About us

Sativus is a strategic sparring partner for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

We work alongside those who carry responsibility and make decisions that shape the future of their organisations. Not as traditional consultant, but as trusted partner in thinking — challenging assumptions, sharpening direction and strengthening long-term positioning.

We combine strategic depth with hands-on experience and a clear understanding of the times we operate in. We know what it means to build, to scale and to decide under pressure. Find out more about our consultancy services.

About our founder

Bernd Damme is a serial entrepreneur and strategic advisor with a background in building and guiding businesses across sectors.

When he just turned sixteen, he founded Eyewear.nl, which developed into an international eyewear company and was sold in 2013. In the years that followed, he co-founded menswear brand Pelliano and founded House of Eléonore, a jewellery venture established in 2015 in collaboration with Royal Asscher, focused on transparent and responsible luxury using laboratory created diamonds.

His entrepreneurial journey has included both successes and significant setbacks, including a bankruptcy (2013) and ongoing legal proceedings (from 2021 onwards). These experiences continue to shape his perspective on risk, resilience and responsibility. The lessons drawn from navigating complexity and adversity form an integral part of the judgement and experience he shares with other entrepreneurs.

Over time, his work broadened from entrepreneurship to strategic advisory. He has supported organisations in defining positioning, strengthening commercial strategy and navigating growth. He served as Head of E-commerce & Omni-channel (ad interim) at Essenza Home, after earlier being involved through its advisory board. In addition, he has acted as advisor and or investor in several ventures and in both the technology and real estate industry.

Alongside his entrepreneurial activities, Bernd has taken on supervisory and board roles. He was a member of the Supervisory Board of Rijksmuseum Muiderslot and served on the Supervisory Board of Wonderfeel, a classical music festival in ’s-Graveland. He also served as Chairman of the Hulptroepen Alliantie Foundation. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Sagamores Foundation.

Currently Bernd remains involved as director and shareholder of RGA B.V. (via his holding company), a commercial enterprise focused on the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to corporate clients in Northwestern Europe. During 2020–2021, the company generated a turnover exceeding €103 million.

He studied International Business Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam and followed the Supervisory Board Member Program at TIAS Business School. Earlier in his career, he received several entrepreneurial nominations and awards, including being named Best Young Entrepreneur of the Netherlands in 2012.

What does Sativus mean?

The name Sativus derives from Crocus sativus — saffron.

Originating in the Near East and later brought to Europe, saffron became one of the most valuable spices in the world. Only a small amount is needed to create distinctive impact. It has been used not only for flavour, but also for refinement and healing.

In botanical terms, sativus refers to cultivation — to growth by intention.

For us, it symbolises two things:

  1. Clarity that creates disproportionate impact.

  2. Sustainable growth built over time.