News
02-19-2026
Since January, Lindy Schakenraad has been a co-owner of Chemrade, the Nijmegen based software company that helps organisations work safely and healthily with hazardous substances. After 3,5 years as a consultant, she has taken the step to become a partner. Her motivation? The same as when she started at Chemrade: helping people by preventing rather than curing. “During my studies, my focus was mainly on treatment. At Chemrade, I work on preventing disease. That is prevention in its purest form.”
What does becoming a co-owner of Chemrade mean to you?
Lindy: “It feels like a natural step at Chemrade. I never really saw myself as an entrepreneur, but in this setting I dare to take that step. The environment, the work, the people all make it feel right. I can grow here. I can learn here. I thrive here. When this was offered to me, I mainly listened to my intuition. I am very analytical and rational in my work, but here my gut said: this is right. And that feeling has not let me down.”
How did you end up at Chemrade?
“I studied biomedical sciences in Nijmegen, specialising in pharmacology, toxicology and epidemiology. That choice was driven by one main thing: I want to help people. At the same time, I have always been curious about how the human body works. That combination made this programme a very obvious choice for me.
During my master’s, I met Chemrade at a careers fair. It immediately felt right, so I applied straight away for a part time role. I was hired, and that is how my time at Chemrade began.
In the final six months of my studies, a vacancy for consultant came up. I felt very strongly that this was where I needed to be. This was an opportunity I had to take.
What appeals to me so much is that I can still use my passion for helping people here, but in a different way. Not by curing, but by preventing. Ensuring that people don't get sick in the first place from exposure to hazardous substances."
What makes the culture at Chemrade unique?
“It’s really the people. We have a unique culture here. You are allowed to make mistakes. You are free to learn. You are free to be yourself. I see so many people here becoming the best version of themselves. There is space for you. You are genuinely seen.
A good example: we had a housewarming party for our office where all the parents were welcome. My parents talked about it for a long time afterwards. They could see that what we have here is something special. That sense of family. I am very happy to be part of that.”
Lindy continues: “Social entrepreneurship here is not just a nice story. People are given opportunities they might not get elsewhere. Sometimes that works out, sometimes it does not. But the fact that we try says a lot. We empower people. We are a small organisation, without rigid departments, quite informal. And we laugh a lot together.”
What will this new role mean for you?
Chemrade is constantly reinventing itself. Two years ago, the company looked different than it does now, and in two years' time, it will probably look different again. From now on, I will be actively involved in that growth process.
That dynamic really attracts me, and there is a lot I can learn from it. I will be at the table when strategy is defined. My perspective will count in determining our direction.
At the same time, I will remain a senior consultant. That part of my work will not change, and that is important to me. I want to stay close to the practical side. Close to our clients. Close to the impact we make.”
Where do you see Chemrade in fifteen years?
“Global impact. We are doing very well in the Netherlands, and we are leading in Europe. But there is still so much to gain. Many companies are still doing nothing in this area.
Through my work, I have visited various client sites across Europe and Asia, and I see opportunities everywhere. In Asia, this kind of work is often still largely unknown. The attention that is paid in the Netherlands to safe working with hazardous substances is often missing elsewhere in the world.
I truly stand behind our product. We do this well. We make a real difference. And that impact can and should be much bigger. Much broader. So that you can help many more people. That is my dream: Chemrade as a driving force behind healthy working environments worldwide.”
About Chemrade
Chemrade helps organisations gain control over working with hazardous substances through smart software and deep expertise. By combining technology, training and close collaboration, we work together to ensure that every employee can work safely with chemicals.