The Canada-born businessman could have moved anywhere in the world, but he eventually settled on Antwerp. "I have always liked the town," he says. "It has a cool vibe." And, more importantly, he feels secure there. "You can walk through the centre of town at 2.00 and feel safe."

He set up Digix, which, besides digital marketing, does communications strategies. "I was the first to have Bluetooth platforms up and running in Antwerp."

Digix specialises in marketing campaigns using Bluetooth-enabled platforms at major events like Batibouw, Business Solutions, Antwerp Pride and Tour & Taxis. "Almost everyone has Bluetooth on their phones here, but it has not been used much so far.
With Bluetooth, people arriving at a trade fair can receive information on their phones, watch short video clips or let their children play games that are sent by event organisers." And it's all free.

Seidman has now built up a list of customers, including former Miss Belgium Ilse de Meulemeester. She is Seidman's brand ambassador with several collaboration projects for the brands she represents like Gervi, Nescafe and Veuve Cliquot.

He recently scored a first in Belgium by sending out a Star Trek movie preview using Bluetooth at the Brussels Festival of Fantasy Film.

Unlike some foreign entrepreneurs, Seidman isn't too concerned about the red tape in Belgium. "There is a lot of paperwork to get through," he admits, "but the system works. It took four months to get everything in order, but I now have a BVBA [or private limited company]. People take that seriously. It means that your company is properly capitalised."

Even the high tax rate doesn't particularly get to him. "taxes are higher in Belgium, but you get something in return. Where in Africa taxes disappear into a black hole, here you have a very good health service and excellent public transport. So you see where the money goes."

www.digix.be