Nova Reperta launches IT advisory firm Nova Ventura

Benelux-based management consulting firm Nova Reperta has launched Nova Ventura, a firm focused on strategic IT advisory.

With the new label, Nova Reperta aims to enhance its support to its boardroom clients, in the areas of digital transformation and artificial intelligence. “Nova Ventura has the ambition to grow into a leading boutique consultancy that helps companies define and realise their digital roadmap,” says Filip Leflot, managing partner at Nova Reperta.

Two heavyweights from Belgium’s digital landscape, Jan Van Oekelen and Davey Rogiest, have been brought on board to lead and build out the new business.

An integrated approach in the boardroom

The main objective of Van Oekelen and Rogiest is to help executives ensure that their IT investments deliver on expectations. “Despite significant investments in digitalisation, many companies continue to struggle with their return on investment,” says Rogiest.

Common bottlenecks include technology initiatives not being scaled, the business not fully embracing IT systems, or costs spiralling out of control.

According to the partners, many of these issues can be traced back to the way digital strategies are crafted and change plans are set up. “That’s not just the responsibility of the CIO,” comments Van Oekelen. “In the past, IT topics were primarily led by the CIO. That idea, however, is outdated in today’s digital world,” says.

“Digitalisation now runs through every part of the organisation like a lifeline. No executive can afford to shape strategic plans without involving the CIO – and the same goes for the CIO.”

In light of this, CIOs and other leaders must collaborate closely to ensure the digital strategy is fully aligned with the overall business strategy and the priorities of each functional domain. “In many companies, these two strategies are still developed separately,” says Van Oekelen. “But in practice, there is only one strategy, with technology as a core component. We help our clients shape this integrated approach.”

“With Nova Ventura, we position ourselves as a guide,” adds Rogiest. “We help clients navigate the complexity of the digital landscape and ensure optimal alignment between business and IT. We support them in developing technology strategies, enterprise architecture, and roadmaps for investments in themes such as cyber, cloud, and AI.”

Transformation partner

Alongside strategic counsel and planning, Nova Ventura also supports clients in translating strategy into the operating model and in steering complex IT programmes. “We want to be known as the go-to partner for realisation,” states Rogiest. “Our transformation plan should not be a short-term impulse, but must be executed effectively to deliver lasting impact.”

Fulfilling this promise requires specific skills and multidisciplinary teams. “Our people bring senior expertise and possess both business knowledge and a solid digital background – bringing true understanding of what technology entails. In addition, they not only understand what change entails, but more importantly, how to implement it effectively on the ground.”

Flying start

After several months of ramp-up, Van Oekelen and Rogiest observe that Nova Ventura is being enthusiastically embraced by both Nova Reperta’s clients and a broader network. “We already have around a dozen companies as clients, including major players from the telecommunications, media, manufacturing, and financial sectors.”

Nova Ventura operates, just like parent company Nova Reperta, from offices in Brussels and Amsterdam.

Next growth phase

For Nova Reperta, this new venture marks an important next step in its growth ambition.

Founded in 2011, Nova Reperta specialises in organisational transformation work for multinationals, large SMEs, and private equity portfolio companies. Its clients are typically executives or members of senior management. The company employs around 75 consultants and has a network of over 100 associates.

Leflot: “We’ve achieved solid growth over the past years. Our goal is to accelerate further in the coming years, with Nova Ventura playing a key role. With Nova Ventura on board, we’re stronger. Together, we are ideally positioned to advise and support our CxO clients with an integrated strategy-execution model, in co-creation with management and employees.”