Nerdland
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersMerelbeke, Belgium
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Nerdland firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nerdland
- Legal name
- Nerdland Universe BV
- Website
- https://nerdland.be
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Nerdland is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Merelbeke
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Nerdland business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Podcast Sponsorships: The monthly Nerdland Maandoverzicht podcast features sponsored segments. Sponsors identified in the data include Siemens, VAIA (AI education platform), TUC RAIL (Belgian rail engineering consultancy), Fairy Positron (nerdy gift shop), Ray & Jules (coffee roaster), Indurium (engineering consultancy), Prismax (events/virtual experiences), and Oystershell (health products). Sponsorship is a recurring revenue stream with rotating sponsors across episodes.
- Live Events & Ticketing: Revenue from ticket sales for live events including the Nerdland Festival (biennial, Domein Puyenbroeck Wachtebeke), family shows 'Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds' at Lotto Arena Antwerpen, live podcast recordings at Arenberg Antwerpen, solo shows by Lieven Scheire (AI shows, Robots) and Hetty Helsmoortel (Missie 2025/2026), and corporate talks via Nerdland Talks.
- Merchandise & Commerce: Sale of branded merchandise including T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, pins, Christmas ornaments, and science-themed products through the Working Class Heroes online shop. Also includes the Nerdland Brouwpakket (brew kit for home beer brewing).
- Books & Publications: Sale of science books and publications authored by or associated with the Nerdland team. Titles include A.I. (Lieven Scheire), Chemie (Hetty Helsmoortel), Fysica (Lieven Scheire), DNA (Lieven Scheire), De Geknipte Genen (CRISPR), Dino's, Ruimtevaart, Wiskunde (Prof. Ann Dooms), Biologie (Peter Berx), Bier!? (Maarten Weyn), Code Rood (Toon Verlinden), Insecten, Het Grote Doeboek voor Kleine Nerds, and the annual Nerdland Scheurkalender (tear-off calendar) in standard and 'Kleine Nerds' editions.
- Nerdland Talks (Corporate): Corporate speaking engagements where Nerdland-affiliated speakers (particularly Jeroen Baert on AI, and other approved speakers) deliver talks at companies, events, or organizations. All speakers and topics are vetted and approved by Lieven Scheire and Hetty Helsmoortel. Revenue is generated through speaker fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Live event tickets — Nerdland Festival |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Live event tickets — Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds family shows |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Merchandise — T-shirts, hoodies, pins, ornaments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Books and publications |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Scheurkalender 2026 (tear-off calendar) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels10 records
Nerdland product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Nerdland produces and distributes accessible Dutch-language science and technology content across multiple formats: a flagship monthly podcast (Nerdland Maandoverzicht), large-scale live events including the biennial Nerdland Festival and family shows at Lotto Arena Antwerpen, a portfolio of science books, annual tear-off calendars and children's activity books, branded merchandise, and corporate speaking engagements via the Nerdland Talks arm. The brand monetizes its audience through event ticketing, sponsorships, e-commerce, book sales and corporate speaking fees.
Product overview
Nerdland is a Belgian science and technology media brand centered around Lieven Scheire and Hetty Helsmoortel. The company operates as a multi-platform media ecosystem comprising: (1) Podcasts including the flagship monthly Nerdland Maandoverzicht, Nerdland Makertalk, and Moules de Geek; (2) Live events including the annual Nerdland Festival (largest science festival in the Benelux), family shows Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds, individual shows like Robots, Missie, and Bedankt voor uw data, plus the corporate division Nerdland Talks; (3) Published products including science books on AI, biology, chemistry, physics and other topics, activity books (Doeboeken) for children, annual tear-off calendars (Scheurkalenders), and a beer brewing kit; and (4) Merchandise including apparel and accessories. The brand serves as a science communication platform for nerds, geeks and their curious families across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Nerdland Festival: Annual science festival in the Benelux region, the largest science festival in the Benelux.
- Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds
- Nerdland Maandoverzicht
- Nerdland Makertalk
- Moules de Geek
- Nerdland Talks
- Nerdland Podcast Live
Products and services
- Nerdland Maandoverzicht Monthly Dutch-language podcast providing an overview and discussion of science and technology news from the past month, hosted by Lieven Scheire and Hetty Helsmoortel with regular contributors and distributed via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, SoundCloud and RSS.
- Nerdland Makertalk Podcast in which Maarten Weyn and Kurt Beheydt visit makers in a search for what drives them and what the definition of 'maker' really is; available on SoundCloud.
- Moules de Geek Occasional Dutch-language podcast hosted by Lieven Scheire featuring interviews with fascinating guests; distributed via Libsyn.
- Nerdland Festival Biennial science festival held at Domein Puyenbroeck in Wachtebeke, Belgium, featuring spectacular shows, mass activities and science entertainment for nerds, geeks and their families; billed as the largest science festival in the Benelux.
- Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds Family science show starring Lieven Scheire and Hetty Helsmoortel with spectacular experiments, amazing facts and demonstrations, performed at Lotto Arena Antwerpen for children aged 8 and up and their families.
- Nerdland Podcast Live Live podcast recording event held at Arenberg Antwerpen with an entertaining mix of insight and nonsense, including patented segments and unpredictable digressions.
- Robots Live Show Solo live show by Lieven Scheire about humanoid robots, their history, rapid recent evolution and promising future.
- Missie Live Show Touring solo live show by Hetty Helsmoortel combining hope, humor and wonder while looking at the most remarkable scientific events of the year, with annual editions such as Missie 2025 and Missie 2026.
- Nerdland Talks Corporate talks division that brings science and technology presentations to businesses, events and organizations, with speakers and topics vetted and approved by Lieven Scheire and Hetty Helsmoortel; bookable via nerdlandtalks.be.
- Nerdland Doeboeken (Activity Books) Series of science and technology activity books for children aged 8-12 featuring experiments, puzzles, riddles and activities; includes bundled editions such as Het Grote Doeboek voor Kleine Nerds combining Doeboek 1, 2 and 3.
- Nerdland Scheurkalender (Tear-off Calendar) Annual Dutch-language tear-off calendar featuring daily science and technology facts, puzzles and riddles by Lieven Scheire and Hetty Helsmoortel, with a separate 'voor Kleine Nerds' edition for young explorers aged 8-12.
- Nerdland Science Books Portfolio of Dutch-language science books authored by Lieven Scheire, Hetty Helsmoortel and collaborators covering AI, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, DNA, space, dinosaurs and beer; sold via the Working Class Heroes shop and bookstores.
- Nerdland Brouwpakket Home beer brewing kit containing ingredients and a step-by-step guide to brew Maarten Weyn's original Weyn-bier (6.8%) in the user's kitchen, requiring no prior brewing knowledge.
- Nerdland Merchandise Branded merchandise line including t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, Christmas ornaments, pins and accessories for adults and 'kleine nerds', sold via the Working Class Heroes online shop.
Companies that use Nerdland
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Nerdland technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Nerdland partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- DiscordcoreNerdland operates an official Discord server since April 2020, serving as the primary community hub for fans. The server features topic-specific channels, bots, games, and occasional live events hosted by the podcasters. Discord is a critical community and engagement platform for the brand.
- Working Class Heroes ShopcoreWorking Class Heroes (working-class-heroes-shop.be) serves as the official Nerdland merchandise and bookshop, selling T-shirts, hoodies, books, tear-off calendars, pins, Christmas ornaments, and the homebrew kit. The shop also offers signed book editions.
- SpotifycoreSpotify is the primary podcast distribution platform for the Nerdland Maandoverzicht podcast, providing global reach to Spotify's podcast listeners.
- Apple PodcastscoreApple Podcasts (iTunes/podcasts.apple.com) is a major podcast distribution channel for Nerdland, reaching iOS podcast listeners globally.
- YouTubecoreNerdland distributes podcast audio/video content on YouTube (youtube.com/nerdlandbe), reaching video-first audiences and providing on-demand access to podcast content.
- SoundCloudminorPodcast audio available on SoundCloud (soundcloud.com/lieven-scheire). Also hosts the Nerdland Makertalk podcast.
- Ticketmatic (Lotto Arena Antwerpen)coreTicketmatic is the ticketing platform used for Nerdland live events, including 'Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds' family shows at Lotto Arena Antwerpen and live podcast recordings at Arenberg Antwerpen.
- SiemensminorSiemens is a podcast sponsor for the Nerdland Maandoverzicht episode September 2025. Siemens positions itself as combining digital and real worlds to make factories more efficient, transform cities, and deliver sustainable transport solutions.
- VAIA (Vlaams Beleidsplan AI)minorVAIA is a podcast sponsor, bundling and stimulating AI education for professionals in Flanders. It is a collaboration of all universities and colleges in Flanders, Agoria, Voka, and UNIZO, part of the Flemish AI Policy Plan.
- TUC RAILminorTUC RAIL is a Belgian engineering consultancy specializing in railway infrastructure and technology. Sponsoring the October 2025 Nerdland Maandoverzicht episode. Active for over 30 years in Belgian and international rail projects.
- Fairy PositronminorFairy Positron (fairypositron.be) is described as 'dé giftshop voor nerds' — a gift shop for nerds with anatomically correct plush toys, tardigrade necklaces, python take lists, and meteorologically designed umbrellas. Sponsor of the November 2025 episode with 15% discount code NERDY15.
- Ray & JulesminorRay & Jules (ray-jules.com) aims to make the coffee sector fair and CO2-free through innovative roasting processes. Sponsor of the November 2023 episode, offering a package with Nerdland podcaster names for €29.70 (6x250g, free delivery in Belgium).
- Indurium EngineeringminorIndurium Engineering (indurium.eu) provides high-quality consultancy services specializing in advanced numerical simulations of materials, products, and structures. Sponsor of the December 2023 episode.
