'Skinny jeans in the boardroom'

foto Max (1)

Max van Kekeren (23), a former Information Technology student, has been running his own web hosting company and developing websites for more than five years.

Actions speak louder than words
I hate paperwork and believe in practical solutions. I am by nature a doer with a focus on practical and simple solutions. I think that the younger generation now wants nothing to do with all that nonsense. We just want to do our jobs. If I'm good at it, just let me do it!

With my company, I regularly step into a boardroom with managers and consultants in fancy suits. Then I sit there with my skinny jeans, sneakers and sweater. They often mistake me for the intern. When tell them that I am their ICT officer and responsible for the server infrastructure, they look surprised.

Social ICT'er 
'I started my company 5.5 years ago. We host websites, internal systems, and software for companies. If companies want to do that cheaply, securely, and quickly, they have come to the right place. We provide the online infrastructure and all systems interact. We are also web developers and website builders. When a customer purchases something from us, I hope they feel relieved. Like 'Wow, that was much easier than I thought'.

In addition to web hosting and web development, I have a background in AI / Machine Learning. I enjoy working specifically with mid-sized companies to see how we can implement AI / Machine Learning into their business operations. Think of automatic object recognition in photos/video, buy-sell predictions for stores, converting audio to text or using AI to trade on the stock market.

What makes me unique? As an ICT person, I am very social. If there is a problem, I can explain in "normal human language" what we are going to do. I also show a lot of understanding and really listen to their problems. Customers like that and therefore come back to us. I think that the combination, technically skilled and also social is a rare combination that is appreciated by my customers.'

When you know someone, doors open
'Last year I was asked to pitch at the ICE Sessions of Start Up Campus Haarlem with Michiel Stokman of BOTS, an investment app. We were invited to BOTS, and after that, some big serious clients joined us. Getting into such a big company is difficult, but when you know someone, new doors open for you. For example, we also trade with our AI through the BOTS platform in the market.

I like to come to SUCH. I see who is the speaker and whether I could learn something from them. That way I also learn new skills and knowledge for my business. I was there with the ladies from 'For You Agency' to learn more about TikTok. I am expanding my business in the area of marketing. Nice that I can learn from that!

Start small and slowly scale up
'As a tip for students who want to do business, I would say: 'If you have a good idea, which really solves a problem for people, then I would go for it!' Try out your idea first in a familiar environment. So with your family, friends and neighbors. Also, always ask for feedback from your first customers so you can learn from them. Then, you can refine or expand afterward.

I have noticed that companies that grow very fast tend to fall apart sooner. I find it more important to start small and scale up slowly. That's much more beneficial in the long run.

Personally, I'm more of the type who wants to stay in the background. That's why I once chose not to tell teachers specifically about my business (especially in the earlier stages). If you know a lecturer who knows a lot about your field/business idea, I would definitely take advantage of that.'