Roots to Rise

What Roots to Rise does

Roots to Rise is a Netherlands-based personal development and ecological leadership training organization founded in 2011 by biologist and executive coach Suzanne Valkman. The company delivers experiential programs that integrate deep ecology, Sufism (specifically the Mevlevi tradition), ecopsychology, and biology, with flagship offerings including the year-long Ecological Leadership Course (€3,447 individual / €4,265 corporate, VAT-exempt) and the seven-month Leerweg Art of Deep Ecology (€1,347 / €1,565). Programs are intentionally delivered in small cohorts of 9–13 participants at a Midden Nederland training location, combining in-person outdoor sessions, contemplative practices such as the seven-hand-position Latifa meditation, and 4–6 hours per week of guided self-study. Supplementary offerings include one-on-one nature coaching (natuurcoaching), forest bathing (bosbaden), Active Hope workshops, the BookBeetles book club, and off-site group Latifa facilitation (up to 25 participants) on a voluntary donation basis.

The business operates on a founder-led, bootstrapped model with no external institutional funding. Go-to-market is community-driven: the Deep Ecology Network (co-founded with Dimitri Heikamp, with its own deepecologynetwork.com platform and 'Natures Theater' content series), BookBeetles alumni community, and affiliations with NVNC (where Valkman chairs), the International Ecopsychology Society, ANFT, and the Earth Charter function as referral and credibility channels. Marketing relies on content (including the co-authored Dutch-language book Bladgoud, 2020, updated 5th edition 2023, with Trees for All) and direct contact via website interest forms, email ([email protected]), phone, and Signal. Programs are delivered in Dutch and English. The company is not technology-enabled — there are no APIs, AI features, apps, or digital distribution channels; delivery is human-facilitated and place-based.

Revenue is generated primarily through prepaid multi-month program tuition with optional 2–3 instalment payment plans, plus donation-based sessions and workshops. The customer base is composed of individuals and a smaller business segment seeking ecological leadership development, with corporate/individual pricing differential signaling a deliberate dual-track model. Operational scale is small by design — typical cohorts of 9–13 — and revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Roots to Rise

Legal name

Roots to Rise

Website

https://rootstorise.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Roots to Rise is a Netherlands-based, founder-led training organization founded in 2011 that delivers small-cohort experiential programs integrating deep ecology, Sufism, ecopsychology, and biology to individuals and professionals seeking ecological leadership and personal development, offered in Dutch and English.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Personal Development Training

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (115310), Support Activities for Forestry (11531), Support Activities for Forestry (1153)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Growth Mindset, Motivation & Goal-Setting Programs (EDAMAIAE)

Keywords

• Ecological leadership training
• Deep ecology education
• Nature-based coaching
• Contemplative leadership programs
• Nature immersion workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Amerongen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Training and Education Programs: Revenue primarily from structured educational programs: the Ecological Leadership Course (€3,447 individual / €4,265 business, full year 2027–2028, 7 training days on location plus personal coaching sessions) and the 7-month Deep Ecology pathway (€1,347 individual / €1,565 business, 2026 cohort). Programs delivered in Dutch or English, group-based (9–13 participants), with optional payment in 2–3 instalments.
2. Coaching and Guided Sessions: Individual coaching (nature coaching) and guided Latifa meditation sessions offered on a voluntary donation basis (vrijwillige donatie), with expense reimbursement. Group Latifa practice for external events (training, meetings) also offered on donation basis, max 25 participants, ~1 hour duration.
3. Workshops, Retreat Days, and Events: Additional revenue from shorter-format offerings such as nature walks, intensive ecological leadership pathways (2–3 participants), Deep Ecology Network gatherings, and seasonal activities. The Ecological Leadership course also includes 4–6 hours per week of self-study with guided assignments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Roots to Rise delivers experiential training programs and personal development services that integrate deep ecology, Sufism, ecopsychology, and biology. Core offerings include the year-long Ecological Leadership Course and the seven-month Art of Deep Ecology pathway, supported by nature coaching, forest bathing, Latifa meditation practice, and Active Hope workshops. Programs are delivered in small cohorts in Dutch and English, with intensive in-person training days combined with guided self-study.

Product overview

Roots to Rise operates as a holistic educational organization centered on ecological leadership and deep ecology. The core offering is the Academie voor Ecologisch Leiderschap (Academy for Ecological Leadership), which houses structured programs including the year-long Ecologisch Leiderschap training and the seven-month Leerweg Art of Deep Ecology trajectory. These programs integrate the Latifa Practice—a Sufi meditation technique—and are supported by the Deep Ecology Network community. Supplementary offerings include nature coaching (Natuurcoaching), forest bathing (Bosbaden), Active Hope workshops, and the BookBeetles book club. Roots to Rise also produces publications including the book Bladgoud and supports the WWF Forests and Vitality report. All programs combine ecopsychology, biology, and mystical traditions to foster self-realization through connection with nature.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ecologisch Leiderschap (Ecological Leadership Course) A year-long intensive training program for individuals seeking to develop ecological consciousness and leadership capacity. Delivered in cohorts of 9-13 participants in Central Netherlands, combining outdoor immersion with contemplative practice and embodied learning. Priced at €3,447 per individual or €4,265 business rate (VAT exempt).
• Leerweg Art of Deep Ecology (The Art of Deep Ecology) A seven-month educational pathway combining deep ecology, Sufi mysticism, ecopsychology, and biology for personal transformation and self-realization. Includes course materials, vegetarian lunch, and supplies. Priced at €1,347 per individual or €1,565 business rate (VAT exempt).
• Latifa Practice A Sufi-derived meditation and prayer practice involving seven sequential hand positions representing phases of transformation. Offered as individual sessions, group sessions (max 25 participants, ~1 hour), and off-site facilitation for external training or meetings. Group sessions offered on a voluntary donation basis plus expense reimbursement.
• Natuurcoaching (Nature Coaching) One-on-one nature-based coaching services facilitating personal development through ecological principles, nature connection, and embodied practice. Delivered by founder Suzanne Valkman and qualified nature coaches.
• Bosbaden (Forest Bathing) Guided forest bathing sessions (Shinrin-yoku style) facilitated by certified nature and forest therapy guides. Offered as shorter-format community touchpoints in natural locations.
• Actieve Hoop (Active Hope) Workshops

