Lucy Howie

Real talk, let me break down Lucy Howie. This guy is the real deal in the startup world. He’s a total hustler who jumped into the deep end pretty early and has been crushing it ever since. So, Lucy’s from New Zealand, yeah, the land of hobbits and good vibes, but now he’s based in the Netherlands, doing big things in health tech and employee well-being.

He kicked off his career with some solid gigs at Zalando, Europe’s fashion giant. He was heading up business development and operations there, so he’s got that scale-up hustle in his veins. But what really set him apart is his move into the startup scene, he’s not just riding the wave, he’s making his own.

Back in 2020, he co-founded Quan, a software company that’s all about helping teams crush burnout and stay peak. Think of it like a health coach for workplaces, backed by Y Combinator in W22, that’s the big leagues, no cap. As the Chief Product Officer, Lucy’s been the brains behind creating a platform that’s science-backed and super practical. His goal? Make work better, healthier, more sustainable. That’s some advanced impact right there.

But it’s not just Quan. Before that, he was CEO at FuelUp, a tech scouting firm. He took that company all the way to a successful exit, that’s a huge win, shows he’s got the grit and vision to build and scale. Plus, he’s dipped his toes in the biz world as a consultant for big groups like Enterprise Estonia and Kiwiticker™, and even been a board trustee for a women’s business org, the Fantail Network. The dude’s got a broad spectrum of experience, from corporate giants to startups, to advising governments.

And his background? It’s pretty dope. He studied Exercise Science at Otago, so he’s always been into human performance and health. Then he grabbed an MBA from Edinburgh, dude’s serious about understanding the business side of things. Add in certifications in employment law, lean management, and human-centered design, and you see he’s all about blending tech, health, and practical leadership.

What’s his story telling us? It’s simple: this guy’s driven by a real desire to make a difference, not just chase money or fame. He saw a problem, burnout in workplaces, and jumped in with Quan, building something that actually helps people thrive. His process’s about taking his diverse experiences, from fashion to tech to health, and using them to create real impact. He’s someone who’s not afraid to jump into new spaces, learn fast, and be productive.

So yeah, Lucy Howie isn’t just some startup guy, he’s a force pushing the boundaries of how we work and take care of each other. He’s proof that if you’re passionate and willing to do the work, you can turn ideas into something that changes lives. That’s why he’s someone to watch, the guy’s just getting started.