Kylla’s Investment Analyst Daan van Druten recently embarked on a solo business trip that exemplified Kylla’s “Business Beyond Borders” spirit. Over the summer, Daan – aged 24 – travelled from the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan, to the marble-rich hills of Oman, representing Kylla in monitoring and restructuring international investments. He returned not only with successful business outcomes, but also with a personal story of growth, cultural exchange, and lasting connections made far from home.
Launching a Marble Venture in Oman
One key achievement of Daan’s trip was the successful launch of Synthesis Capital, a new joint investment vehicle focusing on opportunities in the marble industry. In Muscat, Oman, Daan negotiated the restructuring of Kylla’s investment and laid the groundwork for this partnership. With starting capital from two investing parties, Synthesis Capital will serve as a platform to explore promising international opportunities. While the marble industry is a key area of interest, the venture remains open to other opportunities that can deliver sustainable returns. From meeting with Omani law firms to scouting a potential factory site in the port city of Sohar, Daan helped ensure that Synthesis Capital got off to a solid start.
Meanwhile in Pakistan, Daan applied the same hands-on approach. He spent a week in Lahore and Islamabad working closely with a portfolio company’s CEO to restructure a shared services center. This meant diving into operational details and financials in a context very different from home, and making recommendations to set the business on a stronger course. For all of this, Daan coordinated with Kylla’s headquarters in Amsterdam, but on the ground he had to take full leadership of every meeting and negotiation. Whether in a boardroom in Islamabad or a quarry site in Oman, he was the one people looked to for decisions. “Walking into a meeting room alone at 24 forces you to grow up fast,” Daan admits. “You learn that doing your homework and showing respect earns you a seat at any table.”
Beyond Borders: An Openness that Builds Bridges
According to Daan, “stepping into the unfamiliar with openness and respect… listening carefully, finding common ground, and creating opportunities that last” is what Business Beyond Borders is all about. This mindset was crucial throughout his journey. Eventhough circumstances were challenging, he stayed positive and focused on solutions. By genuinely listening and showing respect for everyone he dealt with, Daan built rapport with a wide range of stakeholders across cultures. These soft skills turned out to be just as important as the financial and legal expertise in getting deals done. “I realized that, whether you’re in Muscat or Islamabad, trust and understanding are universal currencies,” Daan reflects. “When you approach people with an open mind, you create relationships that last beyond the transaction.”
From Global Business to Future Diplomacy
At Kylla, we believe that international business is also an opportunity to invest in people. We encourage young professionals to take on responsibilities that allow them to grow, even while still studying. Daan’s journey is one example of this approach. Whilst finishing his Master’s, he has an eye on a future role at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This summer trip gave him a preview of diplomacy in action, through the lens of business. Negotiating with partners from different countries, adapting to new legal environments, and finding common ground in tough situations have all been invaluable learning experiences for him. Those who know Daan aren’t surprised by his ambitions; he has always sought to bridge worlds. “For me there’s no better classroom than a negotiating table in a foreign country,” Daan says with a smile. “Each encounter taught me something new about cooperation and understanding, lessons I hope to carry into a diplomatic career one day.”
Daan’s story is a reminder that doing business beyond borders isn’t about flash or fanfare, but about openness, respect, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It’s a mindset that’s deeply ingrained in Kylla’s DNA. As Daan’s journey through Pakistan and Oman shows, when you combine hard work with an honest curiosity about the world we can lay foundations for opportunities that last.
