The Life Story of Jitse Groen
Early Life and Education: Building the Foundations
Jitse Groen’s journey started in the scenic city of Delft, Netherlands, where he was born on June 2, 1978. Raised in the quaint towns of Kolhorn and ‘t Veld.
Jitse grew up in an environment that balanced the charm of small-town life with the intellectual stimulation of having parents in academia and technology.
Jitse Groen’s mother, a teacher, and his father, an automation engineer, likely instilled curiosity and technical understanding in him.
Groen’s pursuit of higher education led him to the University of Twente, a hub for budding technologists, where he studied business information technology.
However, Jitse’s entrepreneurial spirit soon called him away from academic pursuits, setting him on a path to disrupt the food delivery industry.
Takeaway.com: Turning a Challenge into Opportunity
In 2000, at the threshold of the new millennium, Groen, then just 21 years old, noticed a glaring gap in the market: the difficulty of getting quality takeaway food delivered in North Holland.
Seizing this opportunity, he founded Takeaway.com, initially known as Thuisbezorgd.nl. This venture started as a simple solution to a local problem but soon grew into a pioneering effort in the online food delivery service sector.
Groen’s entrepreneurial instinct and technical know-how helped him navigate the early days of the Internet era to establish a foothold in this nascent industry.
Rapid Growth and Market Domination
The early 2000s were a period of rapid expansion for Takeaway.com. Groen’s keen business sense led him to secure significant funding, raising €13 million in 2012, which was instrumental in propelling the company onto the international stage.
By 2016, Groen’s vision and leadership had taken the company to such heights that he confidently led Takeaway.com to go public on Euronext Amsterdam.
His strategic insight was further demonstrated in 2018 when he oversaw the acquisition of significant competitors in Germany from Delivery Hero, consolidating Takeaway.com’s market position.
Merging Giants: Creating Just Eat Takeaway.com
In 2020, a significant merger reshaped the online food delivery landscape. Takeaway.com and Just Eat, two giants in the industry, merged to form Just Eat Takeaway.com, with Groen at the helm as CEO.
This merger marked a significant achievement in Groen’s career and positioned the new entity as a formidable force in the global food delivery industry.
Groen’s stake in the company evolved from owning 35% of Takeaway.com before the merger to holding an 11.3% share in the larger Just Eat Takeaway.com.
A Wealth of Achievements and Forward-Thinking Philosophy
Jitse Groen’s entrepreneurial success brought him wealth and considerable recognition. He was celebrated as the Netherlands’ richest self-made millionaire under 40 in 2017 and attained billionaire status in 2018.
His business philosophy, particularly his stance on employee welfare, has been a defining aspect of his leadership.
Groen has been vocal about improving working conditions for delivery personnel.
This commitment was evident in his 2020 announcement to transition from gig workers in Europe. This move underscored his belief in offering more benefits and security to employees.
Navigating Controversies and Adapting to Changes
Despite his successes, Groen’s journey has not been without its challenges. In 2023, he faced criticism for reverting to a self-employed gig worker model in Britain, impacting numerous workers.
This decision highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the gig economy and the balancing act companies face between growth and social responsibility.
Personal Life: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Away from the corporate world, Groen leads a relatively private life. His significant investment in a luxurious 9-bedroom house in Noordwijk in 2017 speaks to his success, while his hobby as an avid flyer reveals a personal passion for adventure and freedom.
Despite his high-profile status, Groen has maintained a veil of privacy around his personal life, sharing only glimpses of his interests and lifestyle.
The Enduring Legacy of Jitse Groen
Jitse Groen’s story is a testament to the power of identifying a need and relentlessly pursuing a solution. From a simple idea, he built a business empire that forever changed the landscape of food delivery services.
As he continues to lead and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry, his legacy as an innovator and a visionary entrepreneur is firmly cemented in the annals of modern business history.
~
Key Points and Facts
Background and Early Life
- Born: Jitse Groen was born on June 2, 1978.
- Birthplace: He was born in Delft, Netherlands.
- Upbringing: Groen was raised in Kolhorn and ‘t Veld, Netherlands.
- Family Background: His mother worked as a teacher and his father was an automation engineer.
- Education: Jitse attended the University of Twente, studying business information technology, but did not complete his bachelor’s degree.
Career and Entrepreneurship
- Founding Takeaway.com: In 2000, at 21 years old, Groen founded Takeaway.com (initially Thuisbezorgd.nl).
- Inspiration: He was inspired by the difficulty of getting takeaway delivery in North Holland.
- Leaving University: He left university in 2003 due to the critical growth phase of Takeaway.com.
- Expansion: By 2012, he had raised €13 million for expansion.
- Public Offering: Takeaway.com went public on the Euronext Amsterdam in 2016.
- Major Acquisitions: Groen acquired main competitors in Germany from Delivery Hero in 2018.
- Merger: Takeaway.com merged with Just Eat in 2020, with Groen becoming CEO of the merged entity.
Wealth and Recognition
- Ownership: He held 35% of Takeaway.com before the merger and owns 11.3% of Just Eat Takeaway.com after.
- Net Worth: His net worth was estimated at US$1.2 billion in October 2021, but dropped to US$350 million by June 2022.
- Accolades: Named the Netherlands’ richest self-made millionaire under 40 in 2017 and became a billionaire in 2018.
Business Philosophy and Practices
- Advocacy: In 2020, Groen announced plans to end the use of gig workers, focusing on benefits and taxes for workers.
