Peter Laanen

Peter Laanen is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Dutch Game Garden, a prominent incubator and cluster organization for the Dutch games industry. He has been instrumental in guiding the organization since its inception in 2008, overseeing its development into a key player in supporting game developers in the Netherlands.

Background and Career

• Early Career: Laanen began his professional journey as a programmer in the late 1960s. His extensive experience spans various roles in business management both within the Netherlands and internationally.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: He co-founded the Ex’pression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, California, which reflects his commitment to education and innovation in digital arts. Additionally, he has been involved in helping European companies establish themselves in Silicon Valley through his company, Laanen – The Brand.56

Contributions to Dutch Game Garden

Under Laanen's leadership, Dutch Game Garden has supported over 130 companies through its incubation program and provided office space for more than 150 businesses. The organization has played a significant role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the Dutch gaming sector, contributing to events like INDIGO and various educational initiatives for startups.134

Current Situation

Recently, Dutch Game Garden announced that it would be closing its doors in January 2025 due to changes in public funding opportunities that have made it unsustainable to continue operations. In a statement reflecting on this decision, Laanen expressed pride in the organization's achievements over the past 17 years and acknowledged the impact it has had on the Dutch games industry.234

Laanen's leadership has been characterized by a focus on nurturing talent and facilitating growth within the gaming community, making him a respected figure in the industry.