He was a merchant in oils and grains in Amsterdam with a warehouse called "In den Olycan", which became his name.
He was also a brewer in Haarlem on the Spaarne river with a large brewery called the "Vogelstruys".
[1] Pieter Olycan was one of three brewers from Haarlem who sold his “Vogelstruys” beer from a 'bierstekerij' on the Bierkade in Purmerend.
[2] He married Maritje Claesdr Voogt and through her he became the brother-in-law to two more brewers of Haarlem.
He was portrayed by Hendrik Gerritsz Pot in his group portrait of the St Adrian Civic Guard in 1630.