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants complete structured 7-month to 1-year programs and report deepened ecological self-awareness, renewed connection to nature, and enhanced sense of purpose and hope.

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• WWF (World Wildlife Fund)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022In March 2022, WWF published 'Forests and Vitality' — a report on evidence connecting forests and human health. Suzanne Valkman contributed to or collaborated on this report. Two years of research were conducted, consulting many scientific studies. The report presents a framework for integrating nature conservation and public health.
• Trees for AllminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Suzanne Valkman co-authored 'Bladgoud' (2020, 5th updated edition 2023) with Trees for All director Simone Groenendijk, alongside climatologist Reinier van den Berg and publisher Jeanet Hamsma (ZILT). The book addresses trees, forests, climate, biodiversity, and the future of (old-growth) forests.
• Deep Ecology Network (DEN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011The Deep Ecology Network was co-founded by Dimitri Heikamp and Suzanne Valkman (founder of Roots to Rise). DEN supports individuals on the (inner) path to nature action through gatherings, inspiration, training, and guidance. It also provides project support and connections between people, projects, and funders. DEN publishes 'Natures Theater' content and maintains its own website (deepecologynetwork.com). This is a foundational, co-created initiative rather than a third-party partnership.
• Nederlandse Vereniging voor Natuur Coaches (NVNC)minorOthersRoots to Rise is affiliated with NVNC, the Dutch professional association for nature coaches. Suzanne Valkman serves as chair of NVNC. This membership provides professional credibility, network access, and visibility within the nature coaching community in the Netherlands.
• International Ecopsycology Society (IES)minorOthersRoots to Rise is affiliated with the International Ecopsycology Society (IES.bio), which advances the field of ecopsychology. This international affiliation positions Roots to Rise within a global community of practitioners linking psychological practice with ecological awareness.
• Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)minorOthersRoots to Rise is affiliated with ANFT (natureandforesttherapy.earth), which promotes nature and forest therapy as a healing practice. The affiliation aligns with Roots to Rise's forest bathing (bosbaden) offerings and broader nature-connection methodology.
• Earth CharterminorOthersRoots to Rise is aligned with the Earth Charter, an international declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society. This alignment reflects the company's ecological and ethical values but does not appear to constitute an active formal partnership.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Commonland: European organization advancing regenerative landscape and ecosystem restoration with leadership and education programs. Comparable for combining ecological systems thinking with leadership development in adult cohorts.
• Findhorn Foundation: Scotland-based spiritual and ecological community offering education programs on inner development and planetary stewardship. Comparable for combining contemplative/spiritual traditions with ecological practice in adult learning formats.
• Naropa University: US-based contemplative education university integrating meditation, ecological awareness, and transformative learning. Direct peer for blending contemplative/spiritual practice with ecological and personal-development curricula.
• Schumacher College: UK-based residential college offering transformative ecological and sustainability education. Highly comparable: similar blend of ecological worldview, contemplative practice, and small-cohort adult learning, with similar premium residential pricing.
• Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT): International organization training and certifying forest therapy guides. Direct peer in nature-connection methodology training; Roots to Rise is already affiliated with ANFT, and ANFT's offerings (forest bathing, guided walks) overlap directly with Roots to Rise's Bosbaden practice.
• Hollyhock Leadership Institute: Canada-based leadership development center on Vancouver Island offering retreats and programs on leadership, ecology, and social change. Direct peer in adult ecological-leadership experiential education at premium pricing.

Broad incumbents

• Natuurmonumenten: Major Dutch nature conservation organization with public education and nature-experience programming. Broad incumbent; much larger, offers nature experiences and educational programs in the same Dutch market.
• IVN Natuureducatie: Large Dutch nature education organization offering nature guides, courses, and public programming. Broader incumbent operating at much larger scale in the same Dutch nature-education market where Roots to Rise competes for participants and trainers.
• Stichting Natuur & Milieu: Dutch environmental organization driving sustainability awareness and capacity building. Broad incumbent in Dutch environmental education and community engagement with overlapping audience but a wider, advocacy-led mandate.

Others

• Trees for All: Dutch reforestation foundation co-author of Bladgoud and partner network. Adjacent/ecosystem player: existing collaboration through shared book and likely participant/referral overlap, but operating in reforestation funding rather than personal-development training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rootstorise

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Roots to Rise