December 31, 2024 – As the final hours of 2024 tick away, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been nothing short of eventful. It was a year of movement, challenges, and growth; both professionally and personally. A year of navigating the ups and downs of life and business. Here’s a look back at what this year has brought me and the lessons I’m carrying forward into 2025.
A Tough Year for the Bicycle Industry
The bicycle industry has faced unprecedented struggles, and like many of our partners, we felt the impact deeply. This forced me to make a hard, yet necessary decision: to pivot our business model. Rather than focusing solely on consulting, we redirected our energy towards developing our own bicycle technologies. It wasn’t an easy shift, but sometimes the hardest decisions are the most transformative.
Big Wins and Bold Moves with ZAET
This year, ZAET celebrated a major milestone when we won the Gold China Bicycle Award. It wasn’t just a win for the company; it was a reminder of the power of innovation and perseverance. Our trip to China was unforgettable, filled with meetings with high-level industry leaders and a renewed sense of purpose.
We also launched our Innovation Hub, a space where ideas come to life and where I had the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring inventors and entrepreneurs. It’s moments like these that keep the fire burning, even when the road feels uncertain.
A Year of Personal Challenges and Joys
On the personal front, this year was filled with both heartbreak and hope. We said goodbye to my dear and beloved aunt, and my wife and I faced the pain of a miscarriage; a reminder of how fragile and precious life can be.
But amidst the sadness, there were also moments of light. My brother welcomed his daughter into the world, making me a proud uncle. And with immense gratitude, I can share that my wife and I are expecting our third child in July 2025. Life has a way of balancing the scales, even when it’s hard to see at first.
Exciting New Beginnings with Our New Home
2024 also marked another major milestone in my personal life: we’ve signed the contract for our new home, where my family will be moving in April 2025. This will set a new chapter for us, and I’m excited to begin this next phase of our lives in a place that will be full of memories, growth, and new opportunities.
Presenting at Formnext 2024: The Future of 3D Printing in E-Bike Development
One of the highlights of this year was being invited to present on stage at Formnext 2024, one of the leading events in the additive manufacturing world. I had the privilege of discussing how we incorporate 3D printing into our e-bike development process. It was an honor to share our journey with such a forward-thinking audience, and it reinforced my belief in the power of additive manufacturing to revolutionize the way we design and build bikes.
Guest Webinar on the Future of Micro-Mobility In addition, I was invited to give a guest webinar where I discussed my vision for the future of the micro-mobility industry. It was an exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, and explore how we can create a more sustainable and efficient future for urban transportation. The conversations and feedback were invaluable, and I’m inspired by the collective energy driving change in this space.
Launching Versebikes: A Dream Realized
2024 also saw the launch of Versebikes, a brand I’ve poured my heart into. Our first two partnerships, with Studebaker and Toverland, resulted in some truly unique bicycle concepts that we’ll be unveiling in January 2025. Seeing Versebikes come to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I can’t wait to share these creations with the world.
Progress at CY:ONS
At CY:ONS, we received funding to kickstart some exciting new projects. This has been a game-changer, allowing us to take bold steps forward in bicycle technology. We’re also in active discussions with several parties to secure further investments, fueling our vision for the future of cycling. The road ahead is promising, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
Looking Ahead to 2025
If 2024 has taught me anything, it’s that resilience and adaptability are key. The challenges we faced pushed us to grow in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. The successes reminded me why I started this journey in the first place: to create, to innovate, and to leave a lasting impact.
As I look to 2025, I’m filled with hope. There’s so much on the horizon, from new life to new opportunities. To all of you who have supported me this year, whether through partnerships, conversations, or simply cheering from the sidelines, thank you!
Happy New Year,
Tim Grootjans
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