Builder first, advisor second
I co-founded Openminds, a managed hosting company in Belgium. We bootstrapped it, grew to a team of 21, and became second in our market. When we saw the public cloud wave coming, we sold to Combell (now team.blue) in 2016.
I then joined Stone Door Group, a US-based boutique IT consulting firm. I was their first European consultant, and ended up building the European division — recruiting consultants, managing client relationships, and doing hands-on technical work. We did short-stint specialized consulting and advanced training for software companies.
After that, I joined Oqton, a SaaS company building software for industrial 3D printing. I started by hiring and managing the infrastructure team, then moved into CISO and CIO roles. When 3D Systems acquired Oqton, I led the technical integration into 3DS.
Today I'm co-founder and CEO at Krane Labs, where we do managed Kubernetes hosting. I'm also building Trustbourne, an encrypted digital inheritance service. And I mentor early-stage founders on the technical side. Kiwazo — Swahili for "idea" — is my consulting practice.
Through Kiwazo, I take on fractional CEO and CTO roles for companies that need senior tech leadership without a full-time hire. I also do technical due diligence for companies heading into investment rounds.
What I'm Working On
Krane Labs — Co-founder & CEO
We design, build, and manage Kubernetes infrastructure at a fixed monthly fee. For companies that want containers done right without hiring a platform team. Co-founded with Bernard Grymonpon — same partner I built Openminds with.
Trustbourne — Founder
Encrypted digital inheritance. You store passwords, crypto keys, documents, instructions. If something happens to you and you stop checking in, your files go to the people you chose. Currently in open beta.
Startup Mentoring
I work with early-stage founders on technical strategy, hiring, and figuring out what to build next. Commercial advisory in Europe, pro bono work in East Africa.
What I do
I've spent 25 years in tech, mostly building and running infrastructure. Here's what I can help with.
Fractional CEO / CTO
I step in as your CEO or CTO for a fixed number of days per month. I set the technical direction, work with your engineering team, and handle the board conversations about tech. I've done this for SaaS companies, security firms, and VC portfolio companies.
Security & Compliance
I help teams get their security in order — whether that's ISO27001, SOC2, or just getting the basics right. Practical security that fits how you actually work, without the six-month consulting project.
Technical Due Diligence
Before you invest, I look under the hood. Code quality, engineering culture, how well the architecture scales, where the risks are. I've done this across multiple deals — some of which led to VC and private equity investment.
Infrastructure & R&D
25 years of building infrastructure — cloud platforms, Kubernetes clusters, BGP Anycast networks, DDoS-resistant DNS. When you need someone who's done it, not just read about it.
Mentorship and Advisory
I mentor founders and technical leaders, mostly at early-stage startups. Sometimes as a formal advisor, sometimes just as someone to call when things get complicated.
Who I've worked with
A sample of past and current engagements. I can't name most clients, but here's the type of work I do.
Key Engagements
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Global Security Providers
Built and improved DNS infrastructure for multinational security firms. Designed automated deployment pipelines for global VPN providers so their services stay reliable as they scale. -
Oqton / 3D Systems
Hired and managed the infrastructure team at Oqton, a SaaS company for industrial 3D printing. Grew into CISO and CIO roles. When 3D Systems acquired Oqton, I led the technical integration. -
SaaS Scale-ups
Fractional CTO and CIO roles for SaaS companies — setting product direction, fixing development processes, and making sure the tech can keep up with growth. -
Investor Advisory
Technical due diligence on cloud and Kubernetes companies ahead of investment rounds. -
Social Impact
Pro bono mentorship for a med-tech entrepreneur in Kampala — helping with leadership, team structure, and technology choices in healthcare delivery.
Let's talk
Between Krane Labs, Trustbourne, and advisory work, my plate is full — but I'm always open to interesting conversations. If you're looking for a fractional CEO or CTO, due diligence before an investment, or just want to talk shop, drop me a line.
Get in touch