Who we are
Natalie Adams | Founder & Chief Consultant
As a Chief of Staff with over a decade of experience across healthcare tech, enterprise software, and fashion industries, specializing in change management and transformation. My strength lies in executing strategies within complex, real-world business environments.
I blend operational expertise with a people-first mindset, recognizing that effective change requires both strategic thinking and genuine human connection. Excelling at developing nuanced solutions for multifaceted business challenges where one-size-fits-all approaches fall short.
My method emphasizes building trust, using compelling narratives to drive change, and crafting tailored solutions for complex situations. Whether I'm optimizing operations or guiding cultural shifts, I'm committed to delivering results that address the full complexity of today's world.
Matthias de Haan | Principal Consultant & Start-Up Specialist.
With over two decades as a serial entrepreneur and executive in technology, fintech, and investment banking, I've guided startups from ideation to exit. My experience spans emerging technologies like AI, computer vision, and green tech, providing a unique perspective on innovation and market trends.
Throughout my career, I've founded and scaled multiple companies, securing millions in funding, developing extensive patent portfolios, and achieving successful exits. This journey has given me deep insight into the challenges of building a company from the ground up.
My approach focuses on working alongside founders and teams, developing nuanced, practical solutions tailored to each unique business landscape. Whether it's securing funding, optimizing operations, or navigating scaling complexities, I'm there at every stage – not just advising, but actively implementing solutions to transform complex challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Why We Created IRL
We founded IRL Consulting to bridge the gap between vision and reality in the business world. Our combined experiences—from Matthias's journey as a serial entrepreneur in tech startups to Natalie's expertise in driving organizational change across diverse industries—showed us that success lies not just in strategy, but in execution.
We've seen firsthand how businesses struggle to move from ideas to action, whether they're startups seeking their first round of funding or established companies navigating complex transformations. Our backgrounds in change management, operational optimization, and startup ecosystems uniquely position us to guide clients through these challenges.
At IRL, we reject the notion of one-size-fits-all solutions. Every business faces its own set of complex, often ambiguous challenges. That's why we limit our client base, allowing us to provide deeply personalized, hands-on support. From refining operational strategies to securing funding, from optimizing team dynamics to scaling sustainably, we're there at every stage—not just advising, but actively implementing alongside you.
We created IRL to be more than consultants—we're partners who understand the intricacies of your business landscape. Whether you're an early-stage startup needing to build a robust operational foundation or an established business aiming to navigate change and growth, we bring our real-world experience to bear on your unique challenges.
At IRL Consulting, we're committed to transforming complex business challenges into opportunities for growth and success. We don't just point the way—we walk the path with you, ensuring your goals become reality in the ever-evolving business world.
