Lex Hoefsloot (NL)

Lex saw an opportunity to work on a challenging tech project next to his study and work on a project that could change the world. He realized there was an opportunity to use the high tech ecosystem that existed around Eindhoven to get solar cars to a whole new level and so with his co-founder, Roy, he started assembling a team. With Lex filling the role of Team Captain, they recruited 20 students with which they worked a self-defined goal, which involved technical but also funding challenges to build Stella, the car that would ultimately go on to win the World Solar Challenge in 2013.

After leading the student team, Lex and the other founders realised the potential of the concept and technology that they had for Solar Team Eindhoven. Not wanting to work for a company without purpose and combined with a “we are going to regret it if we don’t do this”-attitude, they started Lightyear.

“100% sustainable cars that can be driven for just a few cents per kilometre and arrive at your doorstep in just a few minutes. Being in the car is more like being at home. So we might all be travelling much more in the future while doing other things.” — Lex