‘ecosystem’ thing? I’ve been hearing it everywhere, and honestly, I don’t get it.”

Tex (that is his name) hated not knowing something, and I could relate. So I did what any self-respecting ‘thought leader’ would do—I promised to write a book about it. And that’s how my book The Guide to the Ecosystem Economy was born. After months of being pregnant and some painful labour.

Here’s the funny part: while writing the book, I wasn’t even thinking about nexxworks. You know how it is when you’re too close to something? You just don’t see it. Until you see it and then you can’t unsee it anymore. But that is now, not then.

Back then my mind was on smart cities—big, shiny, data-driven networks. But as I was piecing together the five building blocks of an ecosystem—hardware (infrastructure), sensors, networks, platforms, and applications—I had a lightbulb moment. That would make a great story, but it would be a terrible lie.

The aha-moment

The real aha-moment happened to me only last week, while hiding in my head while nexxworks was celebrating its 10 years anniversary. I don’t like parties. I am that guy ‘you will always find in the kitchen at parties’. In this case, the kitchen was my own head where I was hiding in deep thoughts and some daydreaming.?

?And there was light, all of a sudden: “Wait a minute…” I thought. “We’re building this perfect example at nexxworks.”

The Double Flywheel: Easier Said Than Done

Now, here’s the thing about building an ecosystem. It sounds great on paper—throw in some infrastructure, toss in a few participants, and boom! You’ve got yourself a thriving, self-sustaining network. Except, that’s not exactly how it went down.

In the early days, we were pouring everything we had into growing nexxworks. I’m talking time, energy, and—yes—a lot of money. We had to build both the platform and the applications we called ‘experiences’ (and that is what they truly are) that would eventually feed the platform. Problem was, there wasn’t yet a strong enough platform or enough experiences to keep the whole thing running. So, we had to do it all ourselves.

It was like pushing a boulder up a hill—if that boulder also required constant updates and a steady stream of fresh coffee (I don't leave cookies, but half empty cups), We knew that once the double flywheel started turning, things would get easier. But getting there? Well, let’s just say there were plenty of moments where we questioned our sanity.

The First Participants: Our Heroes

?I can’t thank the first participants enough: you know them by their disruptive names like De Patrick, Den Harry (not the Potter one), Den Erwin... They were the real pioneers—the people who took a chance on our tours, bootcamps, and workshops when we were still figuring things out. They didn’t just participate; they helped us build the foundation of what nexxworks would become.

These early adopters didn’t just show up for a few days of inspiration and networking. They became part of something bigger—a growing ecosystem that they helped nurture. Every keynote, every workshop, every custom tour we hosted was a piece of the puzzle. And over time, as more people joined, the double flywheel started to turn.

The Flywheel in Action

?Fast forward to last week. We’re celebrating 10 years of nexxworks, and I’m looking around the room, realizing that over 5,000 participants have been on our tours. Thousands more have joined us through keynotes, bootcamps, and workshops. All of them have become part of this ecosystem that we built together.

?Here’s the wild part: every participant is like a sensor, feeding the platform with their ideas, insights, and experiences. They aren’t just passively soaking up knowledge—they’re actively contributing to the network, helping it grow and evolve. It’s a living, breathing thing.

?And me? I was standing there, grinning like a proud parent at their kid’s graduation, realizing that we’ve created something special. This isn’t just a company. It’s a real, self-sustaining ecosystem. And we are the very best in the whole wide universe at what we do: preparing companies for their Day After Tomorrow.

Lesson Learned: You Can’t Do It Alone

?Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t build an ecosystem alone. Sure, we had a vision, but it was the participants, partners, and early adopters who made it a reality.?

?We wanted to create value, but the value came from the network itself—from the people who contributed their own experiences, knowledge, and energy. That’s the magic of the double flywheel. It’s not about what you put in—it’s about what the network gives back.

?In 2024, I look at nexxworks and realize we’ve built something that’s not just sustainable, but growing. We’ve created an ecosystem that thrives on its own, generating value for everyone involved. And the best part? We’re just getting started. The double flywheel is in full swing, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

One more thing

So, if you’re still wondering what an ecosystem looks like, you don’t have to look any further. We’ve built one at nexxworks. And it’s here to stay. If you are not part of the ecosystem yet, you are more than welcome.

?

Rik, Co-founder and first CEO of nexxworks

?