- PrismaxminorPrismax (nerdland.prismax.com) is a creative company that has been digitally bringing events and experiences to life since 2005. Specializing in virtual experiences, live events, virtual set design, and digital arts & NFTs, with teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Dubai. Sponsor of the January 2024 episode.
- OystershellminorOystershell (oystershell.com) is a leader in over-the-counter medicines and health solutions, notably the world's number one head lice treatment technology. Also active in wart treatment, nutritional supplements, wound care, and fungal nail solutions. Sponsor of the February 2024 episode.
- Zuid-Tirol (South Tyrol)minorZuid-Tirol (South Tyrol) is a province in Italy with 5,300+ years of human presence, including Ötzi the Iceman. Sponsor of the Nerdland Ötzi Special episode (February 2026). Promoted via Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Domein Puyenbroeck (Provinciale Domeinen Oost-Vlaanderen)coreThe Nerdland Festival is held at Domein Puyenbroeck in Wachtebeke, a provincial domain in East Flanders, Belgium. This venue partnership is central to the biennial festival's identity as the largest science festival in the Benelux.
- Lotto Arena AntwerpencoreThe 'Nerdland voor Kleine Nerds' family shows are held at Lotto Arena Antwerpen, one of Belgium's major event venues. Multiple editions (2025, 2026) have been held at this venue during Christmas holiday periods.
- Arenberg AntwerpencoreArenberg Antwerpen is the venue for live Nerdland Podcast recordings, including special live episodes tied to the Nerdland Festival and other events.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Nerdland competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Wetenschap.nl: Dutch-language science news platform covering research, technology, and science news. Comparable to Nerdland's content mission in Dutch-language science communication, though more text-based journalism rather than personality-driven entertainment.
Broad incumbents
- NPO Radio 1: Dutch public radio station with significant science and current affairs programming. Comparable as a Dutch-language media property producing science content and podcasts for the same Dutch-speaking audience Nerdland serves.
- The Infinite Monkey Cage: BBC's flagship science podcast/comedy show that combines expert interviews with humor, also performing live shows. Closely comparable to Nerdland Maandoverzicht in format (panel science discussion) and live event model, though operating at much larger English-language scale.
- Radiolab: WNYC's award-winning science and storytelling podcast with cinematic production. Comparable to Nerdland in high-quality science podcast production and live event touring, with a more institutional and higher-budget approach.
- NEMO Science Museum: Amsterdam's flagship science museum and engagement institution. Operates in the Benelux science engagement space with events, exhibitions, and educational content, comparable to Nerdland's festival and family show programming though at much larger institutional scale.
- VRT: Belgian public broadcaster that produces science programming and podcasts. Indirect competitor for science audience attention in Belgium, with broader content portfolio but less dedicated science communication focus than Nerdland.
Direct peers
- Science Friday: NPR's flagship science podcast and live event producer. Closely parallel to Nerdland Maandoverzicht in monthly science news format, multi-platform distribution, and live event programming, though at US scale with public funding support.
- StarTalk: Neil deGrasse Tyson's science podcast and live show brand centered on a celebrity science communicator. Direct comparable to Nerdland's Lieven Scheire-fronted format combining accessible science talk with live events and merchandise.
- Universiteit van Nederland: Dutch science communication platform featuring short online lectures by Dutch professors. Comparable to Nerdland in mission (making science accessible to Dutch-speaking audiences) and distribution (digital video/podcast), though more institutional than personality-driven.
- Brian Cox: UK physicist and celebrity science communicator who produces live shows, books, and media appearances. Comparable to Lieven Scheire as a celebrity science communicator with solo live tours, books, and media presence, though at UK/international scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Nerdland social profiles
Digital presenceNerdland financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nerdland leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Nerdland funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nerdland M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nerdland
What does Nerdland do?
Nerdland produces and distributes accessible Dutch-language science and technology content across multiple formats: a flagship monthly podcast (Nerdland Maandoverzicht), large-scale live events including the biennial Nerdland Festival and family shows at Lotto Arena Antwerpen, a portfolio of science books, annual tear-off calendars and children's activity books, branded merchandise, and corporate speaking engagements via the Nerdland Talks arm. The brand monetizes its audience through event ticketing, sponsorships, e-commerce, book sales and corporate speaking fees.
Is Nerdland a public or private company?
Nerdland is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Nerdland founded?
Nerdland was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Nerdland based?
Nerdland is headquartered in Merelbeke, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does Nerdland make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Podcast Sponsorships are the primary driver. The others are live Events & Ticketing, merchandise & Commerce, books & Publications and nerdland Talks (Corporate).
Who are Nerdland's main competitors?
Wetenschap.nl is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are NPO Radio 1, The Infinite Monkey Cage, Radiolab, NEMO Science Museum and VRT. Direct peers are Science Friday, StarTalk, Universiteit van Nederland and Brian Cox.
Does Nerdland have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nerdland.