Jan Oudeman is the founder and CEO of Grivy, a consumer data company that helps brands with personalization at scale. 

Grivy is currently expanding to other markets including Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia.

‍

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

As the founder and CEO, I spend my time on strategy and innovation.

‍

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

The immense complexity of orchestrating O2O campaigns with the help of an ecosystem of advertising agencies, clients, retailers, and partners.

‍

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Building a company that is super profitable without venture capital money.

‍

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

AI on consumer understanding, given the enormous amount of parameters that influence consumer purchase behavior.

‍

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Do not start a data company.

‍

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

Consumer identity graph and the underlying data—it’s fascinating.

‍

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

The Pianist.

‍

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Cherry.

‍

FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.