Founder & CEO
View moreLucas Simons
Lucas Simons, our dynamic CEO, harbors a deep-seated passion for sustainable agriculture, dedicating his entire career to nurturing its growth and evolution. A decade ago, he recognized a gap in the market and established SCOPEinsight with the vision to enhance the connectivity of agribusinesses with burgeoning markets. Under his leadership, the organization has blossomed from a fledgling entity offering business assessments to a frontrunner in delivering indispensable business intelligence, and assisting stakeholders in making informed investment and capacity-building decisions.
Lucas is a fervent advocate for fostering partnerships and scaling sustainability, firmly believing in their potential to ignite a transformative wave of momentum and facilitate enduring change in the industry. This conviction propelled him to pioneer AMEA, an unprecedented global platform committed to fostering a data-driven and scalable strategy, transforming farmer organizations into flourishing enterprises.
With a rich background in spearheading sustainability initiatives in the marketplace, Lucas has continually been at the forefront of innovation. Before bringing SCOPEinsight to life, he marked a significant milestone as the inaugural director of UTZ Certified (2002-2008), a pre-eminent entity setting benchmarks for sustainable practices in the coffee, cocoa, and tea industries globally. In this role, Lucas played a pivotal part in expanding the certification label on a global scale, solidifying his status as a stalwart in the pursuit of market sustainability solutions.
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Every time a that a market fails - because of the same reasons - we tend to do the same things about it. We tend to respond in the same way, we make the same mistakes... there are no simple solutions...we need to change the rules of the game and go to the root causes.
COO
View moreMarise Blom
Marise is a dynamic force in the business realm, boasting over three decades of comprehensive experience that spans an impressive range of industries – from mammoth multinationals and fledgling start-ups to financial funds. In her role as the COO of SCOPEinsight since 2013, she has adeptly helmed a team of high-caliber professionals, fostering an environment that encourages efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness.
Before embarking on her transformative journey with SCOPEinsight, Marise amassed a wealth of diverse experiences that have greatly enriched her current role. She held significant positions including COO/CFO at an emerging market investment fund, managing director at a burgeoning IT start-up, and executive director at a financial communications firm. These pivotal roles have synergistically contributed to her present mission: pioneering a transformation in the agricultural sector within emerging markets through the strategic professionalization of agribusinesses.
Backing her industrious career is a strong academic pedigree; Marise holds an MSc in Economics from the esteemed Groningen University in the Netherlands, a testament to her deep knowledge and analytical acumen in the field. This robust educational foundation fuels her ongoing pursuit to revolutionize the agricultural landscape, steering it towards a future of innovation and prosperity.
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At SCOPEinsight, I channel my entrepreneurial spirit to foster solutions that are both sustainable and commercially viable, cultivating mutual benefits for agribusinesses, NGOs, corporates, financiers, and governments alike.
Business Intelligence Analyst
View moreArdavan Vameghi
As a Business Intelligence Analyst at SCOPEinsight, Ardavan skillfully oversees data workflows and spearheads the development of National Cooperative Databases, as well as the innovation of data visualization techniques. He expertly automates ETL tasks and orchestrates groundbreaking machine learning projects, simultaneously focusing on amplifying the efficiency and augmenting the sophistication of assessment tools to ensure that clients experience a seamless and rewarding journey with SCOPEinsight.
At the core of Ardavan’s professional ethos is a profound passion for harnessing agricultural insights from raw data, facilitating the maturation and professional growth of farmer organizations. His expertise in implementing machine learning algorithms, fueled by rich SCOPEinsight data, allows him to provide unparalleled technical assistance to farmer organizations. This fosters greater access to finance and paves the way for members to achieve a living income, a contribution of which he is immensely proud.
An academically decorated professional, Ardavan holds a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from the prestigious TIAS School for Business and Society in Utrecht. His academic journey is marked by a noteworthy achievement where he explored the correlation between a healthy diet and the prediction of COVID-19 case numbers, a research endeavor that was honored with the Best Thesis Award for its exceptional focus on a pertinent Business and Society topic. This accolade stands as a testament to his analytical prowess and commitment to societal betterment through data analysis.
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At SCOPEinsight, I am thrilled to blend technology and agriculture, crafting innovative solutions that bolster market readiness and forge stronger linkages. Together, we are scripting a narrative of progress, powered by data and driven by an unwavering commitment to enhancing market linkages.
