
Eline van Beest is one of the most inspiring voices in the world of medical technology and entrepreneurship. As the founder of NightBalance, she developed the groundbreaking Sleep Position Trainer (SPT)—a non-invasive device for treating sleep apnea.
Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to courage, vision, and perseverance. What began as a graduation project at TU Delft (Industrial Design Engineering, cum laude) evolved into an international medtech innovation, acquired by Philips in 2018. With NightBalance, she raised millions in investment, built a strong team, and successfully brought the product to the global market. Later, she spun out a biotech company from the LUMC—Hybridize Therapeutics—securing a €100 million licensing deal and advancing RNA therapy towards clinical trials.
Her leadership style is thoughtful and remarkably effective—not by force, but by listening well, navigating smartly, and offering clear direction rooted in connection and vision. Beneath her seemingly down-to-earth approach lies a deep understanding of the forces that move (and sustain) teams, investors, and innovations. Perhaps it is precisely because she engages with what often remains below the surface that she is able to break through where others get stuck.
Eline combines deep operational experience with sharp investment insight. She serves on investment committees of multiple funds, including Thuja Capital, InvestNL’s Deep Tech Fund, VGZ’s ‘Voorop in Zorg’ fund, and the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund of TU Delft and Erasmus University. She also contributes actively to strengthening the Dutch innovation ecosystem through board roles at organizations such as Yes!Delft, the Netherlands Academy of Engineering, and as Chair of the TechChampions.
Her achievements have been recognized by MIT (35 Innovators Under 35), the World Women’s Forum, and with a Board Impact Award. Her work uniquely connects technology, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.
Eline speaks candidly about the challenges of entrepreneurship. What makes her story stand out is how she draws from unconventional sources of strength—often without the audience realizing it at first.
She speaks with energy, honesty, and a healthy dose of realism. With personal stories, sharp insights, and practical lessons, she resonates deeply with audiences. Eline is the ideal speaker for events focused on technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership—and often leaves her audience looking at effective leadership in a new light.