Our team
Expertise and Entrepreneurship at Our Core
At LYDS, our team embodies a unique combination of consultancy, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, based on in-depth AI knowledge. With roots in leading tech firms, cutting-edge knowledge, and hands-on venture building, we bring the perfect balance of strategic insight and operational excellence to every project.
We are more than consultants—we are builders and co-creators. Our team’s entrepreneurial zeal drives us to move beyond advice, designing and implementing AI solutions that seamlessly transition from bold concepts to impactful realities. This hands-on approach ensures every solution we deliver is both innovative and practical, tailored to the unique challenges and ambitions of our clients.
Our multidisciplinary expertise empowers us to tackle complexity with precision, combining academic rigor with real-world applications. At LYDS, we don’t just help businesses adopt AI—we partner with them to create transformative solutions that drive measurable results, shaping industries and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Meet the team
Evangelos Kanoulas
FOUNDER
SEASONED ENTREPRENEUR & AI RESEARCHER
Artificial Intelligence industry expert and innovator Evangelos applies his expertise in language technology to design and implement impactful solutions for clients in the public and private sectors.
With experience at Google and a proven ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical applications, he specialises in addressing complex challenges and driving value for organisations. In addition to LYDS, Evangelos and Stratis also co-founded Ellogon, a scale-up to apply AI in healthcare.
As a Professor of Language Technology at the University of Amsterdam, Evangelos combines academic insight with industry knowledge, ensuring his work remains at the forefront of innovation and its practical impact.
Stratis Gavves
FOUNDER
ENTREPRENEUR, AI RESEARCHER & INNOVATOR
Combining a profound understanding of artificial intelligence with hands-on industry expertise and innovation power, Stratis consults for a wide range of organisations, delivering tailored AI-driven solutions to meet their strategic goals. With Evangelos, Stratis is also one of the co-founders of the scale-up Ellogon for AI in healthcare.
As an Associate Professor in AI at the University of Amsterdam, he bridges the gap between academia and business, translating cutting-edge research into practical applications that drive innovation and create tangible impact for clients. His dual roles ensure a unique ability to align theoretical advancements with real-world challenges.
Marc Salomon
FOUNDER
BOUNDARY SPANNER BETWEEN BUSINESS | ICT | QUANTS
With a background in applied mathematics and optimisation, Marc has led prominent quant departments at Rabobank and McKinsey & Company. Later, Marc further specialised in the leadership of professional service firms and demonstrated this as a board member at Stibbe, a top-tier law firm.
His background as a professor and dean at the University of Amsterdam Business School adds depth to his extensive industry expertise, enabling him to deliver innovative, results-oriented solutions for organisations that are navigating critical decisions.
Julien Rossi
FOUNDER
AI RESEARCHER, ENTREPRENEUR & SOFTWARE ENGINEER
With extensive expertise in software development and a deep understanding of business technology, Julien is a results-driven professional known for delivering impactful solutions.
He has collaborated with major business technology providers, demonstrating a strong ability to execute complex projects and drive innovation. Also, Julien is the co-founder of multiple AI companies in the domain of information retrieval and media.
His practical experience is complemented by his academic background as a Lecturer in Language Technology at the University of Amsterdam, providing a solid foundation for integrating theoretical insights into actionable outcomes for industry challenges.
Folkert Mulder
FOUNDER
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERT
Strategist and organizational development expert with deep expertise in Digital Transformation and the application of AI to drive innovation and efficiency.
Folkert guides firms through complex transformations and strategic shifts, leveraging his experience across diverse industries and regions to deliver impactful results. His academic foundation, including a Ph.D. from Erasmus University Rotterdam and a master’s from INSEAD, complements his practical approach to solving organizational challenges. As a board member at the Erasmus Centre for Leadership and a lecturer in Organizational Change at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Folkert combines cutting-edge insights with real-world application to support firms navigating the future of work and technology.