Administrative Operations Officer
View moreAriane Merci Isimbi
In her critical role as Administrative Operations Officer, Ariane seamlessly coordinates efforts to train assessors, facilitate assessments, and ensure that every SCOPEinsight client enjoys a smooth and fruitful journey. A veteran in the SCOPEinsight methodology, Ariane brings a wealth of firsthand experience, having dedicated six years to roles as a SCOPE assessor and a quality controller. This tenure has cultivated a deep and nuanced understanding of the intricacies of the process.
Ariane grasps the pivotal role farmers play in the agricultural sector, and deeply appreciates the transformative power of SCOPEinsight’s comprehensive assessment tools. She views these tools as essential instruments, driving growth and fostering innovation in agribusinesses and facilitating the forward momentum of the agricultural sector at a broader scale.
Academically grounded with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the prestigious National University of Rwanda, Ariane integrates a rich knowledge base into her operational strategies, fueling initiatives that resonate deeply within the agricultural community.
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With roots deep in agriculture, I understand the intrinsic value of nurturing growth from the ground up. At SCOPEinsight, we are working hand in hand to empower agribusinesses, forging robust market linkages and fostering a culture of readiness and resilience.
Operations Manager
View moreDaisy Forzan
Daisy contributes a rich background in project management and coordination to her role at SCOPEinsight, leveraging several years of experience to foster excellence within the team. As a bilingual powerhouse, fluent in both Spanish and English, she expertly navigates clients through a fluid and streamlined assessment process, serving as a vital bridge of communication.
A fervent advocate for SCOPEinsight’s mission, Daisy harbors a deep appreciation for the organization’s steadfast dedication to fostering positive change within the agricultural sector, particularly its efforts in empowering farmers to reach new heights. She resonates profoundly with the noble pursuit of transforming the agricultural market into a hub of innovation and sustainability.
Daisy holds a distinguished academic background, with a Master’s degree in International Relations from Webster University in Leiden, The Netherlands. Further solidifying her expertise, she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, supplemented with a minor in Political Science and Government from Florida International University. This robust educational portfolio equips her with the insights and knowledge to be a formidable force in advancing SCOPEinsight’s objectives.
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At SCOPEinsight, I channel my passion for positive change into actionable strategies that boost market readiness. Together, we are crafting a future where agribusinesses are not just participants but dynamic players shaping the global market narrative.
Product Owner
View moreFarzad Nia
In his pivotal role as Product Owner, Farzad Nia stands as a linchpin ensuring that SCOPEinsight is equipped with the essential tools and systems to empower our clients to make a meaningful impact. Farzad spearheads initiatives to integrate SCOPEinsight’s system with diverse data sources and platforms, creating a robust pathway to revolutionize agricultural sectors globally. Collaborating closely with clients and partners, Farzad is at the helm of crafting an exhilarating vision that aspires to streamline global systems and elevate the professional stature of farmer organizations and agri-SMEs.
At the heart of Farzad’s passion for his role at SCOPEinsight is the synergy within a small, multicultural, and seasoned team. He ardently believes that in facing the sector’s complex challenges, it remains vital to continually advocate for the pressing issues confronting farmer organizations and the agricultural landscape at large, thereby affecting humanity as a whole. For Farzad, forging ahead with innovative solutions and leveraging business intelligence to decipher intricate data stand as significant strides towards addressing contemporary dilemmas.
Farzad’s tenure at SCOPEinsight is enriched by over a decade of expertise in managing, designing, and evolving digital products. A seasoned professional, he holds an MBA from the prestigious Multimedia University in Malaysia, showcasing a strong foundation that bolsters his leadership and visionary approach at SCOPEinsight
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Technology has helped transform the world; why not agriculture as well?
Business Development Manager
View moreKathryn James
Boasting a solid foundation in the public sector, Kathryn brings a wealth of experience garnered from her tenure with NGOs, governmental bodies, and multilateral organizations to her role as Business Development Manager at SCOPEinsight. Infused with an ardent zeal to foster synergies in partnerships and consortia, she is adept at catalyzing more efficient and impactful outcomes.
Kathryn possesses a deep-seated understanding of the unique hurdles smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa encounter in scaling their enterprises, a sensitivity honed from her immersive experiences living and working in the region. With a visionary approach, she perceives data as a tremendously untapped yet potent resource in the global development landscape, capable of revolutionizing approaches and solutions.
