Dr Kris Naudts

Dr. Kris Naudts is a Belgian psychiatrist and entrepreneur, best known as the founder and former CEO of Culture Trip, a travel and media startup that focuses on cultural content. Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Naudts initially pursued a career in psychiatry, earning his MD and PhD from the University of Ghent and later serving as a forensic psychiatrist at King’s College London from 2003 to 2011.12

In 2011, he founded Culture Trip, driven by his passion for culture and travel. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly, employing over 300 people across offices in London, New York, and Tel Aviv. Culture Trip became known for its innovative approach to travel content, attracting millions of users and securing significant funding—over $100 million—through various investment rounds.125 The platform aimed to provide personalized cultural recommendations and insights about destinations worldwide.4

Naudts stepped down as CEO in August 2020 after nearly a decade at the helm, but he continues to be recognized for his contributions to the intersection of technology and travel.36 His background in psychiatry has influenced his entrepreneurial approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and fostering a positive company culture.1