We Shape a Better-Informed World
Owlin is an AI-powered risk intelligence platform, founded in Amsterdam in 2012 and trusted by major banks and financial institutions worldwide. Learn who we are, how we got here, and how we build AI you can explain to a regulator.
Owlin turns unstructured public information into risk signals that compliance and risk teams can act on. We screen and monitor companies for adverse media, sanctions, PEP, state-owned enterprise, and watchlist exposure, and we surface early-warning signals from sources such as negative news, legal filings, and regulatory complaints.
Using advanced AI and natural language processing (NLP), we read millions of sources across 100+ geographies every day, transform unstructured data into structured risk signals, filter out the noise, and present every finding with the evidence behind it. Teams see risk earlier, spend less time on manual research, and can show exactly where a decision came from.
Owlin fits into the tools teams already use: our dashboard, email alerts, an API, and integrations into GRC platforms.
Interested in joining us in our mission? If you want to become a part of our ambitious team and help us challenge the status quo, browse our job openings and apply for the position that best fits your profile and talent. We would love to hear from you!
Our journey
We started in 2012 as a small Amsterdam startup building a real-time news analysis platform. Today we work with Tier 1 financial institutions, corporates, and consultancies from offices in Amsterdam, New York, and Seattle. Every step since has been about the same idea: give people the signal before it becomes the story.
Owlin raises $250,000 in seed funding to continue the development of its real-time news analysis platform.
Evolution from a news-listing to a news-analysis platform to help financial institutions assess risk and identify opportunities.
Secures $3.5 million in Series A funding and opens a new office in New York. Wins the Fintech Impact Award.
Launch of the Owlin 3.0 Platform.
Recognized as a market leader in ‘Third Party Risk Management’, ‘Governance Risk and Compliance’, and ‘Conduct and Control’ in the “GRC Solutions, 2021: Market Update and Vendor Landscape” report by Chartis Research.
Moving into a new office in Amsterdam (because luckily people still enjoy coming to our office).
Recognized as Category Leader in 2024 Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions Quadrant by Chartis.
Category Leader in the Chartis Adverse Media Monitoring Quadrant for the second year.
Category Leader in the Chartis Adverse Media Monitoring Quadrant for the third year running.
Our awards
Chartis RiskTech Quadrant
Category Leader – Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions 2026
Chartis RiskTech Quadrant
Category Leader – Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions 2025
Chartis RiskTech Quadrant
Category Leader – Adverse Media Monitoring Solutions 2024
Chartis RiskTech AI50 2024
Proudly Mentioned
Chartis RiskTech Quadrant
Point Solution – Name and Transaction Screening Solutions 2024
Waters Technology
Winner Category – Best Data Analytics Provider
Mass Challenge
Finalist
Accenture
Innovation Awards – Finalist
TNW
Hackathon Winner
TechCrunch Disrupt
Hackathon Winner
NRC Live Fintech Impact Award
Jury Prize Winner 2019
Pioneers Festival
2nd out of Thousands
Committed to the future
Owlin’s commitment to a better-informed world extends to the planet we share. Our near-term emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a reflection of the same rigor and accountability we bring to the risk intelligence we deliver every day.
Meet our team
Sjoerd Leemhuis
CEO & FounderSjoerd Leemhuis is the CEO and founder of Owlin. With a background in finance and a passion for technology, Sjoerd has been leading Owlin since its inception, transforming it into
a trusted partner for financial institutions and corporations worldwide. Under his leadership, Owlin has grown from a bold idea into a global platform that empowers clients with real-time insights and risk intelligence. Sjoerd is driven by the belief that access to structured, timely information leads to better decisions, a more transparent world, and ultimately, a better world.
Stefan Peekel
Chief Growth OfficerAs Chief Growth Officer at Owlin, Stefan spearheads the company’s global growth strategy by building lasting client partnerships and unlocking new business opportunities. With a
keen eye for market dynamics and a deep understanding of client needs, he plays a pivotal role in aligning Owlin’s solutions with the evolving demands of the sector. Stefan is passionate about forging meaningful connections, entering new markets, and ensuring that Owlin’s value is felt at every stage of the customer journey. His leadership blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, helping Owlin scale sustainably while staying true to its mission.
Ralf Nieuwenhuijsen
Chief Technical OfficerRalf, Chief Technology Officer at Owlin, shapes the company’s technology strategy, leading the development of AI-driven risk intelligence solutions. With a focus on innovation, scalability,
and security, he ensures Owlin delivers cutting-edge insights to clients worldwide.
Francesco Puglierin
Data ScientistFrancesco, busy at the crossroads between Software Engineering, Data Engineering, and Data Science, specializes in crafting data pipelines and weaving compelling stories from
data. He taps into a broad range of tools, from Elasticsearch to the latest LLMs, to distill complex information into clear, actionable narratives.
Juan Francisco Fernández
Data Quality AnalystJuan is Owlin’s Data Quality Analyst, ensuring our clients receive accurate and relevant data.
With strong analytical skills and attention to detail, he helps identify and resolve data quality issues, supports data workflows, and collaborates with engineers and data scientists to transform complex information into clear insights.
Joyce Gouweleeuw
Personal AssistantAs Personal Assistant at Owlin, Joyce plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the company’s day-to-day activities. From managing schedules and coordinating meetings to handling
essential administrative tasks, she brings structure, efficiency, and a calm presence to the team. With a strong attention to detail and a proactive mindset, Joyce enables the organization to operate seamlessly behind the scenes—so others can focus on driving impact.
Interested in joining our team?
Submit your resume and cover letter to apply for one of the open positions listed below. If you don’t see a role that fits your skills right now, be sure to check back often—new opportunities are added regularly!
See Owlin on the companies you care about
Book a demo to see how screening and monitoring work on your own third parties, or start with a free risk report on any company.