A distinguished academic, Kathryn holds an MSc in Medical Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam, further complemented by an Advanced Master’s degree in International Development from Radboud University. This robust educational background stands as a testament to her comprehensive insight and fervent commitment to fostering progress and innovation in the sector.
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I like SCOPEinsight's systems-thinking, holistic approach to improving livelihoods. I'm excited to be at the forefront of data-driven solutions for agribusinesses!
Business Analyst
View moreThales Nobrega
At SCOPEinsight, Thales excels as a Business Analyst, where he crafts intricate dashboards and metrics, vigilantly monitors key performance indicators, and generates insightful reports that fuel the ongoing enhancement of data visualization, processes, and tools.
Thales is deeply motivated by the burgeoning data landscape within the agricultural sector, a dynamic that not only demands a profound understanding of current tools and knowledge but a forward-thinking approach to data processing and analysis. He steadfastly believes that nuanced insights gleaned from data can catalyze superior practices, heightened professionalism, and escalated sustainability within the agribusiness sphere.
Prior to joining the innovative team at SCOPEinsight, Thales championed continuous improvement within a manufacturing plant, steering Operational Excellence through the adept application of WCOM, TPM, and Lean Manufacturing principles. This role honed his expertise in streamlining processes and fostering productivity.
A seasoned scholar, Thales is equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói. Further, he refined his business acumen with a Master’s degree in Business and Administration from the prestigious TIAS Business School in Utrecht, a testament to his robust educational foundation and readiness to drive transformative initiatives at SCOPEinsight.
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In a world overflowing with data, I see an unparalleled opportunity to harness this resource in revolutionizing the agricultural sector. At SCOPEinsight, we are translating data into actionable insights that amplify market readiness and foster fruitful connections.
Strategic Business Development Officer
View moreWim de Geus
With over 10 years of experience in sustainability and psychology, Wim embodies a rich and unique perspective at SCOPEinsight. His journey has been marked by pivotal roles in the conceptualization and execution of sustainability initiatives, leaving a lasting positive imprint on both the environment and local communities globally.
Wim’s multifaceted background, underscored by an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, positions him as an invaluable asset to the SCOPEinsight team. His innovative approach, blending environmental consciousness with psychological insights, catalyzes transformative strategies that resonate deeply within the communities we serve.
An alumnus of the University of Amsterdam, Wim honed his expertise in psychology, further augmenting his skills with a focus on Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science. This rich educational background serves as a testament to his comprehensive understanding and capacity to spearhead groundbreaking initiatives at SCOPEinsight.
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Whether working with government agencies, NGOs, or private sector organizations, I am dedicated to finding solutions and creating win win situations.
Innovation Manager
View moreGerbrand Meijer
Gerbrand is a seasoned solution architect and product developer with a trackrecord in broadcast and media. Gerbrand has worked on demanding projects in complex organisations like broadcaster RTL and Schiphol Airport. Here he has achieved sustainable results by openly addressing problems head-first. He is an optimistic person yet very realistic about the opportunities and limitations of what technology can achieve, a rare quality in the often reality-distorted tech world.
As an engineer he learned that creative freedom and focus on quality is how to lead and motivate the best developers. As a project manager he experienced how tough it can be to realise excellence in a corporate environment. Today he helps organisations to innovate by building the skills, team and architecture to make practical use of the latest technology.
Besides consulting, Gerbrand runs a series of ventures and experiments in IoT, machine learning, serverless infrastructure and marketing automation to understand and evaluate the latest and greatest. In his spare time you can often find him sailing and maintaining a skûtsje, the traditional sailing cargo boats/engineering marvel of the late 19th century.
Professionalism and entrepreneurship are the keys to transforming agricultural markets. SCOPEinsight provides business intelligence to create opportunities in agriculture by measuring the level of professionalism of farmers and their organizations.
Agri-SME Portal Project Expert
View moreJohanna Joy Farrell
Johanna brings 10+ years of experience in data analysis, research, and marketing strategy to her position as the Agri-SME Portal project expert. She has worked as an independent consultant for nearly five years where her focus is mainly sustainable agriculture. In her previous position, she was a commodity analyst at UTZ (now Rainforest Alliance). Recently, Johanna co-founded an agricultural consulting firm in Nigeria, called Agramondis.
Johanna is passionate about working on solutions to agricultural problems. Information gaps and financial access are key areas needing transformation, which is why she enjoys working with SCOPEinsight.
Johanna holds an International MBA from TiasNimbas Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Boise State University.
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