Who are the Scaptanen? That was a long time ago... it must have been somewhere in the 500s, the Scaptanen lived... Just kidding! The Scaptanen, that's our team! The Scapta family. Each one of them has a unique story with hidden (and not so hidden) talents. Wonderful people who share a passion. Our Scapta family is growing! Would you like to get to know them?
Hi, meet:
Alex Vandereycken 👨 49 years old
In his element at work, with his family 👪, or on a walk with Oreo (no, not the cookies, his 🐕)
The (friendly) boss at Scapta 👨💻
Running an IT company, wow. Was that your big childhood dream?
When I was studying, I already dreamed of starting my own business. After my first work experience at ASQ (Real Software) and Computer Support (IBM), at the age of 27, I became the owner of Helios-IT together with 3 other partners. In 7 years, we grew that company to 100 people across 5 locations in Belgium and the Netherlands. I carried that dynamism and innovative strength forward on my entrepreneurial path within the sector.
And today it's scapta all the way. How would you describe yourself as an employer?
People first. I believe in the power of teamwork, in employees who care about the service quality within Scapta. Because then the customer is also satisfied.
Scapta has 2 managers. What do you think is the secret to smooth cooperation?
Complementarity and trust. Where my abilities end, my partner's begin, and vice versa. This has been the case since 2001, so I can say with confidence that it works and will continue to work.
I can imagine it's not easy every day. What do you find to be the biggest challenge yourself?
The constant balancing act between what employees want and can do, what the customer desires, and what Microsoft intends.
Is there a moment that has stayed with you the most from your entrepreneurial journey, that you're super proud of?
There were many small moments, though the sale of an app to Microsoft last year was the most special of all. Still, it's remarkable that someone from Redmond says, “I'm going to call Scapta and see if we can buy their app (instead of building it ourselves),” and then after acceptance says, “The source code is beyond expectations..A real feather in the developers” cap.
When do you know if someone is a Scaptaan and fits into the family?
This is based on Thalento's instincts and assessments. Together with them, we decide whether to proceed with a long-term proposal. It often becomes clear very quickly whether someone is integrating ‘on their own merit’ or if it's just a temporary whim of the person in question.
Can many more members join the family?
We are aiming for a team of 35 people, some of whom (5) will largely work on the app Factory. This under the motto ‘slowly but surely’ or 'slowly in a hurry'. I don't believe in teams of 100 people. Our work is becoming smaller in scope. Migration files are disappearing due to SaaS, meaning that within 3 to 5 years, you will have to rely purely on new business or customer expansions. Then, a team of 25 to 35 people is perfect.
Dilemma of the day: you can only wear galaxy-print clothing OR you always go straight from your bed out the door?
Just get me straight out of bed. No bling bling.
scapta is for me....
My Work Dream. A conscious choice, very happy with our company and our people.
Nice to get to know you better, Alex! 👋