About the Founders
In 2022, a group of three international visionaries, each possessing distinct skills and expertise in sustainability, construction, mobility, health, and NGO management, founded the organization in the Netherlands.
One of our founders is a seasoned entrepreneur with years of experience in the health industry, while another boasts over 15 years of entrepreneurial success and a wealth of knowledge in managing and coaching NGOs. Our third founding member has dedicated years to studying sustainable energy, technologies, and management at prestigious international universities.
Together, our founders bring more than three decades of combined experience to the table. Their expertise is only matched by their unwavering commitment to creating a better world for all.
Back in the 80s, Vincent Adrichem, the founder of Viable Community, found the seeds of his passion for nature while exploring the untouched beauty of a Dutch island. The canvas of Nature became the backdrop for his childhood adventures, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to environmental preservation.
In the early 90s, Vincent's enthusiasm for organizing and bringing people together sprouted. Organizing a dance party for over 300 people at the age of 13 marked the beginning of his journey into event management. However, his ambitions extended beyond the dance floors, as he was drawn to envisioning future scenarios and implementing new technologies. The preservation of nature and the creation of sustainable communities became a deep-seated calling.
The late 90s brought Vincent to Rotterdam, working on the 'AVL-Ville' project with Atelier van Lieshout. Here, the seeds of an idea for a digital currency backed by co-owned nature were planted, setting the stage for the concepts that would evolve over the years.
Becoming a father in the early 00s marked a transformative period where Vincent seamlessly blended parenting with entrepreneurial endeavors. Managing construction projects, creating mobility services, building movie sets, teaching, and tending to bees all played a part in shaping his diverse experiences.
In the mid-2010s, a pivotal moment occurred. After a two-year construction project left unpaid, Vincent found solace in nature, leading him to shift his focus from purely profitable endeavors. Entering the non-profit space, he envisioned a global community where individuals could become co-owners of nature, investing in its protection and preservation. This vision extended to the creation of a currency challenging destructive economic systems.
During the late 2010s, Vincent's experiences with startups, partnerships, and collaborations with international non-profits highlighted the inefficiencies in traditional approaches to environmental preservation. The need for an inclusive, efficient, and impactful approach became clear. The Corona crisis further emphasized the power of collective creativity, reigniting Vincent's project.
Establishing 'BT Equity' marked the end of the 2010s, providing a foundation for future ventures. Vincent, along with companions Matt and Gustavo, recognized a growing demand for sustainable projects. Their shared vision led to the birth of "Viable Community," a non-profit organization committed to co-ownership, shared decision-making, organic growth, and participation over competition.
The name 'Viable' resonated, symbolizing the organization's mission and purpose. Today, with over 70 international volunteers, Viable Community works towards protecting nature, creating investment opportunities, and channeling funds to community-developed projects. The Extremadura region serves as the focal point for countering desertification, aiming to enable everyone to contribute to the protection of nature.
As of September 2023, Viable Community has entered its second phase, kickstarting its online presence and engaging in various activities, including the Extremadura development, La Garrotxa pilot project, website revamping, installing ambassadors, and launching marketing campaigns. The journey of Viable Community continues, distinguished by a new currency that represents the true value of the planet, with the ultimate goal of accessibility to people worldwide, especially those in less privileged areas.