In a recent conversation, Tim Kaasjager, Co-Founder & Head of Product Development at Biosphere Solar, shared his journey into the world of entrepreneurship, driven by a mission to make the solar industry more circular and fair. His story highlights not only the challenges of being a founder but also the critical importance of staying true to one's vision and values, even in the face of uncertainty and rapid change.
From Theoretical Physics to Practical Innovation
Tim’s entrepreneurial journey started after completing his bachelor’s degree in physics. Initially, he felt frustrated by the highly theoretical nature of his studies, as he had hoped for something more hands-on. This led him to join a student team working on a hydrogen-powered boat, which allowed him to apply his theoretical knowledge to a real-world project. Despite this, he still felt that something was missing. His growing involvement in activism, including movements like Extinction Rebellion, fueled his desire to disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change.
Tim was inspired by a combination of his technical background and his activism to explore entrepreneurship, but coming from a family of civil servants, the world of business felt daunting. It wasn’t until he met two like-minded individuals, Perine and Siemen, who would later become his co-founders, that everything started to click into place.
The Turning Point: Founding Biosphere
A significant turning point came when Tim applied for an internship at Tesla, a company he admired but didn't entirely align with ideologically. After an unexpected internship freeze, he was introduced to Perine and Siemen, who were working on a solar module that aligned with his vision of sustainability without the usual startup traps, such as tech incubators that claim large portions of a company’s intellectual property.
“They really brought together my activistic idealism with being technically pragmatic about the solutions we were building,” Tim explained. This balance of idealism and pragmatism became a cornerstone of their company, Biosphere, which seeks to bring circularity and fairness to the solar industry, with the most sustainable solar panel available on the market.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Like many founders, Tim faced moments of doubt. In the early stages, Biosphere was essentially a PowerPoint presentation, with much of the first year spent explaining their vision. It wasn’t until they started working with partners and securing their first test sales that things began to feel more real. Tim emphasised the importance of staying mission-driven throughout the process: “The mission has been the most important thing for us, our mission statement has not changed - It’s always going to be the most important thing.”
One of the unique challenges the team faced was how to professionalise without losing the soul of their mission. As they began to grow, it became essential to create systems and procedures while maintaining the creativity and spontaneity that had fueled their early success.
The Power of Collaboration and Team Resilience
Tim attributes much of Biosphere’s success to the strong relationship he has with his co-founders. “We really cultivate going beyond people as a means,” he said, emphasising the importance of ensuring that what they are doing now is something they want to be doing. This commitment to their shared vision has kept the team motivated, even during challenging times.
One of Tim’s proudest moments came when he realised that the team could function and thrive in his absence. After setting critical partnerships and projects in motion, he left to complete his graduation, worried that the company might falter without him. Instead, he returned to find that the team had continued to move forward, demonstrating their resilience and strong foundation.
“I was really proud to contribute without making myself indispensable,” Tim said, recognising that a strong team is essential to the long-term success of any venture.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he would give to new founders, Tim stressed the importance of knowing yourself and your mission before diving into the world of entrepreneurship. “You will get pulled into all corners of everyone else’s opinion,” he cautioned, which can lead to compromising on your original vision. For Tim, starting with a clear sense of purpose was key to staying true to Biosphere’s mission, even when faced with external pressures.
Tim also warned against the trap of believing that the mission can wait until the business is off the ground. “Everyone says, okay, first I just have to get a foot in the door, make things happen, and then all the mission and impact-driven work will come later. That’s totally the other way around,” he explained. By integrating their mission from the start, Biosphere has been able to attract like-minded partners and contributors who share their vision for a fairer, more circular solar industry.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Tim hopes to see Biosphere gain credibility within the industry, not just as a business success, but as a company that challenges the status quo. He wants to prove that it’s possible to stay mission-driven while achieving technological and business milestones.
Tim’s vision for Biosphere is not just about creating a successful company; it’s about setting a new standard for how startups in the solar industry—and beyond—can operate with integrity, social responsibility, and long-term impact in mind.
Final Thoughts
For founders and entrepreneurs in the community, Tim’s journey offers valuable insights. His experience shows that staying true to your mission from day one is essential, even if it means taking the road less travelled. By cultivating a strong team, embracing optimism, and setting clear boundaries around your vision, it’s possible to create a company that not only survives but thrives while making a meaningful impact.
If you're a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, take inspiration from Tim’s journey: start with your mission, stay resilient, and never lose sight of the impact you want to make.
.jpeg)
