Dorus van den Oord

Yo, have you heard of Dorus van den Oord? This dude is the real deal in the startup world. He’s the CEO and co-founder of Orderli, a sick Y Combinator-backed company that’s changing how bars and pubs in Europe handle orders. Think QR codes on tables, no apps needed, that let customers order straight from their phones. It’s super smooth and cuts out all the bullshit of traditional ordering. Plus, they’ve got some crazy backend AI that helps restaurant owners improve their menus and stock in real time. No wonder they’ve already processed over 5 million euros in orders and even expanded into markets like Portugal.

Here’s what’s wild about Dorus. He’s not your typical Silicon Valley guy with a fancy MBA. He studied Planned Product Design at Delft University of Technology and is self-taught when it comes to front-end dev. That means he’s got the technical chops but also understands the product inside-out. And get this: he’s faced rejection after rejection from YC, like four times. But he didn’t quit. He kept pushing, kept refining, kept knocking on doors until he finally got in. That persistence? That grit? That’s what sets him apart.

What does this say about him? Honestly, it’s the classic startup story but with a twist, he’s someone who’s not afraid of rejection, who sees setbacks as fuel, and who’s all about making real impact. His process shows he’s super motivated, not just chasing the money but genuinely trying to make dining and drinking experiences better, faster, smarter. The fact that Orderli’s grown so much under his leadership, attracted international attention, and is recognized as one of the most original Dutch startups of 2021? That’s a proof to his vision and hustle.

Basically, Dorus is the kind of founder you want to watch. He’s got that mix of technical skill, resilience, and a clear vision to shake up the hospitality scene. No Cap, he’s the kind of guy who’s gonna keep crushing it and pushing boundaries.