Nathalie van der Stap
Founder
My love for animals and Africa began long before I ever set foot on the continent. As a little girl, I was fascinated by nature documentaries, the vast landscapes, wildlife and the raw beauty of a world that felt both distant and deeply familiar.
Over the years, Africa became more than a childhood fascination. Through travel, work and the people we met, it became a place I feel deeply connected to. EverRootz is, in many ways, the continuation of that childhood dream.
To me, true conservation can only succeed when people and nature grow stronger together. We cannot ask communities to protect wildlife while they struggle to build a secure and self-sufficient future.
Lasting conservation means creating opportunities for people while protecting the wildlife and ecosystems we all depend on.
Bart van der Stap
Founder
EverRootz, for me, is rooted in a deep love and respect for nature, but equally in compassion and understanding for people. I believe that true and lasting progress can only happen when both are given the opportunity to grow together.
My philosophy is simple: not just to provide financial support, but to give people the tools and opportunities to build their own future. By combining technology, knowledge, passion and the right connections, I want to help create opportunities and build something that can ultimately continue to grow independently.
To me, that is what real sustainability means: empowering people, protecting nature, and creating something with a future.
Joanita van Gerwen
With an open mind and both feet firmly on the ground, I joined the Board of EverRootz Beyond Nature in September 2026.
The vision and ambition of EverRootz truly resonate with me. Through travel and curiosity about the world, I have experienced different cultures and the connection between people, animals and nature.
What I value most is that EverRootz turns ideas into action, supporting projects that help people, wildlife and nature grow stronger together.
I like to think of the five board members as EverRootz’ own Big Five. While others spot opportunities and explore new paths, I am the one who occasionally asks:“Great idea… but can we actually make it work?” Not to limit ambition, but to turn it into reality.
Tom Lievense
I have always been fascinated by how things work and by the potential of technology to solve practical challenges. With a background in mechanical engineering, software and industrial automation, I have spent much of my career designing, building and improving technical systems.
Alongside my professional work, I have been involved in several vertical farming projects, developing controllers, experimenting with automation and optimising nutrients and growing conditions. I am particularly inspired by the intersection of engineering, biology and sustainability.
At EverRootz, I hope to contribute my technical expertise to the development of practical solutions in automation, artificial intelligence, monitoring and sustainable technology.
Anne-Roos Verheijen
My inspiration has always come from nature — its landscapes, colours and raw, untouched beauty.
Every piece I paint is a tribute to that beauty, but over time I felt a growing need not only to be inspired by nature, but to give something back and help protect it.
Joining the board of EverRootz therefore felt like a natural step. It allows me to connect my work as an artist and entrepreneur to something bigger: helping create a future where people and nature can thrive together.
Through ARV the Label, I have seen how creativity and craftsmanship can create value and opportunity. I hope to bring that same spirit to EverRootz through storytelling, community and building something meaningful from the ground up.