Born in Naaldwijk in 1993, I grew up in the middle of the world’s greenhouse capital. My earliest memories, however, come from a very different place — the raw, unfiltered landscapes of Papua New Guinea. Those years shaped me more than I realized at the time. Living in an environment where nothing was guaranteed taught me flexibility, resilience, and how to find my footing in unfamiliar situations. It made me adaptable, curious, and comfortable navigating cultures far from home.
About Timo
About Timo Raus
About me
When I returned to the Netherlands at age eleven, I carried that adaptability with me. I threw myself into Dutch education, into sports, into finding my place. I took on every job I could — delivering newspapers at dawn, working after school in greenhouses, assisting in a sports shop — not because I had to, but because working gave me direction and independence. It also rooted me more deeply into the world my family came from: the combination of greenhouse craft, caregiving, and honest hard work.
My path led me into entrepreneurship early. I learned by doing — often the hard way. One of the defining chapters of my career began when I found myself, still very young, managing a high-tech greenhouse project in Dubai’s construction ecosystem. Working under demanding clients, navigating complex contracts, and meeting elite standards changed my trajectory. I often felt out of place, but that pressure sharpened my competence. It broadened my perspective on what is possible, and how high the bar in our industry can be — and should be.
Today, I operate at the intersection of traditional “we’ve always done it this way” greenhouse wisdom and the world that’s coming: AI-assisted growing, decentralized food systems, and net-zero horticulture. I believe greenhouses and indoor farms will evolve into strategic food infrastructure around cities — especially as energy volatility, climate pressure, and technological acceleration reshape our industry. I foresee a future where local-to-local, low-emission, transparent food production is not a niche initiative but the backbone of regional food security.
What drives me is simple: curiosity, continuous improvement, and the joy of being involved in interesting, meaningful projects. I enjoy building things that matter, bringing people together, and helping others — growers, investors, clients, or friends — make better decisions. I’ve learned that good collaboration, clear information, and shared ambition can turn even the most challenging project into something transformative.
Outside of work, I’m a wine enthusiast, a social creature, and someone with a soft spot for dogs. I live by a quality-over-quantity philosophy — whether it’s work, relationships, or the simple pleasures of life. I don’t believe in staying still. Learning, developing, and refining are part of who I am.
My mission is to provide people with the tools and perspectives that help them grow — professionally, personally, and in the greenhouse projects that bring communities and businesses to life.
I look forward to collaborating, exchanging ideas, and pioneering a more sustainable, resilient, and future-proof greenhouse industry together.
