Alexander James Rawle
Co-founder @ Leyoda | Scout Leader | BA European Studies
European Studies student in Maastricht passionate about entrepreneurship, languages, and innovation. Co-founded my first startup at 15. Currently working on a project to encourage investment into European startups and SMEs. In September 2023, I launched Momentumclub, a community for startups and entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized cities, fostering collaboration and providing a platform in underserved areas. Beyond startup work, I've mentored youth as a US summer camp counselor and gained experience in hospitality and operations in London and Maastricht. These roles honed my communication, adaptability, and teamwork in international environments. I am fluent in several languages and committed to skill expansion.
Summary
I am currently a European Studies student in Maastricht with a keen interest in entrepreneurship, languages, and innovation. I co-founded my first startup at age 15, and haven’t looked back since. Currently I’m working on a project to encourage investment into startups and SMEs in Europe. In September 2025 I started momentumclub, a dedicated community for startups and entrepreneurs in small-medium cities, with aims to improve collaboration and give people a platform in cities that are traditionally underserved by support for startups and entrepreneurs. Alongside my start-up work, I have gained experience in a range of roles-- from mentoring young people as a summer camp counsellor in the US, to working in hospitality and operations in London and Maastricht. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication skills, adaptability, and an appreciation for teamwork in international settings. I am fluent in several languages and always looking to expand my skills.
Experience
- Co-FounderLeyoda · Maastricht, Limburg, Nederländerna · Sep 2025 – Present
Founded and built a software development studio based in Limburg, with our main product closing the gap between investors and startups/those raising investment in a UI Tinder-style with adaptive matchmaking. Actively built dynamic teams of developers, marketers and more.
- Chief Commercial Officer (COO)First Moves · Limburg, Netherlands · Oct 2025 – May 2026
At First Moves, I focus on client outreach, public relations, and managing the marketing and development teams. I also designed and developed the website (2025), and managed freelancer on-boarding for an international team with different jobs and skills.
- FounderMomentum Club · Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands · Sep 2025 – Dec 2025
Founded and built over an evening brainstorming session, our mission was to bring together entrepreneurs in Maastricht and beyond in an exclusive community designed to share thoughts, ideas, and expertise, and provide true community to those who are building momentum in the world. Ultimately, the team made the decision to stop actively running momentumclub events because of time and cost factors related to finding the right people to run the events, and venues. I am still an active part of the entrepreneurial community in Maastricht and the wider region, and will be happy to explore the possibility to run some events again, given that restrictive environmental factors change.
- Operations Team MemberSTART Maastricht · Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands · Feb 2025 – Dec 2025
Student-led entrepreneurship and networking association. My role in operations helps ensure that the events we run, such as Drinks & Demos, or Expert Circles- where business people pitch and share their knowledge about their given field- are smooth-sailing, and impactful.
- FounderLexii · Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands · Mar 2025 – Sep 2025
As founder of Lexii, I lead our mission to revolutionise language learning through AI, VR, and cultural immersion. I oversaw product vision & development, team growth, and strategic partnerships, working with universities and organisations to deliver immersive, real-world language education.
- Chief Executive OfficerMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands · Mar 2025 – Sep 2025
- WaiterQue Pasa Maastricht · Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands · Sep 2024 – Present
- English, Spanish Second Language TeacherOCD Opleidingen BV · Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands · Sep 2024 – Dec 2024
Working as a Freelance English and Spanish as a Second Language teacher for private and (predominantly) corporate clients.
- Senior CounselorCamp Herrlich · New York, USA · Jun 2024 – Sep 2024
I led and mentored diverse groups of resident and day campers, ensuring their safety, personal growth, and enjoyment throughout their camp experience. I supervised daily activities and facilitated a wide range of recreational, educational, and team-building programs. After the first resident session I was awarded "Counsellor of the Week". I have received personal commendations from parents for a positive shift in the attitudes of their children when returning home. The greatest challenges, though proudest moments, were mentoring children from underprivileged backgrounds in New York City and Long Island- young people where you could truly see the difference that one can make over just 12 short days in a child's life.
- Food and Beverage ServerLe Moulin Patisserie and Boulangerie · London · Jan 2022 – Jun 2024
- WaiterTHE CRANLEIGH (HORNCHURCH) LIMITED · Hornchurch, England, United Kingdom · Jan 2022 – Sep 2022
My first job as a waiter at a silver service restaurant.
- Co-FounderSimShots · Remote · May 2021 – Jan 2023
SimShots is a company which specialises in photo and cinematography for companies in the aviation industry using a set of unique skills in a niche market. SimShots was Co-Founded by myself and Wisse Staas.
- Newspaper Delivery BoyVicky's News · Hornchurch, England, United Kingdom · Oct 2018 – Jul 2022
I started delivering newspapers at 12. 7 days a week/52 weeks a year (minus Christmas Day). Regular 5am wake ups meant I grew discipline, braved the cold (England), and saw some gorgeous sunrises. Still the best job I've ever had (working for somebody else).
Education
- Bachelor of Arts - BA, European Studies/CivilizationZuyd Hogeschool | Zuyd University of Applied Sciences · Aug 2024 – Jul 2028
- UntitledNew City College · Sep 2022 – Jun 2024
- UntitledHall Mead School · Sep 2017 – Jun 2022