- Controversy: In 2023, he returned to a self-employed gig worker model in Britain, affecting around 1,870 workers.
Personal Life
- Residence: Groen lives in the Netherlands.
- Significant Purchase: In 2017, he bought a 9-bedroom house in Noordwijk for around €10.25 million.
- Hobbies: He is an avid flyer with a pilot license.
- Privacy: Groen maintains a private personal life with few publicly known details.
~
Jitse Groen
Early Life
- 1978: Jitse Groen was born on June 2nd in Delft, Netherlands. He grew up in Kolhorn and ‘t Veld. His mother was a teacher, and his father an automation engineer.
Educational Journey
- University Years: Groen studied business information technology at the University of Twente. He started a web development startup during his university years but didn’t complete his degree.
Founding of Takeaway.com
- 2000: At 21, Groen founded Takeaway.com (originally Thuisbezorgd.nl) inspired by the challenge of getting takeaway delivery in North Holland.
Professional Growth
- 2003: Groen left university due to Takeaway.com’s significant growth.
- 2012: He raised €13 million for the company’s international expansion.
- 2016: Takeaway.com was made public on the Euronext Amsterdam.
- 2017: Groen was recognized as the Netherlands’ richest self-made millionaire under 40 and bought a 9-bedroom house in Noordwijk for about €10.25 million.
- 2018: He acquired major competitors in Germany from Delivery Hero and became a billionaire.
Major Business Moves
- 2020: Groen merged Takeaway.com with Just Eat, becoming CEO of Just Eat Takeaway.com. This merger expanded the company’s reach to 23 countries. He also announced plans to end the use of gig workers in Europe.
- 2021: In response to criticism from Uber’s CEO, he declared all Just Eat workers would receive minimum pay, sick pay, and paid holiday. His net worth was estimated at US$1.2 billion in October.
Recent Developments
- 2022: By June, Groen’s net worth dropped to US$350 million.
- 2023: He returned to a self-employed gig worker model in Britain, impacting around 1,870 workers.
Personal Life and Interests
- Groen enjoys flying and has a pilot license. He is known for keeping his personal life private.
This timeline highlights Jitse Groen’s remarkable journey from a university student to a leading figure in the online food delivery industry, marked by entrepreneurial spirit, strategic business decisions, and a commitment to his interests.
~
Lessons from Jitse Groen’s Life
Embracing Entrepreneurship at a Young Age
Lesson:Â It’s never too early to start a business. Jitse Groen founded Takeaway.com at age 21, showing that age is just a number for entrepreneurship.
His journey teaches us that young people can achieve remarkable things in the business world with a clear vision and determination.
Pursuing Passion Over Traditional Education
Lesson: Follow your passion, even if it means taking unconventional paths.
Groen left his university studies to focus on Takeaway.com’s growth.
This decision underlines the importance of pursuing what you are passionate about, even if it deviates from traditional educational paths. It’s a reminder that success can come through various routes, not just academic achievements.
Adapting to Change and Overcoming Challenges
Lesson: Be adaptable and open to change. Throughout his career, Groen faced numerous challenges, including the need to shift employment models at Just Eat Takeaway.
Groen’s ability to adapt and respond to changing business environments and societal needs is a crucial lesson in resilience and flexibility.
It teaches us the importance of being open to change and finding solutions to adversity.
Jitse Groen’s life story is not just about business success; it’s a narrative of daring to dream, taking risks, and constantly adapting to new challenges.
These lessons are vital for young individuals stepping into entrepreneurship or any field requiring innovation and resilience.
~
Frequently Asked Questions about Jitse Groen
When and where was Jitse Groen born?
- Jitse Groen was born on June 2, 1978, in Delft, Netherlands.
What did Groen’s parents do for a living?
- His mother was a teacher, and his father worked as an automation engineer.
Did Jitse Groen complete his university education?
- No, he studied business information technology at the University of Twente but did not complete his degree.
What inspired Groen to start Takeaway.com?
- Groen was inspired to start Takeaway.com (originally Thuisbezorgd.nl) due to the difficulty in getting takeaway delivery in North Holland.
When did Groen found Takeaway.com and how old was he?
- He founded Takeaway.com in 2000 when he was just 21 years old.
What major steps did Groen take to expand Takeaway.com?
- Groen raised €13 million 2012 for expansion and took the company public on Euronext Amsterdam in 2016.
What significant business moves did Groen make in recent years?
- He made major acquisitions in Germany from Delivery Hero in 2018 and merged Takeaway.com with Just Eat in 2020, becoming CEO of the merged entity.
What is Jitse Groen’s stance on gig workers?
- Groen initially planned to end the use of gig workers in 2020, focusing on more benefits and workplace protection. However, in 2023, he returned to a self-employed gig worker model in Britain.
How did Groen’s net worth change over time?
- His net worth was estimated at US$1.2 billion in October 2021 but dropped to US$350 million by June 2022.
Where does Jitse Groen live and what are his hobbies?
- Groen lives in the Netherlands, enjoys flying, and holds a pilot license. In 2017, he bought a 9-bedroom house in Noordwijk for approximately €10.25 million.
These questions provide a snapshot of Jitse Groen’s life, from his early beginnings to his significant achievements and personal interests, painting a picture of a successful and dynamic entrepreneur.
References:
Just Eat to stop using gig economy workers
How Jitse Groen made Takeaway.com a leading food delivery player
Jennifer Jacquemart / European Union, 2023 / EC – Audiovisual Service, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
