Richard den Hartog is a versatile entrepreneur with a strong connection to the city of Utrecht. His current project Eaudegracht offers a smart alternative to bottled water for local Cafes and Restaurants.

Growing up in a big family of 17 siblings, Richard had to find his own way at an early age. Despite bureaucratic challenges, he managed to get a central Utrecht location as flower seller. A decade later he switched to the hospitality industry, opening Pub ’t College in Utrecht. In the past 20+ years he became a well-known hospitality entrepreneur with a broad network. This very network enabled him to realise a seemingly naive idea: distribute stylish water bottles in which local Cafes and Restaurants can offer free tap water to consumers. Bottles are sold as gift or souvenir for tourists. Richard is very thankful for the opportunities Utrecht offered to him, Eaudegracht being more of a passion project rather than a business-driven initiative.

“I want to give something back”