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Photo by Petri Anttila.
Photo by Petri Anttila.

Entrepreneur Nima Salami, alumnus from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), won Slush100, one of the world’s most prestigious startup competitions. Salami’s startup, OASYS NOW, triumphed among more than 1,000 innovative early-stage companies from Europe and North America, earning global recognition and an investment of €1 million.

OASYS NOW – founded by Salami and fellow Erasmus University alumna Sara Okhuijsen – is transforming the logistics industry with its innovative approach to sustainability and operational efficiency. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the company aims to address critical challenges in supply chain management while promoting a greener and more connected future. The company’s vision and commitment to impact captured the attention of the Slush100 jury and the event’s audience, positioning it as a standout innovator in the competitive startup ecosystem.

Transformative impact

Held annually in Helsinki, Finland, Slush is a global gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. The Slush100 competition is the centerpiece of the event, showcasing the brightest ideas shaping the future. Winning the competition is considered a major milestone for startups, offering unparalleled exposure and access to leading venture capitalists.

As the winner, OASYS NOW secured the trust and backing of two powerhouse venture capital firms: General Catalyst and Cherry Ventures. These investors have a proven track record of nurturing startups that evolve into industry leaders. Their partnership underscores the scalability and transformative impact of Salami’s venture.

“Mission-impossible ideas”

Salami – who studied in RSM’s MScBA Master in Management – impressed a distinguished panel of judges, including Juliet Bailin (partner, General Catalyst), Filip Felician Dames (founding partner, Cherry Ventures), Cal Henderson (co-founder and former CTO, Slack), and Jochen Engert (founder and CEO, Flix). These experts have supported some of the most iconic companies globally, such as Airbnb, Stripe, and Discord, making their endorsement a testament to OASYS NOW’s potential.

Reflecting on the win, Salami expressed gratitude for the ‘first-believers’ who supported OASYS NOW during its earliest stages. He highlighted the importance of fostering a culture where innovators feel empowered to tackle bold, ‘mission-impossible’ ideas. “Let’s all be ‘first-believers’ to everyone working on ambitious ideas that make this world a better place,” Salami said during his acceptance speech.

Visionary leadership

Salami’s journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit cultivated at RSM. As an alumnus, he embodies the school’s commitment to fostering leaders who are not only innovative but also focused on creating positive societal impact. His success at Slush100 is a source of pride and inspiration for the RSM community.

RSM’s Dean Aukje Hassoldt states: “Nima’s achievement is a testament to the power of visionary leadership combined with a mission-driven mindset. We are thrilled to see him make such a profound impact on the global stage.”

With the momentum of this prestigious win, OASYS NOW is poised for rapid growth and greater influence in the logistics industry. As Salami and his team continue to build for a sustainable future, their story serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. The co-founder told Erasmus Enterprise: “Winning the Slush prize of €1 million is a testament to the potential of our mission. We are committed to transforming the way people experience their health journey. This recognition provides us with the opportunity to further amplify our impact.”

More information

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. www.rsm.nl

For more information about RSM or this release, please contact Erika Harriford-McLaren, communications manager for RSM, on +31 10 408 2877 or by email at harriford@rsm.nl.

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Alumni , Bachelor / Bedrijfskunde , Bachelor / IBA , Business-Society Management , Companies , Homepage , In the spotlight , International , Newsroom , Master , China , Positive change , MiM - Master in Management